This July, the Rialto Theatre will showcase the 21st Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival, filling Limassol with a rich tapestry of global melodies.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- This July, the Rialto Theatre will showcase the 21st Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival, filling Limassol with a rich tapestry of global melodies.
- The performers include Harry Koushos on DJ, Ody Icon on vocals, ECATI on electric strings, Aggelos Angelou on clarinet and lute, and Cymbhan on darbuka, promising an engaging spectacle for attendees.
Rialto theatre: A Month of Diverse Musical Experiences
The festival promises an array of performances designed to cater to a wide audience, with many concerts featuring low-cost or free admission. As the theatre stated, “At a time when access to culture feels more important than ever, the festival offers an opportunity to reconnect with our audience through concerts filled with sounds and melodies from different corners of the world, unique collaborations and evenings meant to be shared.” This commitment to accessibility marks the festival as a significant cultural event for the community.
Festival Kick-off with Talented Artists
The opening concert is set for Wednesday, July 8, featuring Martha Fritzila, The Kubara Project, and the Kalogerakis Brothers. The Kubara Project, after more than 20 years of captivating audiences across Greece and beyond, will perform with a fresh album alongside the beloved Kalogerakis Brothers.
Leading the ensemble, Martha Fritzila will present a lively performance that includes songs from renowned Greek and international composers over the past two centuries, intertwined with personal works from her own discography as well as that of the Kalogerakis Brothers.
Contemporary Sounds Meet Traditional Roots
A highlight of the festival occurs on Sunday, July 12, with a performance by Κοbrah Habibi, a multidisciplinary music collective that blends contemporary Middle Eastern electronic music with live performance and ritual celebration. The group will deliver an immersive experience combining DJ sets, vocals, electric strings, clarinet, lute, and darbuka, showcasing a rich fusion of cultural influences from the Middle East, the Balkans, and modern electronic music.
The performers include Harry Koushos on DJ, Ody Icon on vocals, ECATI on electric strings, Aggelos Angelou on clarinet and lute, and Cymbhan on darbuka, promising an engaging spectacle for attendees.
Local Talent and New Sounds
On July 16, the festival will welcome Nabuma, a neo-soul band based in Cyprus. Known for their dynamic live performances, Nabuma fuses jazz, alternative R&B, and contemporary grooves to create a rich auditory experience. Their debut EP, Tapedeck, released in 2024, showcases their evolving sound, featuring Nicole Ardanitou on vocals, Andreas Matheou on bass, Alexis Kasinos on electric guitar, and Kris Grecian on drums.
International Acclaim and New Releases
July 17 sees the return of Κοza Mostra, one of Greece’s most celebrated bands known for their energetic performances. Following the release of their new single, Bulletproof, the band announces a tour across Greece and Europe. Their concerts are anticipated to deliver raw emotion and electrifying intensity, blending their established hits with fresh tracks.
Closing the Festival with a Classic
The festival culminates on July 21 with a performance by the Cyprus Kollective Big Band, presenting the iconic Far East Suite by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This work is renowned for its atmospheric and reflective qualities, encapsulating the essence of Ellington’s travels in 1963 through exotic locales.
The performance will feature a talented ensemble including Marios Charalambous, Nicholas Georgiou, Will Scott, Thomas Lumley, Charis Ioannou, George El Haber, Elias Ioannou, Rafael Orfanides, Andreas Theocharous, Klitos Pavlou, Savvas Athanasiou, Andreas Panteli, Kyriakos Kesta, and Omiros Miltiadous. Their interpretation aims to convey the wonder and excitement experienced by Ellington’s orchestra during their travels.
Join the Celebration of Music
The 21st Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community spirit. Events will take place at the Rialto Theatre and the SEK Parking Area in Limassol throughout July. For more information, the theatre can be contacted at 7777-7745 or visited online at www.rialto.com.cy.
