By Maria Gregoriou
There is nothing like a couple of ladies who can electrify the atmosphere with their string playing, and look pretty good while doing it. No, there is really nothing like it – and, if it is done for charity, then the women behind the violins and cello that are getting ready to entertain us next week may just make their performances out of this world.
The ladies – there are four – who will be playing their stringed instruments on Monday and Tuesday in Nicosia are the group Fortissimo who are based in Greece.
The talented girls – who are also not bad on the eye – are long-time friends. After completing their studies in prestigious music colleges in the UK and Germany, they returned to Greece and formed their crossover quartet. When the band members play together they combine their classical training with their love for more popular styles, such as, pop, rock, Latin and Middle Eastern music, as well as music from their homeland.
As soon as Fortissimo hit the stage in Greece the reaction they received surely erased any doubts they may have had as to whether their marriage of classical and more modern genres actually worked well. Because the show was very unique for its time and in the area they were performing, coupled with their stunning and electrifying stage presence, their fan base instantly grew overnight. The reason why the girls were – and still are – such a success is that their range of music attracts people of all ages, from different backgrounds and nationalities. Their music does what music should do, bring people together.
Their first major performance was in March 2015, when they appeared at the opening ceremony of the Final Four Champions League Volleyball, which was broadcast live in 52 countries.
Their passion and energy instantly captured viewers and ensured that the opening went off with a bang.
Since then, Fortissimo have appeared on all the prime-time TV shows in Greece and Cyprus, including Greek X-Factor live and the Man of the Year Awards ceremony. They have also performed for the Greek president on three occasions, plus other VIP events and galas, music festivals and medical conventions.
The girls have performed with major rock and pop stars. such as Vanessa Mae in Thessaloniki and with the Scorpions during their concert in Athens, and with Deep Purple, as their supporting group.
The performance at the Nicosia Town Hall on Monday is a free event but the one on Tuesday at the Karaiskakio Foundation is within the framework of Leukemia Awareness Month, and all proceeds will go towards supporting the needs of the foundation.
Tickets for the charity performance, under the name A Night of Melody…for a World Without Leukemia, can be purchased from the Foundation or places may be reserved by sending an email to [email protected]
Fortissimo
Live performance by the string band. September 28. Nicosia Town Hall, D’Avila bastion, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Free. Tel: 22-797004
A Night Of Melody…For a World Without Leukemia
Charity dinner with a live performance by the string quartet Fortissimo. September 29. Karaiskakio Foundation, 15 Nikandrou Papamina Avenue, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €30. Tel: 22-210858
