This was first posted in Parathyro, Politis' cultural page
Choral ensembles from Cyprus took part in the 15th World Peace Choral Festival, one of the world's most significant international choral festivals, held annually in Vienna. The Cypriot choirs performed at some of the Austrian capital's most iconic venues, including the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, St Peter's Church (Peterskirche), the Great Hall of Vienna's City Hall (Rathaus) and the United Nations headquarters in Vienna. A representative of the Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in Austria attended the concerts, underlining the significance of Cyprus's cultural presence at the international event.
"It is a great honour for us to represent Cyprus at the United Nations. We are proud to see Cyprus's flag alongside the flags of countries from around the world. We believe that music and culture are a universal language that unites people, regardless of their nationality, culture or language. We hope that every voice becomes a symbol of friendship, mutual understanding and peace," said Ksenia Belolipetskaya, opera soprano and artistic director of LYRA Choir Cyprus.
Masterclasses and cultural diplomacy
Beyond the concerts, participants had the opportunity to attend masterclasses with internationally recognised conductors and members of the festival's artistic committee, among them Univ.-Prof. Mag.art. Alois Glaßner (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna), Wu Lingfen, Thomas Caplin, Fritz ter Wey, Stephen Mark Darlington MBE, Patrick Russell, Zimfira Poloz and other leading figures in choral art.
The importance of cultural diplomacy was also underlined by Carlos Cippelletti, International Relations Ambassador of the World Peace Choral Festival and founder of the organisation Atlantica. He said culture is not only a means of artistic expression but also a powerful force that unites people and creates the conditions for peace. Within the framework of public diplomacy, he said, culture makes a genuine contribution to building the trust the modern world needs.
According to organisers, the World Peace Choral Festival brings together more than 1,700 participants each year, with almost 40 choirs from more than 20 countries and regions around the world. The programme includes more than 50 concerts, masterclasses, competitive auditions and social activities.
