Α The tribute to jazz legend Charlie Parker will be staged by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra with the help of another well-known local musical ensemble. The concerts on June 30, July 1 and 2 in Nicosia, Paphos and Limassol respectively will focus on his 1949-50 recordings for jazz quartet accompanied by a section of strings, oboe, harp and sometimes French horn, titled Bird with Strings.

“This legendary recording,” says the Orchestra, “created a new vogue for jazz soloists to incorporate a string ensemble into their standard jazz section, a trend still in vogue today.” Charlie Parker, also known as Bird, intended to play with strings as early as 1941 as he was always looking for new colors in his musical creation. The Charis Ioannou Quartet and the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra pay homage to this repertoire with fascinating and colorful sounds.

The program will open with the world premiere of the piece Modus Vivendi, in a jazz fusion style, written by Robert Hovanesyan of the Orchestra, 1st violin tutti, and also a talented composer with a particular flair for jazz. Robert’s personal reflection on this composition is as follows: “Life is unpredictable. Everyone is looking for their own modus vivendi – way of life – to survive… ”

Charlie Parker with Thong

Homage to Charlie Parker by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and the Charis Ioannou Quartet. June 30, Pallas Theater, Nicosia. July 1, Markideio Theater, Paphos. July 2nd. Rialto Theater, Limassol. 8:30 p.m. € 5.7.12. Information: 22-463144, www.cyso.org.cy