The “Melodies from Our Island” Chamber Choir concert organized by the Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education and the Cyprus Foundations Administration in collaboration attracted great attention. The concert was held in the historical Bedesten Hall. The venue, which was managed by the Cyprus Foundations Administration and built between the 12th and 16th centuries, was used as a marketplace during the Ottoman period and today opens its doors to visitors as an area where cultural events are held.
The “Melodies from Our Island Concert” offered music lovers a unique musical feast reflecting cultural values in this historical atmosphere. The concert, which was greatly appreciated by the audience, gave the choir a standing ovation at the end. The concert, which drew attention as a study carried out in line with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals, was conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emine Kıvanç Öztuğ, Head of the Department of Music Teaching at the Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education. Imge Dincer on piano, Gözdem İlkay on guitar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkan Sülün on violin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ertem Nalbantoğlu and Mehmet Sakarya on flute, performed the concert. The choir was enriched with the contributions of the Music Education students as well as the academicians.
Cyprus Melodies and Contemporary Songs Came Together on the Same Stage!
The concert blended unforgettable melodies of Cypriot culture with contemporary popular music pieces. Composer Kamran Aziz’s famous piece Al Yemeni Mor Yemeni and Özkay Hoca’s arrangements of Vaporum Üç Borulu, Kebabçıların Şişi and Leymosun Türküsü, unique to Cyprus, brought nostalgic moments to the audience accompanied by the choir.
In addition, popular songs by Sıla, one of the modern interpreters of Turkish music, such as Gelmedin and Biz Gidiyoruk, were performed by the choir and were highly appreciated. Another striking piece of the performance was Zeytinden Aşımısın, which was prepared with the arrangement of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atakan Sarı.
An Important Step for Cultural Sustainability
Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr. Umut Akçıl emphasized the importance of the concert and said, “The Concert of Melodies from Our Island is a big step in introducing the cultural heritage and musical richness of Cyprus to today’s generations and also in bringing it together with the world.” Prof. Dr. Akçıl also said, “This performance, which took place in a historical atmosphere, offered a unique experience to art lovers by combining our traditional values with a contemporary interpretation. I believe that such events are extremely valuable in terms of ensuring cultural sustainability.”
