On December 11, 2024, Sounds of Cyprus will perform in Brooklyn, New York in partnership with Brooklyn Maqam.
Sounds of Cyprus is a Cypriot orchestra co-founded by Peter Douskalis and Elena Chris in New York City. The group performs the traditional music of Cyprus in varying orchestrations and styles that both consciously honor the time period of composition and period instruments as well as perform with a modern approach.
Elena Chris, vocalist and Artistic/Creative Director of the group, sings the traditional songs in the Cypriot dialect of Greek, as well as in Turkish for songs that contain lyrics in both languages, as well as Arabic for Maronite Cypriot songs. Peter Douskalis, Project/Music Director, plays the laouto, oud, mandolin, and guitar in the group, switching between the proper instrument as needed for the authentic and modern orchestration of the pieces.
Brooklyn Maqam is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community engagement with maqam-based music, presenting and promoting music from the Middle Eastern (especially Arabic) musical traditions, with the goals of connecting musicians and audiences, preserving the art form through education and mentorship, and providing performance opportunities for both established masters and emerging talents.
To purchase tickets to Sounds of Cyprus’s December 11 performance, please click here.
Photo: Brooklyn Maqam.
