Georges Bizet’s Carmen, on of the most beloved operas around the world, will be presented at 2025 Pafos Aphrodite Festival, September 5-6.
A press conference was held on Monday in Paphos, in view of the show that takes place at the city’s Medieval Castle.
The performances, by the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre, with the participation of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra will start at 1930 local time. They were described as a unique experience of lyrical drama under the starry sky of Pafos.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pafos Aphrodite Festival and Pafos mayor, Phaedonas Phaedonos said that over the last 10 years, Pafos has transformed into a modern city, with projects and activities and a clear vision.
Phaedonos said that the relaunch and further upgrade of Pafos Aphrodite Festival contributes to the strategic goal of the city’s development.
According to the mayor, the example set by Pafos Aphrodite Festival shows that Cyprus has the potential to establish events in various art fields, placing them on the cultural map of the Eastern Mediterranean.
He also made special reference to the collaboration of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra with the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre for a second consecutive year, pointing out that this reflects Cyprus’ capabilities.
Composer-conductor Aris Antoniades said that 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the first presentation of Bizet’s Carmen. He said that this work is one of the best-known and most frequently performed worldwide.
The Consul of Georgia in Cyprus Ani Udzilauri thanked the organizers for hosting the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre. This, she said, is an exceptional cultural encounter between two peoples with a long history and rich cultural heritage.
Assistant Artistic Director of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Christina Michael, said that Pafos Aphrodite Festival attracts tens of thousands of spectators, permanent residents of Cyprus as well as visitors, who have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality performances that offer unforgettable musical experiences.
