By Alix Norman
Coming up this week is a musical extravaganza which supports an excellent cause: the Freedom Opera in aid of the Freedom Dolls Initiative (FDI). Taking place on Friday, the event will see top performers provide an evening of classical entertainment in an exclusive setting – the historic Mouseio Theasis in Larnaca – to raise funds for the victims of sexual exploitation. A worthy cause indeed, and one which is – according to FDI President Nicola Smith – crucial.
“The Freedom Opera is a relaxing musical event that will bring together likeminded people who will be helping raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking,” she explains, “as well as raising funds to help support the FDI safe house and women who are in need of assistance.”
As part of a series of Freedom Friday Music Events, this stand-out performance encompasses a fantastic journey through the world of classical music, headlined by Anoki Von Arx (the Austrian-born diva who has been instrumental in the gathering of the performers), Kyriakos Sophocleous (the distinguished Cypriot Bass Baritone) and Teodoro De Castillo, the famed Tenor from Il Divo. Accompanied both by the String and Wind Sections of the Cyprus Symphony Youth Orchestra and pianist Annini Tsiouti and directed by George Kountouris, the evening, says Nicola, will be “truly unforgettable”.
“It’s the perfect time of year for this sort of event: the long hot summer is over and temperatures are wonderful for an outdoor event of this kind,” she explains. “The opera offers a chance for everyone who enjoys the arts to join in with helping Freedom Dolls help victims of human trafficking and is aimed at people who prefer the more classical evening. Our awareness campaign must reach people with all interests and this is one way we can do this while having an entertaining event,” she continues. “By attending the concert people are showing their understanding of the need to support such a worthwhile charity.”
A multi-dimensional threat, human trafficking is a well-known global health risk that deprives people of their rights and freedoms and fuels the growth of organised crime. So creating awareness of the issues is integral to the FDI, a registered non-profit organisation providing a constant supportive voice for the victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Named for the unique dolls made by the survivors in the creative arts programme (offered as part of the recovery process), the FDI is renowned for the calibre of its fund-raising events – everything from tea parties to fashion shows, and national music festivals to international lecture series – and is instrumental in creating awareness and raising money to help those who can’t always help themselves.
“One of Freedom Dolls Missions,” says Nicola, “is to provide awareness to the general public that human trafficking is a problem in Cyprus. Although Cyprus is progressing with helping such victims, it is important to help these women move forward with their lives once they have been rescued from their traffickers and/or abusers. Thus a key part of our rehabilitation programme is our Freedom Dolls, which help the women learn to move on and contribute to the society that has helped them.”
At the actual event, the dolls themselves will be available for purchase, alongside jewellery also made by those the organisation supports. And, during the intermission, guests can enjoy complimentary wine and cheese while viewing the works of local artists Maria Ignatiou and Irene-Voitovici-Fuchs – both of whom will also be auctioning off a number of specially-painted works on the night with proceeds going to the FDI cause.
“We are very excited about this forthcoming evening of classical music, opera and art,” concludes Vice Chairwoman Stanna Wieclawska Kyriakou. “An evening of philanthropy and prestigious guests coming together with the arts is a rare occurrence in Larnaca, and knowing that sponsors and guests are coming together to raise funds for the victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation shows how much the Cypriot people want to eradicate this crime from their island.”
Lasting for three hours – including the intermission, refreshments, charitable auction and viewing of the dolls themselves – Freedom Opera promises its audiences a delightful foray into the world of classical music sound in the knowledge that the proceeds from the evening’s entertainment are going towards a very worthy cause. So, if you’re a lover of the classics – and a believer in helping those less fortunate – head along to the Freedom Opera on Friday night for an enchanting evening of musical philanthropy.
The Freedom Opera
7.30pm on October 23 at the Mouseio Theasis in Larnaca. Tickets cost €20 (pre-booked) or €25 (on the door). For more information or bookings, call 96 646 743, visit www.freedom-dolls.com or email [email protected]
