The Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Rialto Theatre present the 12th Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase, offering a comprehensive and dynamic overview of contemporary Cypriot music creativity.
PROGRAMME OF PERFORMANCES & PARALLEL EVENTS
FRIDAY 5/12 19:00
@RIALTO
Nābu Pēra
Alexis Kasinos Quintet
Andreas Krambias Quintet
Moca The Band
@ART STUDIO
Panic Screen
Kanapes
Jam Session
SATURDAY 6/12
11:00-13:00 │Workshop by Lefteris Moumtzis
The Sustaining Artist: Building a Resilient Career in the Cypriot Landscape
19:00
@RIALTO
Marios Takoushis Trio
Marios Charalampous Quartet
Erika Soteri Collective
@ART STUDIO
Sonic Punishment
Tatadana
Jam Session
SUNDAY 7/12 19:00
@RIALTO
The Nonets Featuring Eleonora Roussou
Island Seeds
Vassilis Philippou Nest
Soulful Groove Collective
@ART STUDIO
Jam Session
FRIDAY 5/12 19:00 @RIALTO
Nābu Pēra
Savvas Thomas – Bendir, Vocals
Natasa Chatzhiandreou – Vibraphone, Percussion
Dimitris Yasemides – Flute, Sylphyo, Electronics
Through their project Soundscapes of Nicosia, Nābu Pēra explore the sounds of the city in which they live and work, aiming to redefine the relationship between contemporary individuals and the sonic environment that surrounds them. The project functions as a sonic map that examines, rearticulates, and transforms the acoustic identity of the Cypriot capital. Nicosia becomes not only a source of inspiration but also a tool: voices, acoustic instruments, and electronic textures merge to create an original and contemporary musical narrative. Nicosia, the last divided capital of Europe, is a city defined by geopolitical and cultural borders, where complex histories coexist with Greek and Turkish traditions, Eastern influences, and traces of a colonial past. This unique intersection of cultures and tensions provides fertile ground for artistic experimentation: a city full of contradictions, where past and future constantly overlap. Nābu Pēra invite listeners to slow down, awaken their senses, and discover the invisible signals that shape the deeper character of the place we inhabit. Their music offers a global sound filtered through a personal lens, bringing together contemporary classical music, improvisation, electronic rhythms, and Mediterranean traditions.
The Nābu Pēra is influenced by the traditional music of the wider Eastern Mediterranean, contemporary classical music, and electronic music. A vast array of natural and electronic sounds where listeners are transcended in the streets of Nicosia, Cyprus. Flute ambient melodies, vibraphone dreamy harmonies, electrifying percussive dialogues, polyrhythms, Anatolian vocals and electronic beats are all on display in Nābu Pēra’s sound world. The first presentation of their project, Soundscapes of Nicosia, took place in February 2025 during the Nicosia International Festival at the Municipal Theatre of Nicosia. Shortly after, they recorded their first album, which was released in October under the Italian label Zero Nove Nove. Last October, they presented their album in Pafos, Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia.
Alexis Kasinos Quintet
Alexis Kasinos – Guitar / Compositions
Marios Charalampous – Tenor Saxophone
Andreas Panteli – Piano
Cahit Kutrafali – Bass
Stelios Xydias – Drums
Alexis Kasinos will present original music from his new album Parallel Paths. His Quintet brings together musicians united by a common goal: to explore creativity and express their personal musical identities through the band’s compositions. All pieces are written by bandleader Alexis Kasinos and are primarily inspired by the modern jazz genre. Following the debut release Right Place, Right Time, the Quintet released Parallel Paths in September 2025. Since their first album, they have been performing at festivals and venues across Cyprus, sharing their distinctive sound with a wide range of audiences.
Alexis Kasinos Quintet consists of musicians who share a common goal: creativity, collaboration, and the expression of their personal musical identity through the band’s original compositions. All pieces are written by Alexis Kasinos and fall within the modern jazz genre. Since the release of their first album, the group has performed at numerous venues and major festivals.
Andreas Krambias Quintet
Andreas Krambias – Oud
Maria Doumeni Cronholm – Cello
Evros Voskaridis – Violin
Manos Stratis – Double Bass
Nikolas Tsangaris – Drums
Andreas Krambias and his quintet present for the first time in Cyprus his new compositions, with the collaboration of mainly Cypriot musicians. The project offers a contemporary musical vision inspired by the traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, the rhythms, and the maqam that define the region. The compositions do not aim for a faithful reproduction of traditions but function as creative filters, where these elements intersect with contemporary composing and arranging ideas. Improvisation plays a central role in the works, serving as a bridge between modal music and the aesthetics of modern jazz. Cypriot nature acts as a central source of inspiration, with the pieces “capturing” landscapes and transforming images and emotions into sound. The result is a musical journey that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, highlighting the richness of Mediterranean music through a new and deeply personal artistic perspective.
The Andreas Krambias Quintet moves creatively between musical traditions and contemporary sound. Through the melodic playing of the oud, the velvet texture of the strings, and the rhythmic drive of the double bass and drums, a unique sonic landscape emerges, where Mediterranean lyricism meets experimentation and modern orchestration. The compositions of Andreas Krambias are inspired by the musical traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, the maqams, and the complex rhythms that characterise the region. At the same time, through improvisation – a feature present in both modal traditions and jazz – and with the inclusion of “Western” instruments, the music reveals how, with a contemporary compositional and orchestral approach, the two worlds can harmoniously coexist. The quintet seeks new sonic perspectives, creating a sound that is at once deeply personal and universal.
Moca The Band
Odysseas Toumazou – Guitar
Christos Yerolatsitis – Piano
Cahit Kutrafali – Bass
Aron Nyiro – Drums
The band will present music from their recent debut album, Vol. 1, which is a collective effort filled with friendship and inspiration, the result of years of collaboration and dedication to music. The original compositions they will perform come from each of the band members and reflect their unique musical journeys and shared experiences, while blending into a unified music journey. The audience will have the opportunity to share this experience with MOCA, to feel the warmth and energy born from their friendship and the creation of this album.
MOCA is an instrumental band formed by four professional musicians who share a deep passion for jazz and have studied it extensively in the beautiful city of Amsterdam. The international ensemble consists of three Cypriots—Marios Menelaou, Odysseas Toumazou and Christos Yerolatsitis—and Aron Nyiro from Hungary. They have also had the opportunity to teach and perform together in the vibrant and diverse city of Mumbai, an experience that further enriched their musical knowledge and artistic outlook. With finely honed skills on their respective instruments, this quartet delivers a powerful and dynamic sound that showcases their individual talents while blending seamlessly into a cohesive and harmonious performance. Their distinctive style draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of jazz and world-music influences, presenting a collective body of work that features original compositions from all band members. Each musician brings a touch of their cultural background into the mix, and their performances reflect both their artistic dedication and their enduring love for music. MOCA have performed at top festivals in Cyprus, such as the Paradise Jazz Festival and the Windcraft Music Fest, as well as at various venues across the country. In March 2024, they toured India, with performances at the Piano Man (New Delhi), Wind Mills (Bangalore), and Bonobo (Mumbai).
FRIDAY 5/12 @ART STUDIO
Panic Screen
Nikos Charalambous – Electric Guitar, Electronics
Guillermo Martín-Viana – Drums, Percussion, Live Visuals, DMX Lights
The performance by Nikos Charalambous and Guillermo Martín-Viana uses improvisation as a method to deconstruct and reimagine our relationship with technology. Rather than simply criticising digital culture, Panic Screen creates a participatory environment where the boundaries between audience, performance, and technological systems become fluid and permeable. The work seeks to transform the passive experience of scrolling into an active, collective exploration of our technological condition.
Panic Screen is Nikos Charalambous on electric guitar and live electronics, and Guillermo Martín-Viana on drums, percussion, and live visuals. Their practice is based on free improvisation, with performances usually having a continuous arch that glides through different sonic aesthetics—from delicate ECM soundscapes to glitch-electronics broken grooves, through angry distorted walls of sound. Panic Screen invites listeners into a world where the unexpected is the norm, and where every performance is a singular event, never to be repeated.
Kanapes
Michael Neocleous – Electric Guitar
Andreas Poyiatziis – Electric Bass
Loizos Pourgourides – Percussion (incl. Vibraphone), Trombone
Ioannis Triantafyllou – Percussion (incl. Vibraphone), Drums
The ensemble will present instrumental music that integrates the human voice as a texture rather than for singing. Their work is characterised by the use of ostinato—repetitive melodic motifs that form the backbone of much of their repertoire. Drawing inspiration from the structural language of jazz standards, their compositions often unfold through shifting styles and contrasting sections.
Kanapes is a fusion quartet with a strong emphasis on improvisation, originally formed to compose and perform the music for a theatre production staged by their school. The band features Ioannis Triantafyllou and Loizos Pourgourides on percussion, Andreas Poyiatziis on electric bass, and Michael Neocleous on electric guitar. Through Kanapes, the musicians seek to explore the sonic possibilities and creative challenges that arise from their unusual instrumental combination, turning limitations into opportunities for artistic experimentation. Their influences range from Gary Burton and Tigran Hamasyan to Casiopea, Chick Corea, Charles Mingus, Keith Jarrett, and Usurum.
SATURDAY 6/12 11:00-13:00 Workshop @Art Studio
The musician’s mindset
Building a resilient career in the Cypriot landscape
By Lefteris Moumtzis
This workshop is a strategic session for artists at all stages - at a plateau, or simply planning your next move. We will focus on the practical and personal foundations for long-term growth, from designing a sustainable creative practice and navigating the unique dynamics of our local scene, to building the resilience needed to keep moving forward.
Join Lefteris Moumtzis, artist, producer, mentor and music curator, for a direct conversation about building a career that not only starts strong, but also endures and evolves.
SATURDAY 6/12 19:00 @RIALTO
Marios Takoushis Trio
Marios Takoushis – Piano
Greg Makamian – Acoustic Bass
Stelios Xydias – Drums
Original works reveal the trio’s individual personalities, shaped by influences from modern jazz, film music, and European traditions. Each piece becomes a space for exploration, where structure meets improvisation, allowing the music to shift in unexpected directions. The trio’s approach highlights both the intimacy of the acoustic setting and the excitement of collective creativity, moving seamlessly between subtle textures and energetic drive. The result is a concert that feels contemporary and alive, offering a balance of clarity and freedom while celebrating the expressive possibilities of the jazz trio format.
The Marios Takoushis Trio explores groove, texture, and harmony in an acoustic setting, blending written material with improvisation. Their music moves naturally between structure and freedom, creating space for interaction and spontaneity. The trio shapes a musical conversation that feels honest, immediate, and engaging, while bringing together three musicians with wide-ranging experience: composer and pianist Marios Takoushis, known for his work in film and television; Cyprus-based double bassist Greg Makamian, who has performed internationally across North America and Europe; and drummer Stelios Xydias, an active presence on the European jazz scene with many collaborations. Together, they create music that balances clarity with openness, offering audiences a sound that is both accessible and full of subtle detail.
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Marios Charalampous Quartet
Joy Shechter – Piano
Omer Govreen – Bass
João Querra – Drums
Marios Charalampous – Saxophone
The quartet will present original music written by saxophonist Marios Charalampous, from their upcoming debut album. The pieces are built on strong melodies: some are lyrical and melancholic, while others are energetic and full of drive. Each composition is written as an open framework where improvisation plays a central role. The music changes shape in every performance. The quartet takes risks, letting the direction of the music be guided by the moment. Each member brings their own interpretation and sound, which makes the music vibrant and alive. The audience can expect a programme that moves between intensity and reflection.
Marios Charalampous Quartet is an international Amsterdam-based ensemble led by saxophonist and composer Marios Charalampous. Since it was founded in 2020, the quartet has forged a distinct sound that blends energetic interplay, lyrical intensity, and spiritual depth. Their commitment to improvisation and exploration earned them the second prize at the Keep an Eye International Jazz Competition, a recognition that placed them among Europe’s most promising young groups. With Joy Shechter (piano), Omer Govreen (bass), and João Guerra (drums), the quartet has captivated audiences across the Netherlands with performances that are both daring and deeply expressive. In 2025, they recorded their debut album, set for release in the coming year, presenting their unique vision of modern jazz to a wider international audience.
Erika Soteri Collective
Erika Soteri – Vocals
Max Daniels – Bass
Stefanos Meletiou – Drums
Kris Grecian – Percussion
Ermis Michael – Guitar
Marios Stylianou – Cello
Erika Soteri will take the stage with her powerhouse band, joined by new members, to perform songs from her debut EP, Virtue & Sin. The project blends soul, jazz, R&B, and Latin grooves into a bold and emotive sound, exploring themes of desire, vulnerability, strength, and contradiction. This special performance will guide the audience from sultry intimacy to explosive energy, highlighting Erika’s fearless artistry and her ability to bridge cultures through music. Rooted in jazz yet reaching far beyond, the show celebrates music as a meeting point of influences, emotions, and identities.
The Erika Soteri Collective was formed in 2020 and has since blossomed into an ever-expanding ensemble, mirroring Erika’s own artistic journey and the constant transformation of her music. Gathering world-class jazz, soul, and world musicians, the group has graced stages across Cyprus, Greece, and the UK, weaving together jazz sophistication, soulful grooves, Latin fire, and R&B warmth. Each performance—alive with interplay, improvisation, and emotional depth—breathes new spirit into Erika’s debut EP, Virtue & Sin, offering a live experience that is as powerful as it is intimately poetic.
SATURDAY 6/12 @ART STUDIO
Sonic Punishment
Adonis David Christou – Drums
Eljo Hendrosusen – Electric Bass
Cathal Cradden – Keys
The band will perform original compositions written by Adonis David Christou over the past two years, created with the aim of presenting them at festivals in Cyprus and the Netherlands, and ultimately recording an album. These extended compositions aim to convey emotion and narrate a musical story to the audience. Joined by Cathal Cradden on keys and Eljo Hendrosusen on electric bass, the trio is dedicated to creating music that is both technically intricate and emotionally engaging. Their collaborative approach, with a strong emphasis on improvisation and interplay, allows them to explore in real time the limitless musical possibilities of their material as well as the richness and depth of folk traditions.
Sonic Punishment is a newly formed trio based in the Netherlands, led by drummer and composer Adonis David Christou. The project emerged from his desire to bring his original compositions to life and to explore the boundaries between traditional/folk, jazz, and rock music. His musical language—defined by complex rhythms, odd time signatures, and polyrhythmic grooves—fuses these genres into a truly distinctive sound. Their collaborative approach, with a strong emphasis on improvisation and interplay, allows them to explore in real time the limitless musical possibilities of their material as well as the richness and depth of folk traditions. Since their first meeting in 2024, the group has been shaping its own clear artistic identity within the contemporary music landscape.
Tatadana
PK Bruce – Guitar
Ben Spiritas – Bass
Fimbo Djeny – Vocals
Monica – Vocals
Tempo Chadrack – Drums
Blending traditional genres like sebene (Congolese rumba) and mutswashi with the infectious rhythms of salsa, their explosive yet hypnotic fusion of musical flavours is a vibrant celebration of African culture. Joyful, rhythmic and guaranteed to make anyone dance from the ages of 4 to 104!
Tatadana is a Cyprus-based band formed by members of the African diaspora.
SUNDAY 7/12 19:00 @RIALTO
The Nonets Featuring Eleonora Roussou
Eleonora Roussou – Voice, Flute
Giorgos Morfitis – Arrangements, Piano, Bandleader
Omiros Miltiadous – Drums
Kyriakos Kestas – Double Bass
Thomas Lumley – Alto Saxophone
Charis Ioannou – Tenor Saxophone
Nikolas Georgiou – Baritone Saxophone
Teukros Xydas – Viola
Andreas Lardis – Violin
Charikleia Siamakkidi – Violin
The band's repertoire focuses on jazz standards, meticulously rearranged by Giorgos Morfitis to emphasise the ensemble’s unique sound. Each arrangement strikes a balance between classic swing traditions and modern jazz interpretations, with select pieces infused with the Latin flavours that characterise much of Morfitis’ wider work. The result is a concert experience that feels both timeless and innovative, paying homage to jazz heritage while carving out new expressive spaces.
The Nonets featuring Eleonora Roussou represent a fresh voice in the Cypriot and international jazz scene, offering audiences a sophisticated yet approachable concert experience that celebrates the enduring spirit of jazz in all its diversity. Formed in 2025 by pianist, arranger, and bandleader Giorgos Morfitis, The Nonets is a contemporary jazz ensemble that brings together a distinctive instrumentation to explore fresh musical landscapes. For its current season, the ensemble highlights the artistry of Eleonora Roussou, a distinguished vocalist and flautist, whose voice and musicianship shine at the centre of the project. The ensemble’s core combines the drive of a jazz rhythm section with the colour of a saxophone section and the depth of a string ensemble. This unusual formation opens up a wide spectrum of textures—at once orchestral, intimate, and rhythmically vibrant.
Island Seeds
Ezgi Akgürgen – Vocals
Alexis Sunder – Guitar / Vocals
Cemre Arca – Flute / Keys / Vocals
Alexandra Astreou-Karides – Guitar
Arman Tatlicioglu – Bass
Alexandros Komodromos – Guitar
Ulaş Öğüç – Drums
Island Seeds will be presenting their Mediterranean Soul sound, with original songs from their debut album Beginnings, as well as unreleased music from their upcoming album. As part of the current wave of soul music rebirth in the UK (SAULT, JUNGLE, Cleo Sol) and Disco/Funk worldwide (Parcels), and by injecting a heavy dose of local Cypriot elements, the Island Seeds continue to explore the blend of local and western musical influences that push the boundaries of their sound.
Island Seeds is a band that blends dreamy soul, nostalgic gospel melodies and psychedelic grooves into a sound that captures Cyprus’s ‘Mediterranean soul’, rooted in the island yet universal. Their debut album, Beginnings, was released in December 2023, a tale of Cypriot and Western influences that features the archetypal Mediterranean Soul single, Stray Cat. Formed in 2022 in Nicosia’s Buffer Zone, this seven-member collective unites artists from both sides of Cyprus through musical exploration and a shared vision of connection. Emerging from the “United by Sound” programme, an initiative of Home for Cooperation, their music defies division, proving that creativity transcends borders.
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Vassilis Philippou 'Nests'
Vassilis Philippou – Voice, Percussion
Dimosthenis Karachristodoulou – Classical Kemenche
Andreas Krambias – Oud
Meir Gassenbauer – Ney
The band will present a repertoire from the new album by Vassilis Philippou, which will be released in March 2026, under the title Nests. It is a collection of new compositions that could be described as contemporary Cypriot music. Important influences on the compositions are the music traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean region, which lead to music moving along paths of improvisation with lyrical melodies and rich rhythms.
Following the recording of his new album, Vassilis Philippou is collaborating with three renowned musicians to form a dynamic quartet. His compositions are inspired by the traditional music of the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Cypriot dialect plays a significant role, along with elements of improvisation.
Soulful Groove Collective (S.G.C.)
Marguerita Freeks – Vocals
Giorgos Morfitis – Piano / Keyboards
Andreas Rodosthenous – Electric Bass
Stelios Xydias – Drums
Odysseas Toumazou – Electric Guitar
Inspired by classic soul traditions and the freedom of jazz, Soulful Groove Collective (SGC) delivers an energetic performance shaped by tight interaction and a warm, organic feel. Their repertoire moves between uplifting originals and reimagined soul-jazz favourites, always driven by infectious rhythm and strong musical identity. Original pieces such as Gotta Be Free and Midnight Queen highlight the ensemble’s character—soulful melodies, groovy pulse and improvisational flair that create an engaging atmosphere for both seated audiences and dancers. Built on the chemistry and musicianship of its members, SGC presents a sophisticated yet accessible live experience. With a fresh artistic voice and a dynamic stage presence, the band brings a memorable and high-energy performance to the Showcase.
Soulful Groove Collective (SGC) is a contemporary ensemble dedicated to exploring the modern language of soul and jazz through a fresh and creative lens. The group brings together experienced musicians who share a deep connection to groove-driven music, shaping a sound that is warm, expressive and richly textured. Their approach focuses on storytelling through rhythm and melody, presenting music that feels both intimate and powerful. The band’s performances highlight their versatility, moving from laid-back soulful moods to energetic, rhythm-forward moments that spark an immediate connection with audiences. Each musician contributes a distinct voice, creating a collective sound built on interplay, spontaneity and dynamic contrast. SGC places strong emphasis on atmosphere, crafting live shows that immerse listeners in a colourful blend of contemporary soul, jazz influences and modern groove aesthetics. With a refined identity and confident stage presence, the ensemble continues to establish itself as a distinctive voice in today’s soulful music scene.
TICKETS
€8 (€20 three-day pass)
General Information:
Box Office: 77 77 77 45 E-tickets: www.rialto.com.cy
Information: www.cyprusjazzworldmusicshowcase.com, www.rialto.com.cy, www.technopolis20.com
Facebook page: Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase
Instagram: cyjazzandworldmusicshowcase
The Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Rialto Theatre present, on Monday 18 November 2025, a Pre-event as part of the 12th Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase 2025, taking place at Technopolis 20 in Paphos.
The evening features two distinct acts representing the vibrant and ever-evolving Cypriot music scene.
sis I cracked my head open
Defying easy categorization, Sis I cracked my head open blend prog rock, fusion, and indie, underpinned by post-bebop jazz harmonies and hints of pop.
Their original music expresses the raw emotional landscape of youth—an ongoing exploration of experimentation and self-discovery.
The group consists of Michael Neocleous (electric guitar), Andreas Poyiatziis (bass), Ioannis Triantafyllou (drums), Marietta Ieride (viola), and Lara Ambouzaide (vocals).
Notable appearances include Fengaros High 2024, the 11th Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase, the 30th Summer Jazz Festival in Krakow, and Fengaros 2025. Their debut album, recorded at Dogyard Studio, is set for release in the coming months.
Ermis Michail Trio +1
The Ermis Michail Trio delves into an intimate yet dynamic journey through original compositions, rooted in the classic jazz trio format of guitar, bass, and drums—this time enriched by the addition of saxophone.
Featuring Ermis Michail (electric guitar), Omiros Miltiadous (drums), Kyriacos Kestas (double bass), and Tomas Lumley (saxophone), the ensemble creates a musical dialogue full of harmonic depth, improvisational flow, and rhythmic interplay.
This event serves as an exciting introduction to the 12th Cyprus Jazz & World Music Showcase 2025, which will take place on December 5-7, 2025 at Rialto Theatre. It offers audiences a vivid and multifaceted snapshot of contemporary Cypriot music creation, highlighting the creativity, diversity, and ever-evolving character of the island’s vibrant music scene.
General Information:
18 November 2025 Tuesday 20:00, Technopolis20, Paphos
Duration: 60’