A month of live music in Nicosia

In the coming days and weeks, the capital will host a multitude of live music performances both from established local artists and international stars travelling from abroad. January’s live music scene in Nicosia has a little something for all tastes – jazz, swing, Greek ballads, classical music and even handpan and lyra sounds. Here are some of Nicosia’s upcoming music shows that are not to be missed.

This Saturday, Yalla Collective Space & Café is organising a jazzy brunch featuring the Workin’ Trio. The brunch will kick off at 12pm serving coffee, drinks and nibbles whilst the music by the three musicians will begin at 2pm, lasting until 4pm.

Swing, jazz and a groovy taste of New Orleans will fill the café as Charis Ioannou, Christos Yerolatsitis and Marios Spyrou bring their signature sounds. Through the saxophone, organ and drums, they bring to life Gospel, New Orleans and Boogaloo rhythms and revive swing tunes from past eras.

Next week, The Shoe Factory has a special concert planned at its venue. It welcomes the international Quatuor Danel for a night of exceptional classical music as the string quartet makes its Cyprus debut. Held on Wednesday, January 22 at 8.30pm, the evening will feature works by Beethoven, Debussy and Shostakovich performed by this award-winning string quartet. Making up the ensemble are Marc Danel and Gilles Millet on violin, Vlad Bogdanas on viola and Yovan Markovitch on cello.

On the following evening, Thursday, January 23, Prozak Kafeneio will welcome the Gaba Project for a live performance. Vasilis Vasiliou with his handpan and Christina Polykarpou with her lyra will perform a fusion of world, contemporary modal and eastern Mediterranean music with a twist. Joining the duo on this occasion will be Nicolas Tryphonos who will add some extra flair with the double bass. The music will start at 8.30pm sharp.

Then, Eleonora Roussou will celebrate the launch of her debut album Joy with a concert at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, as part of the Nicosia International Festival. Held on January 26, it will be the festival’s last event for January. Joining Roussou on stage will be a team of dedicated fellow musicians who will accompany her in presenting songs and instrumental pieces influenced by jazz, soul, Latin, pop, classical music and the eastern Mediterranean.

To conclude the month’s music nights in Nicosia is a highly-anticipated event for Greek music lovers. Acclaimed singer Giannis Parios will hold two more concerts in Cyprus, following sold-out shows in Athens and Curium Ancient Theatre last year. On January 28 and 29, he will perform love songs and ballads at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre, along with an orchestra of musicians.

Jazzy Brunch with Workin’ Trio

Brunch and live music. January 18. Yalla Collective Space & Café, Nicosia. Brunch at 12pm. Live music 2pm-4pm. Suggested donation for musicians €5. Tel: 96-897919

Quatuor Danel

French string quartet performs live. Presented by the Pharos Arts Foundation. January 22. The Shoe Factory, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €25. www.pharosartsfoundation.org. Tel: 22-663871

Gaba Project