Coffee Cup Conversations

[jimm127]

Coffee Cup Conversations
There's something about North Cyprus, and it's small close-knit community, that brings out
the best (and sometimes worst) in people. As the saying goes "Bad news travels fast"; and in times
of need your family and friends are by your side in a matter of minutes. It is easy to forget that
there are children living on our island that are underprivileged or have special needs. Fortunately
the Social Services department in the TRNC has a good team of professionals looking after
dozens of youngsters who need care 24/7. However they need our help!
On Friday the 20th of November there will be a concert at The Bedesten, a culture centre
located next to the Selimiye Mosque in the old quarters of Lefkoşa. "Concerts Without Borders" will
feature performances from, amongst others, the three recipients of the U.S. State Department's
Cultural Diplomacy Award; Turkish Cypriot classical pianist Fikri Toros, American opera singer
Demetra George Mustafaoğlu and Greek Cypriot mezzo soprano Katie Economidou. Also joining
them on stage will be Turkish Cypriot flautist Burak Beşir, Russian pianist Maestro Rauf Kasimov
and Greek Cypriot classical violinist Marios Pavlou. Music will comprise classical pieces, art song,
opera, Broadway and folk music.
I recently had a chance to chat with some of the performers at the concert, Demtetra, Burak
and Katie, and also with one of the organisers Hatice Kerimgil. Both Demetra and Katie have given
charity concerts here before and are familiar names amongst lovers of opera and classical music.
Demetra has already supported the Special Needs Centres by opening the doors to her home 'Villa
Diva' on Halloween, hosting a successful party for around a hundred guests. Much fun and
laughter was had by all, and a lot of money raised at the same time. Katie is also very proud to be
a part of this forthcoming concert and she tells me that when it comes to children, it doesn't matter
their nationality, she is first in line to help. She has performed with pianist Fikri before, so she is in
familiar territory.
Burak is a very talented musician who is currently living in America. He has already
performed with Demetra in America, and is excited to be up on stage here in the TRNC. Catching
up with him on a flying visit to his homeland North Cyprus, Burak tells me that he was encouraged
by his music teacher to play the flute as he had the right shaped mouth and lips! A voice for radio,
a face for television, but a mouth for flute! During our chat Demetra and Burak treated me to a
magical rendition of the famous George Gershwin aria from "Porgy and Bess" called 'Summertime'.
When I asked Hatice about the needs of both the Lefkoşa Özel Eğitim Merkezi and the
Lefkoşa Özel Eğitim ve İş Merkezi, she told me that it was mainly practical and simple things that
were required, like air conditioners for certain rooms and disposable cups and plates, etc. The
children all have different physical and/or mental disabilities, and aside from the financial help they
receive they are also grateful for any visitors who take the time to pop by and say hello.
The "Concerts Without Borders" event will begin with a cocktail reception followed by the
concert itself and will end with a chance to meet with the performers after the concert. Tickets
costing 35TL can be purchased on the door on the night. It will be a great opportunity to listen to
talented musicians whilst supporting a good cause. As the motto on the concert poster states;
"Music is God's reminder that there is something else besides us in this universe, a harmonic
connection between all living things".