So, Christmas is over, and New Year’s Eve super-charged evening of decadence and debauchery was all over in flash, which means that for most of us, it’s back to the routine.
Work, school, bills, diets and screaming in horror at the bank balance… welcome to the wonder that is January. Things are always a little sluggish around this time of year, with most people inclined to stay home feeling the pinch after Christmas. But there’s no need for us to get depressed and gloomy about the end of the festive season as there is plenty going on across the island that is worthy of our attention.
Take note of a series of ‘fusion’ evenings coming up this month, whereby well-known classical pieces and lighter show-tunes performances seem to be the order of the day. Fusion or crossover music isn’t a new concept. Classical musicians have been straying into the pop world and pop musicians have been borrowing from their classical brethren since the early 20th century, but for one to get the chance to experience a live concert in this vein is relatively new for Cyprus.
With that in mind, Andrew Oliver, the Paphos-based music impresario, is embracing the fusion phenomenon by creating a new show which will tour and perform in a wide variety of venues throughout January and early February.
Oliver is possibly best known on the island for his Elton John Tribute act but is returning to his classical roots for the upcoming shows, accompanying English-trained soprano Tina Chester on the piano in a unique and intimate blend of quality music.
Oliver studied piano, singing and composition at the UK’s Colchester Institute and tuba under John Fletcher of the London Symphony Orchestra. Having played in symphony orchestras, church choirs, pantomimes, nightclubs, theatres, cabaret and piano bars worldwide, Oliver shares Chester’s love of crossover/fusion music
Chester is an accomplished vocalist having studied, performed and tutored in the UK for many years and has recently settled in Cyprus. Her diverse musical taste has developed into an interesting and wide repertoire, which ranges from lofty operatic arias and classical songs in several languages.
The duo have put together a fine two-hour programme covering operatic arias and classical songs in several languages, to music from shows by Gershwin, Porter and Andrew Lloyd Webber; something, which will appeal to everyone, especially during the cold, dreary winter evenings.
In an attempt to appeal to a wider audience, many current classical artists no longer adhere strictly to classical repertoire. Instead, they have begun recording more popular works, such as Broadway tunes or film soundtracks. Possibly one of the most famous artists using this musical medium, were the three tenors, Domingo, Carreras and Pavarotti, whose 1994 CD The Three Tenors in Concert became the best-selling classical album of all time.
Since the early 90s, crossover artists have flourished and expanded their appeal to wider audiences, with stars such as ensembles Il Divo and Blake, and Welsh mezzos Charlotte Church and Katherine Jenkins dominating the market.
The organisers are keen to point out that this is not only a ‘first’ for the island, where concerts have historically fallen into clear old fashioned divisions, classical and popular: it is also the most comprehensive. The tour currently has 20 confirmed dates/venues and each venue will be offering a competitively priced package of concert and cocktails, concert with dinner or concert with wine-tasting.
The show made its debut at the traditional, unspoiled mountain village of Vouni on Friday with a performance at the charming Takis Family Tavern and today moves on to another mountain village, Pelendri for a festive Epiphany Sunday barbeque lunch at the Symposio Tavern.
To find out when the Fusion Tour will be at a venue nearby, check the list below, call the central booking hotline on 99-832538 or e-mail Andrew on [email protected]. Alternatively you can check out www.andrewoliver9.com Register your contact details and, when everything is confirmed, full details will be forwarded by e-mail.
Fusion Music
Pop meets opera meets show-tunes with Tina Chester: Soprano and Andrew Oliver: Piano. Hotline: 99-832538 or e-mail Andrew on [email protected] or www.andrewoliver9.com
January 6: Pelendri Symposio Tavern, Limassol. Concert 12 noon, lunch 2pm. €27 inc. lunch and first drink. Reservations – Tel: 99-404348
January 8: Kathikas Yiannis Tavern. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €20 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 26-633353
January 9: Erimi Michael’s Tavern. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €18 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 25-934104
January 10: Letymbou Tavern. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €23 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 26-642614
January 12: Omodos Tavern. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €20 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 25-421493
January 13: Lania Pliades Art Cafe. Concert 3pm. €12. Coffee and cake available. Tickets & Information – Tel: 99-832538
January 14: Kouklia Laledes. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €25 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 26-432233
January 16: Pissouri Yialos Restaurant. Fusion 2 with special guest Ross Neil. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €20 inc. dinner. B & B rooms available. Reservations – Tel: 99-473141
January 17: – Latchi Y & P Hotel. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €20 inc. dinner. B & B rooms available. Reservations – Tel: 26-321411
January 18: – Larnaca Pyla Village Tavern. Fusion 2 with special guest Ross Neil. Dinner 7pm, concert 9pm. €20 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 99-975863/99-070168
January 19: Lofou Wine Cellar. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €25 inc. dinner and a glass of wine.
B & B rooms available. Reservations – Tel: 25-470202
January 24: Konia Old Kamaroudi Tavern. Concert 8pm. €10. Tickets & information – Tel: 99-832538. Meals available in restaurant. Reservations – Tel: 26-942044
January 25: 7pm – Souni Lenia’s Tavern. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €16 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 25-717117
January 26: Limassol Heritage School. Concert 8.30pm. €10.Reservations – Tel: 25-367018
January 28: Anarita Olivio Restaurant. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €27 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 26-423385
January 30: Paphos Pentaras Hall. Fusion Gala with Tina Chester: soprano, Ross Neil: baritone,
Lesley Locke: violin, Tommy Locke: guitar, Andrew Oliver: piano and Doros Zesimos: cello. Concert 8.30pm. €15 inc. welcome drink. Tickets & Information Meals available in the restaurant – Tel: 26-271130
February 1: Sylikou Tavern. Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €22 inc. dinner. Reservations – Tel: 24-70056
February 3: Pine Bay Club Pissouri. End of Tour Party. Lunch 2.30pm, concert 4.30pm. €20 inc. lunch. Reservations – Tel: 97-788574. Information – Tel: 99-832538
