Every May 18, cultural institutions around the world celebrate International Museum Day and Cyprus is no exception. Joining the international art community is the established Leventis Municipal Museum which in the third week of May presents two fascinating events to mark the occasion.
The courtyard of the old Nicosia Museum will transform into an open deck on May 18, bringing travelling songs and connecting places, eras and traditions of the region. A special free performance by the female group Amalgamation Choir will entertain audiences in the evening. Under the guidance of Vasiliki Anastasiou, their performance will unfold soundscapes and musical traditions of Cyprus, Greece, the Balkans and other adjacent countries bordering the Mediterranean.
Performing songs in a variety of languages and dialects from the region, the choir remains faithful to the continuous exploration and performance of traditional and original songs. Joining the choir for their 8pm concert will be three guest musicians, Giorgos Kalogirou, Ermis Michail and Rodos Panayiotou.
A few days later, a very special morning guided tour will take place at the Museum, not about its collections and exhibits but about the stories of the museum building. On May 21, the architect of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Karin Georgiades, will introduce visitors to the secrets of the Museum buildings, which are the ‘shell’ of its priceless exhibits, as well as unique examples of the traditional urban architecture of the capital. This event is also free to attend and will take place in Greek.
A Sea of Songs… in the City
Concert by Amalgamation Choir and guest musicians. May 18. Leventis Municipal Museum, Nicosia. 8pm. Free. Tel: 22-661475
A Building, A Story
Guided tour by the architect of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, Karin Georgiades. May 21. Leventis Municipal Museum, Nicosia. 11am-12pm. Free. In Greek. Tel: 22-661475