A piano festival featuring four virtuoso Cypriot pianists is coming to Nicosia. The third edition of PianoFest, organised by the Ledras Music Soloists, is being prepared for the autumn season, set to take place in November. Though that seems far away, organisers are busy preparing a programme that will span several days.

Four concerts will be held at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre by four acclaimed local musicians. “Music interpreters, in their capacity as universal performing artists, have always served as ambassadors of transnational artistic creation,” say organisers. “Through their performances, they communicate to audiences an endless and diverse spectrum of meanings and messages, which, in their totality, ranks as the gateway to understanding human existence. As a deed of altruism, music sets the conditions for mutual understanding, solidarity, empathy and love.

“Works that once emerged from the inherent need for personal expression, and which constituted catalysts for spiritual uplift, now offer a glimmer of hope that humans will ultimately coexist. By contrast, works originally intended to awaken national sentiment have come to operate as bridges of familiarity and communication between different cultures and peoples. During their lifetime, many composers were severely criticized, if not persecuted, for the messages they sought to convey, precisely because the power of their music was regarded as a threat to the regime.”

Opening the festival will be pianist Orestis Magou who will perform on November 7. Then on November 12, Nicolas Constantinou will take the stage followed by Rami Sarieddine on November 20. Closing the festival will be a concert by Eleni Mavromoustaki on November 28.

PianoFest 3

Piano recitals with four Cypriot musicians. November 7, 12, 20 and 28. Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8pm. €15. www.soldoutticketbox.com