The Cyprus Community Club in Lakemba hosted a live performance by the Krama Brass Band on Saturday 7 February, drawing a strong audience response as part of the Cyprus Community of NSW’s cultural program linked to the Cyprus EU Presidency.
The eight-piece ensemble presented a contemporary jazz-based program that blended brass and woodwind with guitar and drums, combining modern arrangements with musical influences drawn from Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean region.
Audience members responded warmly throughout the performance, with sustained applause at the conclusion of the set. While jazz is not commonly associated with Cypriot music, the band’s approach resonated with attendees across age groups and backgrounds.
The Krama Brass Band. Photo: Supplied
Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriacou, described the performance as a significant cultural moment and said the Community had intentionally sought a modern and contemporary act to mark the Cyprus EU Presidency.
“The Krama Brass Band performance exceeded our expectations,” Mr Kyriacou said.
Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriacou speaks to attendees. Photo: Supplied
He said the event reflected a broader effort to present Cypriot culture as evolving, while remaining connected to its heritage, adding that further contemporary Cypriot artists would be featured alongside traditional programming.
Kyriacou also noted the importance of recognising cultural developments taking place across Europe, particularly among younger Cypriot artists, and providing them with opportunities to connect with Australian audiences.
The performance formed part of a wider Cyprus Community of NSW cultural program, which includes EU-linked scholarships, essay awards, the Australian Cyprus Achievement Awards and Thanksgiving Gathering on 26 February, a forthcoming public lecture series at the University of Sydney, the launch of heritage registers, and other community initiatives.
Krama Brass Band was formed in 2023 by Cypriot musicians Andreas Theocharous and Nicholas Georgiou. The group comprises six brass and woodwind players alongside guitar and drums. Its name derives from the Greek word krama, meaning alloy, reflecting the band’s fusion of Mediterranean melodies, Balkan rhythms, jazz harmony and classical elements.
