Vakia Stavrou, “the great international voice from Cyprus who manages to move audiences in every corner of the world with her unique beauty,” according to French National Radio, is the soul behind a special gathering on Thursday of four musicians from Havana, Athens, Paris and Nicosia.

Participating in the UCy Cultural Festival, an evening of songs and music full of nostalgia, passion, light and vibrant colours will take audiences on an emotional journey through the world’s capitals: the neighbourhoods of Lisbon, Havana, Rio de Janeiro, Nicosia, Paris and Athens.

Beautiful renditions of well-known songs from these cities, along with Vakia’s own compositions, form the backbone of this concert. Joining her are Angelos Heipeloglou, the multi-talented guitarist and arranger from Athens, Inor Sotolongo, the versatile and exceptionally inventive Cuban percussionist from Havana and long-time collaborator of Vakia on tours around the world the talented Pitta brothers from Nicosia, on violin and cello.

Together, they harmoniously blend their sounds to accompany Vakia on this transatlantic evening, held especially for the loyal audience of Axiothea, supported by the Portuguese embassy.

Havana, Paris, Lisboa, Rio, Nicosia: Together

Concert with Vakia Stavrou and four musicians from Havana, Athens, Paris, and Nicosia. June 19. Michalis Pieris Cultural Centre UCY, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-894531-2, www.ucy.ac.cy