12th International Famagusta Art-Culture Festival
23 June -15 July 2008
International Famagusta Art-Culture Festival has been organized by Famagusta Municipality.
The Festival intends to make Northern Cyprus privileged for international art works and also to be the centre with cultural and art dimension in Mediterranean region which contains historical remainders and cultural signs of various civilizations.
In general, the art perception of the festival is to give place to new works and also try to reflect the accumulation of world culture which has historical accumulation in the concept of multicultural.
About ÖZLEM TEKIN
Özlem Tekin was born in California and moved to Turkey when she was 4 years old. She grew up in Ankara where she studied classical music at the Hacettepe University Music Conservatory in the clarinet department. She started as the vocalist in a rock band called "The Bad" where they performed many gigs in the clubs all over Turkey.
In 1993 she met Sebnem Ferah and became the keyboard player of the successful all-female rock band Volvox. While she was in Volvox, she met Hakan Peker and they started to work on her debut solo album in 1994. Kime Ne (Who cares?) was the title of the album and released in January 1996 and had amazing critics and success. The first single - Ask Herseyi Affeder Mi? (Does love forgive everything?) - shot to the top of the charts.
Her second album Öz was released in February 1998. Laubali came out a year later and had a big success as well. She released 'Tek Basima - All Alone' album in 2002 and had big success with Kirildim and Daglari Deldim singles. She had a long Rock'n Dark tour and after sang a traditional song of Fuat Saka in the Neredesin Firuze soundtrack.
She had 3 concerts in Istanbul Open Air Theatre singing biggest hits of 70-80-90s with a big orchestra sharing the stage with Levent Yüksek and Fatih Erkoç in 2004. In 2005 she had a lead role in the musical "Mucizeler Komedisi" (The Comedy of Miracles) while her new album "10987654321? was released. She was one of the most touring rock star in that year.
In 2006 she had a starring role in the Cem Yilmaz movie "Hokkabaz" with Mazhar Alanson and Cem Yilmaz. She also starred in the theatre play "Kim o?" (Who is it?) directed by Nedim Saban with famous actor Metin Serezli in the season 2007/8 . She is a very acclaimed actress as well as being an incredible singer.
23 June 2008 - Namik Kemal Square (Old City centre) - 21.00 (entrance free) Program
1995/1997 Chorus member (tenor) "Rigoletto" by Giuseppe Verdi & "Cavalleria Rusticana" by Pietro Mascagni "Falstaff" by Giuseppe Verdi "Il martirio di San Sebastian" by Claude Debussy "La Boheme" by Giacomo Puccini "Messa di Gloria" by Pietro Mascagni "Sinfonia n.9" by Ludwig Van Beethoven
1998 Soloist (tenor) "The Barber of Seville" by Gioacchino Rossini (character of Fiorello) 1998 Soloist (tenor) "Nabucco" by Giuseppe Verdi (character of Abdallo) 1998 Soloist (tenor) "The Barber of Seville" Ariston Theatre of Sanremo (character of Fiorello) 1998 Soloist (tenor) "Lucia di Lammermoor" by Gaetano Donizetti (character of Normanno) 1999 Soloist (tenor) "Rigoletto" by Giuseppe Verdi (character of Marullo)
Debut in 'light music' in 1990 - Finalist in "Castrocaro Terme"
2000: February -Main character singer-actor in the musical "Anema e cuore" on tour in The United States of America. His personal success was so great that he returned with his own show in October touring: New York ( three concerts ), Norristown, Chicago, Milwaukee, Montreal.
Winner of "SETTE PER UNO" (Rai Uno) program of Jocelin hosted by Gigi Sabani where he returned as a guest for the last episode.
2001: Great success in November in Hong Kong at the Grand Gala - Italian Chamber of Commerce, where he returned in May for the '"Festa degli Italiani" and for two concerts in Hong Kong and Shangai.
2002: On tour with the show "BELLE DEL NOVECENTO", a recital of the greatest successes of the 1900's, guest of many of the most prestigious musical festivals in the national territory.
2001 and 2002 The diamond of the European Star Cruise Ship - Cruise festival from Naples - Messina
2003: In November, two concerts in Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata, Argentina, with an enthusiastic public. During the concert he sold a lot of CD's of "Belle del Novecento" (his last recording with arrangements by the great Maestro Tonino Esposito ) were sold collecting funds for poor children of Buenos Aires. His return is sure!
2004: March - Performed in Moscow for the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno and ERSVA, for the Board of Tourism where he was the Guest of Honor for the event's Gala. During this occasion he was contacted by major Russian theatre companies to return for a future tour. On June 24th he returned to the U.S.A. for the third time for three New York concerts.
2005 Participated with Mara Venier of "Domenica In" where he has been a guest on several episodes.
26 June 2008 - Salamis Antique Theatre - 21.00 Program
JUNK DEALER written by Orhan Kemal, directed by Ergün Isildar demonstrates the generation conflicts and individual troubles within a family that gets more and more needy every day, living in a society on the way of mechanization to replace labour and craftsmanship. Junk dealer; Topal, is the grandson of a landowner. Topal is a crippled man returning from war, and the story is on his return and, his struggle together with his family on starting a new life under changing conditions. The elder son and wife goes cotton picking to Çukurova, and the family follows. The story is about people following a light of hope...
30 June 2008 - Salamis Antique Theatre - 21.00 Program
LOS VIVANCOS
Princes Of Flamenco...7 Brothers, 7 Stars, 7 Destines
"Why Vivancos?" We answer. We are brothers. And since our childhood we have been educated in the ways of dance, music, martial arts.Art. We have learned to dance from our father. We have played a musical instrument before even learning to write.
Vivancos is not just a dance group.Vivancos is the dedication of more than a life time..Vivancos is the power of an oath..A great man had a vision once, many years ago. He had a dream.Vivanco is that dream..If destiny exists.If the destiny of the hawk is to fly the highest wind.Then our destiny is to dance together.As one.
You ask us.Why have you formed a dance company named Vivancos? And we answer..Vivancos is not a group that was formed once.It's a group that was born. It has been conceived in the purest sense of the word to be..Unique.
And yes..We will fly the highest wind like the hawk..We will reach for the moon like the black wolf.
For since time is time..That has been..Our Destiny.
Since the seven members of the Los VIVANCOS dance company are brothers they have always been together. Their artistic creations have been interrelated ever since their childhood.
Even as children the VIVANCOS BROTHERS would present an annual performance to their family, dancing, playing their musical instruments, performing acrobatic acts. And during their teenage years they appeared and performed together throughout many different countries throughout the world: The Netherlands, Belgium, London, Quebec, British Columbia, France, Spain.
However, after graduating from the Professional Conservatory of Dance of Barcelona, the VIVANCOS BROTHERS decided to each go their own way and gather as much professional experience as possible independently.
They wanted to triumph individually before doing so together. And so they did. Nearing the end of 2004 the brothers reunited and formed their flamenco dance company LOS VIVANCOS
The brothers graduated from the "Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Instituto del Teatro" (Barcelona) from the "Real Conservatorio de Danza de Madrid" (Madrid) from the "National London Studio" (London) and from the distinguished art school "Qüánticoh Independent School" (Canada). They have also studied in the renowned dance school of the "Nederlands Ballet Theatre" (Netherlands) the "Royal Music Conservatory of Vancouver" (Vancouver) at the studios of "Amor de Dios" and many notorious art schools throughout the world.
2 July 2008 - Salamis Antique Theatre - 21.00 Program
Bonnie Tyler (born June 8th 1951 in Wales, UK) is a Welsh rock singer. Born Gaynor Hopkins, she is widely recognizable by her highly distinctive, husky voice.
She grew up listening to Motown music and female artists like Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. In 1970 at age 18, she entered a talent contest, singing Mary Hopkin's hit "Those Were the Days," but only came in second place. She then was chosen to sing in a band called Bobby Wayne and the Dixies. Two years later, she formed her own band called Imagination and performed with them in pubs and clubs all over south Wales. It was then that she decided to adopt the stage name of Sherene Davies (she took these names from her niece and favourite aunt).
In 1975, she was discovered by Roger Bell, who arranged a recording contract for her with RCA Records. Before signing, she was asked to adopt another stage name, in which she became Bonnie Tyler.
Following the Top 10 success of her 1976 song "Lost in France", Tyler released her first album in 1977 entitled The World Starts Tonight. A further single from the album, "More Than a Lover," made the UK Top 30, whereas the follow up single "Heaven" reached the Top 30 in Germany.
Though further global success was elusive during this era, Tyler did have some regional hits: "Here am I" made the German Top 20 in spring of 1978, one year later, the country influenced "My guns are loaded" peaked at number 3 in France whereas she also scored a minor UK Top 40 hit with "Married Men" in 1979, the theme to the film The World is Full of Married Men (based on the novel by British author Jackie Collins). Tyler released the albums Diamond Cut (1979) and Goodbye to the Island (1981). The track Sitting on the Edge of the Ocean was the Grand Prix winner of the 1979 Yamaha World Song Festival held in Tokyo.
Her next album, Faster Than the Speed of Night, was released in Spring 1983 and spawned the ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart," written by Jim Steinman . The song was a worldwide hit, reaching no.1 in the UK, France, Australia and in the United States (where it remained for 4 weeks). Faster Than the Speed of Night entered the UK album chart at No.1, making Tyler a Guinness Record holder as the first ever British female solo artist to have an album enter the UK chart at no.1. The album also became a Top Five bestseller in the US and Australia. Total Eclipse of the Heart also brought Tyler a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. In 1984, she performed the track at the Grammy Awards, and received another Grammy nomination as Best Rock Female Vocalist for "Here She Comes", a song that was part of the soundtrack for the 1984 restoration of the film Metropolis. She also released the singles "A Rockin' Good Way" (a duet with fellow Welshman Shakin' Stevens) which made #5 in the UK, and "Holding Out for a Hero" from the film soundtrack Footloose which made the Top 40 in the U.S., and peaked at #2 in UK in the summer of 1985. The track was also used as the main theme for the 1984 US television series "Cover Up", though the version heard on the TV series was not sung by Tyler but by a Tyler sound-alike.
6 July 2008 - Salamis Antique Theatre - 21.00 Program
MEHMET ALI SANLIKOL
Pride Of North Cyprus, Musician: 'VOICE OF CYPRUS'
Dr. Mehmet Ali Sanlikol (D.M.A, New England Conservatory) is the director of DUNYA organization and ensemble as well as being a compositor and jazz pianist. He had his studies in the Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory in the Jazz and Composition department and also obtained a master degree and a PHD. He has toured with his group Audio Fact all around USA, Europe and Middle East between 1996-2003 and recorded a CD. He has collaborated with George Russell, Bob Brookmeyer, Paul Bley, Horacio Oel Negro Hernandez, Tiger Okoshi, Okay Temiz and John Abercrombie. He teaches now at Emerson College in Boston. Theodoulos Vakanas (M.M., New England Conservatory) is one of the main factors creating this project. Greek Cypriot Theodoulos Vakanas plays Middle Eastern and Greek tunes in the concerts. Panayiotis League generally plays Irish, Greek and Turkish tunes and also studies Greek Literature in Hellenic College in Boston. Cem Mutlu performs jazz and world music in Boston. Engin Günaydin is a graduate of Bilkent University Music Department and now studies at Berklee Music College in the percussions department in Boston.
Musical Director: Mehmet Ali Sanlikol: voice, oud, cura, zurna, ney Theodoulos Vakanas: violin and vocal Panayiotis League: kemençe, lyra, lavta, tradional drums, vocal Cem Mutlu: vocal and percussions.
MEHMET ALI SANLIKOL
Mehmet started giving recitals at the age of 5. Until the year 1992, he constantly performed classical and contemporary music. Later on, he studied with Aydin Esen and won a scholarship to Berklee College of Music.
In his first year at Berklee, he was selected (among 3000 candidates) for Herb Pomeroy's special composition class. In 1996, Mr. Sanlikol toured Turkey as the 'SANLIKOL GROUP'. In the following year, he founded the band AUDIOFACT with Onur Turkmen and toured Mexico, Argentina, the USA and Europe with Audio Fact. The same year, he received Berklee College of Music's Clare Fischer Award and completed his degree in Jazz Composition and Film Scoring. He also received a special award for one of his film scores and was voted best student of the year in Jazz Composition.
In the beginning of 1998, he was invited to New York to participate at the BMI Jazz Composer's Workshop. He toured Turkey and Cyprus with Audio Fact and released the CD "Black Spot". In the year 2000 he graduated from New England Conservatory of Music with a Master's Degree in Jazz Composition.
In the year 2001 Mr. Sanlikol, along touring with Audio Fact, has started deepening his studies in Turkish music and since then he has performed as a singer and ud/duduk/zurna player in many concerts at venues such as; Harvard University, North-eastern University and New England Conservatory.
In the year 2002 Mehmet was commissioned to write a piece for PALS children's chorus accompanied by Turkish instruments and a chamber orchestra. The piece, entitled 'ERGENEKON', was a big success. Boston Globe's Richard Dyer wrote: "The music is colourful, fanciful, full of rhythmic life, and full of feelings. The multiculturalism is not touristy, but rather sophisticated, informed, internalized; Sanlikol is a citizen of the world", ".and he (Sanlikol)is someone who could play decisive role in music's future in the world."
In the year 2003 Mr. Sanlikol has released the second CD, entitled 'Asitane', with AudioFact and has taught in the theory and music history departments of New England Conservatory.
In the year 2004 Mehmet completed his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Composition at the New England Conservatory and founded the organization 'Dunya' based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Sanlikol has performed and toured with AudioFact, and Jazz stars such as Tiger Okoshi and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez at numerous prestigious International Music Festivals, the Blue Note Jazz club in New York, Ryles Jazz club in Boston and etc. Recently, he is writing a book about the organization and the music of the Ottoman Janissary Bands.
9 July 2008 - Salamis Antique Theatre - 21.00 Program
Isin Karaca who started with the stages at her mothers restaurant many years ago in Cyprus, became a pop diva in Istanbul and now returns to island with 12th Famagusta Culture and Art Festival that brings together world stars.
ABOUT ISIN KARACA She was born on the 7th of March 1973 in London and continued with music studies in London IV King Edward School while she studied English Language and Literature, and Theatre.
When she visited her family who ran a restaurant in Cyprus, her mother used to invite her to the stage. The singing journey that started by then as a hobby, became professional when she moved to Istanbul from Cyprus.
Until today, Isin worked with many groups and various musicians, and participated in many dubbing and jingle works. In 1999 she was a vocalist for Panic Attack group, she participated in Turkey finals of Eurovision in 1999 and 2000, and became the winner of Golden Pigeon Contest in 1999. May be the most significant starting point for Isin was becoming a vocalist for Sezen Aksu in 1997.
Her first album "Anadilim Ask" had very valuable signatures, including Sezen Aksu's, and was in the market in the year 2001 with Power Records label. 10 out of 12 songs were composed and written by Sezen Aksu. Isin Karaca was already among the most popular of the pop world with the starting song of the album "Tutunamadim".
11 July 2008 - Salamis Antique Theatre - 21.00 Program
From ancient Samurai songs to Cuban sounds of 30's, from sounds of Brasilian marching street bands to Japanese film noir, Pink Martini explores and reveals ancient songs and presents them with their unique quality......and again with Pasion Turca back to Turkey and North Cyprus in July on the mentioned date below!
ABOUT PINK MARTINI:
Somewhere between a 1930s Cuban dance orchestra, a classical chamber music ensemble, a Brasilian marching street band and Japanese film noir is the 12-piece Pink Martini. Part language lesson, part Hollywood musical, the Portland, Oregon-based 'little orchestra' was created in 1994 by Harvard graduate and classically trained pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale to play at political fundraisers for progressive causes such as civil rights, affordable housing and public broadcasting. Equally at home performing its romantic, multi-lingual repertoire on concert stages and in smoky bars, Pink Martini draws a wildly diverse crowd.
Pink Martini's debut album, Sympathique, was released independently on the band's own label, Heinz Records (named after Lauderdale's dog), and has sold over 700,000 copies worldwide. Nominated for "Song of the Year" and "Best New Artist" in France's Victoires de la Musique Awards, Sympathique has gone Platinum in France and Gold in Switzerland, Greece and Turkey. Pink Martini released its highly-anticipated second album, Hang on Little Tomato, in October 2004 on Heinz Records in the United States and Naïve Records across Europe. The album has sold over 475,000 copies worldwide and gone Gold in France, Canada, Greece and Turkey again...
"We're kind of like musical archaeologists, bringing melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is modern," says founder and pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale. "It's like an urban musical travelogue....and I think as citizens of the world and in a sense as musical ambassadors for the United States, we must always strive to study the languages, customs, and histories of other countries. We're very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad, in Europe, in Turkey, in Lebanon and therefore have the opportunity to demonstrate that Americans are indeed serious about engaging in a dialogue with the rest of the world." "One of our goals is to make music which has broad appeal to people, no matter who they are or where they come from. We play the same set of music wherever we go, whether it's in a small farming community in Oregon or in France or Turkey or with a symphony orchestra. Music should be like a wonderful dinner party. I don't want to always sit next to people who share my opinions. I think each of us wants a hugely diverse tapestry of influences in our lives. That's what makes life much more interesting. Every day becomes an adventure." "My hope is that we're creating exquisite musical wallpaper which can be turned up or down, and played on almost any occasion, from background music to a love affair to vacuuming around the house," Lauderdale says. "I think our music allows people to dance and sing again with its beautiful melodies and beautiful lyrics. It is entirely romantic and expresses hope and eternal optimism, all the while recognizing that there is a great amount of sadness in the world."
"Una Notte a Napoli," for example, was written with Alba Clemente - an Italian stage and television star in the 1970s - and DJ Johnny Dynell of the legendary New York-based nightclub Jackie 60. In a reworking of the Japanese song "Kikuchiyo to Mohshimasu," Pink Martini collaborated and recorded in Japan with Hiroshi Wada, the slide guitarist whose group originally recorded and released the song 40 years ago. With songs in French, Italian, Japanese, Croatian, Spanish and English, Hang on Little Tomato is the result of Pink Martini's diverse collaborations, inspirations, and determined pursuits of beauty.
15 July 2008 - Salamis Antique Theatre - 21.00 Program
