The ensemble’s name, en phyē – meaning “in becoming” or “in growth” – reflects exactly that: a living artistic practice, deeply rooted in historical musical traditions yet continuously renewed through a contemporary interpretative approach.

A meticulously curated programme of rare aesthetic refinement brings together Corsican polyphony, Gaelic psalm singing, Byzantine chant and works by the medieval mystic Hildegard von Bingen, revealing resonances between female creativity and oral sacred traditions across cultures. Rather than a conventional concert, the performance unfolds as an open ceremonial gathering embedded within the natural environment of the garden, where sound gently radiates from the performers and embraces the audience.

The sound design functions as a subtle extension of the live voices rather than conventional amplification, softly diffusing the sound throughout the space, creating an acoustic halo that envelops listeners. In this way, the immediacy and intimacy of the live voices remain at the centre of the experience, while their resonance expands into the garden, blurring the boundaries between voice, landscape and collective listening.

The performance seeks to create a shared space for listening and contemplation. Visitors are invited to experience it freely – sitting on the grass, lying down or moving gently through the space. As the event is conceived as an open ceremonial gathering, complete silence is not expected: children – and the sounds they make – are warmly welcome!

“En phyē” = “in becoming” / “in growth”

Performed by: Sophie Fetokaki, Elena Xyda, Konstantina Xenophontos and Ioanna Vasileiou

The performance takes place immediately before, and alongside, the staged reading Brandy Sour.

Duration: 45 minutes

Free admission

NICOSIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL IDENTITY

CO-ORGANISERS: Nicosia For Art Ltd, Nicosia Municipality
MAIN SPONSOR: Deputy Ministry of Culture, Department of Contemporary Culture
GOLD SPONSORS: VF Foundation, Allwyn
SILVER SPONSOR: PwC
OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR: Phileleftheros Media Group
SUPPORTERS: L’Oréal Paris, French Institute of Cyprus, The Classic Hotel, Ethimo
PARTNER: Press and Information Office
HOSPITALITY SPONSORS: Centrum Hotel, Altius Boutique Hotel
OFFICIAL FESTIVAL CAR: Pilakoutas Group
EXCLUSIVE TICKETING PARTNER: more.com