Background on the Artists Performing at the Festival part 1

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The 3rd Medieval Festival of Ayia Napa starts on Saturday with the Music Ensemble "Cypress Voice" with the lead singer being a well known Cypriot artist who has been sucssesful in Cyprus. Her name, Despoina Olympiou.

The music Ensemble "Cypress Voice" meets the musical tradition of Cyprus in its own unique way combining traditional ways and at the same time combining elements of classical music. The range includes traditional and folk songs of Cyprus and also contemporary songs considered being a musical development and a continuation of tradition.   

 

On Sunday, it is the turn of the Dufay Collective to take to the stage for the festival. This collective began life in 1987 purely to interpret the rich and varied music of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. They work together without guidance from any director. They have toured all over the world in places such as India, Australia, the US and the UK amongst other countries and now will perform in Cyprus.

Apart from touring, this collective also has produced music for films including Hamlet, the affair of the necklace, A Knight's tale and furthermore a Harry Potter movie too and to add to their credibility, they have also been nominated for a Grammy Award (2003).

 

With no events on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday see the national Irish Harp Orchestra perform for the public. They provide the students of the group an opportunity to perform in public and also allow them to develop a career as professional harpers. Janet Harbison set up the group and in Ireland is seen as one of Ireland's strongest traditional harpers and leading personalities within the Irish Harp Music scene.

The orchrestra itself is made up of 16 harpers along with 8 other musicians and also a group of up to 32 dancers in large scale concert presentations.

 

The whole festival takes place at the Medieval Castle within the Center of Ayia Napa and entrance is free. The next 3 days of the festival follow in part 2 of the article.

Yiannakis