Simila Cyprus

Russia-Cyprus Gala promises an exciting mix of Cultural Event

Michalis Hadjiyiannis

From heartthrob pop sensation Michalis Hadjiyiannis to multi-award winning virtuoso pianist Dmitry Masleev, this year’s Cyprus-Russia Speakers Gala promises to be the most culturally diverse and entertaining ever as it marks its 10th anniversary with world-class performances from some of the most talented artists from Cyprus and Russian Speaking Countries of the Former USSR.

Not only Russians will attend the event , but also many other Russian Speaking Counties citizens have made Cyprus either their Home or preferred Tourist destination , including citizens of Ukraine , Georgia , Lithuania , Belarus , Moldova , Armenia , Azerbaijan , Estonia and Latvia. 

Just as not all English speakers are actually English , many Russian speakers are not actually Russian either. 

A cultural celebration of the long and lasting friendship between Cyprus and former Soviet Union Country , the gala is as much about celebrating the common ties between the two countries as it is about highlighting their distinct cultures. As usual, the 10th Cyprus-Russia Gala takes place in aid of the Radiomarathon Foundation.
Artists from both countries of all different music and dance genres come together to perform and entertain, symbolising the gala’s message that “everything falls into place when there is a strong friendship among states and a strong friendship among men”.

A diverse, eclectic mix of artists ensures an evening for guests to enjoy in the beautiful setting of the Presidential Palace.

The evening starts with the more classical and traditional performances and then moves onto more popular music genres and includes performances by the following artists:

First prize holder of the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, Dmitry Masleev, will perform under the direction of the famous conductor Dmitry Sitkovetksy.

Internationally acclaimed soprano Zoe Nicolaidou and winner of the international competition at Schlossoper Haldenstein 2007 will perform the role of Susanna in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.
Valery Didula, guitar virtuoso and composer and the founder of rock ensemble group DiDuLa, will present a musical repertoire ranging from neo-flamenco to folk and rock.

The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, the island’s leading orchestra, will perform a variety of symphonic pieces for an audience of all ages.

This year’s gala also boasts a performance by the world famous Berezka Ensemble. Through a graceful, poetic combination of Russian folklore melodies and classical ballet, the all-female dance group evokes images of the traditional everyday life and rituals of old Russia before the Soviet Union period. 

And finally there’s Michalis Hadjiyiannis, the most successful Greek artist of the last decade and winner of numerous musical accolades including Best Pop Album, Best Song of the Year and Album of the Year at the Arion Awards 2007 and Best Male Composer of the Year at the Status Awards 2007.

Olga Balakleets, CEO of the organiser Ensemble Productions Ltd, has also promised “more surprises” for the gala’s 10th anniversary.

Aside from linking cultural, political and business bridges, the gala also has very clear philanthropic goals. The event has always supported the Radiomarathon Foundation and has raised hundreds of thousands of euro over the past decade. “This year the gala will be even more focused on the charitable aspect of the event,” says Balakleets. “A photo exhibition and documentaries showing the ways in which the gala has helped the Radiomarathon will be presented.” The Gala is sponsored by Interros Group.

Tenth Cyprus-Russia Charity Gala
A gala with live performances by Greek and Russian artists. September 10. 

Presidential Palace, Nicosia. 8pm. €100. Tel: 77-777040