ANDYS SKORDIS: “β”
Nicosia 2030, a candidate for the European Capital of Culture, as part of its mission to showcase the work of Cypriot creators excelling abroad, presents the Cyprus premiere of Andys Skordis’ work “β”. The concert will take place on Thursday, 6 February 2025 (20:30), in the framework of the 5th Nicosia International Festival 2024.
“β” is an interdisciplinary performance featuring four musicians, a conductor/electronics and live VJ performer(s?). The music unfolds as a cycle of seven pieces, including four larger works separated by short electronic interludes. The performance is defined by its music, lighting, text, and moving images, forming a ritual that evolves through three stages: Preparation – Event – Catharsis.
This work is inspired by Reiner Maria Rilke’s “Duino Elegies”, specifically the first elegy. The music is composed for mezzo-soprano, bass clarinet, cello, percussion, and electronics, blending elements of contemporary classical music with Balinese gamelan, Carnatic music, and techno. This combination creates a sonic experience inviting the audience into a ritual where the concepts of beauty and terror are highlighted and guiding the performance.
“β” was commissioned by the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, where it premiered on 11 June 2024, and since July 2024, it has also been available on vinyl in both Cyprus and Greece.
The performance includes the use of strobe lights and loud sound effects.