It’s time for a new genre to set a different trend in the local music industry. Enter Avanti 4.
Four classically-trained singers have joined forces and voices to form the country’s first male vocal group. Avanti 4 combines contemporary pop with the artistry of classical music, which one could liken to successful classical crossover groups such as Il Divo and G4. The two groups share one common source – The X-Factor producer and British pop music maestro Simon Cowell.
He came up with the idea in 2001 for a mould-breaking quartet who could take popular songs, old and new, to another level where the historic rift between pop and classical could be bridged. Their style is mainly referred to as ‘Popera’ (Pop + opera) which refers to the singing of opera material in a popularised, but still operatic style.
Today, classical crossover music is generally appealing to a bigger segment of the population, although purists criticise it as being an inferior, diluted version of real classical music. Nevertheless, the increasing popularity of this genre has resulted in more young people gaining enough interest in classical music to take up violin lessons or even lessons in opera singing.
Avanti 4 is made up of Alexis Sophokleous, Andreas Vanezis, Petros Solomou and Pieros Kezou. The guys are something of a breakthrough on the local music scene. All talented singers in their own right, each of them has a strong background in and deep knowledge of classical music and theatre, regularly performing in Cyprus and abroad and even receiving awards for their musical excellence.
The orchestrator, Akis Pavlou, has been vital in helping the quartet translate their unmistakable sound. The quartet is due to perform tomorrow at the Larnaca Municipal Theatre and on Sunday at the Rialto Theatre in Limassol. Making their performances one not to be missed is the fact that they will be accompanied by eight musicians and the Diastasis Vocal Ensemble.
Many of you will be familiar with the Diastasis Cultural Association, which over its 20 years of existence, has produced and presented important work, not only in Cyprus but also in Greece and further afield. Founded in 1984 by a group of art-lovers, Diastasis has created and still maintains, two permanent artistic departments, the Choir, consisting of approximately 40 singers, and the Dancing Group, consisting of approximately 20 dancers.
Together with Diastasis, Avanti 4 will be taking the pop-opera market by storm with their inspirational and impassioned recital of Greek and international songs.
Avanti 4
Four talented singers accompanied by eight musicians present songs from the Greek and international repertoire. 8.30pm. €20/15.
January 26. Larnaca Municipal Theatre. Tel: 24-665795/70-00 9303
January 29. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. Tel: 77-777745
