Kicking off January’s performances at the 5th Nicosia International Festival are two concerts by Cypriot artists. The first, on January 10, falls under the festival’s #Under30 programme which highlights local musicians under the age of 30. This time, it features Zina Melekki presenting her Echoes Across Divides at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

Having grown up in Paralimni, Zina is deeply connected to the pain left behind by the Turkish invasion. She recalls school trips to the Cultural Centre of Derynia, where students would use binoculars to view the ghost city of Famagusta. Everywhere, there were constant reminders of loss and division, which affected every generation.

The performance Echoes Across Divides reflects this through old and new compositions. While deeply influenced by the pain of separation, the music also celebrates the beauty of everyday moments: friendship, love and resilience.

Through her songs, the young artist seeks to bridge the gap between past and present, the personal and the collective, inviting the audience to reflect on the echoes that resonate across the dividing lines in their own lives. On stage with her next week will be Irene Pelagia and Charalampos Constantinides on violins, Marios Stylianou on cello and Vasilis Vasiliou on percussions.

Later in the month, Eleonora Roussou will present her debut album titled Joy (Hara), accompanied by fellow local musicians on stage. With this new musical proposal, the composer poses a question to the audience, ‘What brings joy to your life?’ inviting them to a musical communion of emotions.

While the concept of joy varies from person to person, its universal significance is inherently positive, forming the foundation of the album. The compositions draw inspiration from all the elements that bring beauty to life, blending songs and instrumental pieces influenced by jazz, soul, Latin, pop, classical music and the eastern Mediterranean, with improvisation playing a key role.

The concert will take place on January 26 at the same theatre, wrapping up the festival’s January performances. Come February, three more performances will take place. Two music concerts and a play by Cypriot creatives.

Echoes Across Divides

Performance by Zina Melekki. Part of the 5th Nicosia International Festival’s #Under30 programme. January 10. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €12. www.soldoutticketbox.com

Joy

Eleonora Roussou presents her debut album titled Joy. January 26. Part of the 5th Nicosia International Festival. January 26. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €10-14. www.soldoutticketbox.com