LOS ANGELES – The UCLA Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for the Study of Hellenic Culture presents a captivating evening with acclaimed singer-songwriter Alkinoos Ioannidis, who will perform at UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall on Saturday, April 27, 7:30 PM, in a solo concert. In addition, Ioannidis will deliver an insightful lecture on the preceding day, Friday, April 26, offering a unique exploration into the essence of song and its timeless significance. This marks Alkinoos Ioannidis’ first-ever performance in Los Angeles and the West Coast, presenting a rare opportunity for audiences to experience his profound artistry.

Alkinoos Ioannidis is a singer-songwriter who has released multiple solo albums, most of which have gone gold or platinum. As a guest singer, he has performed on more than 40 albums with various artists. He has also written songs, arranged and produced albums for other artists, as well as music for dance and theater, while his symphonic work is often performed by orchestras in Greece and abroad. His influences range from traditional Cypriot music, Greek composers of the last decades, Byzantine, classical, and rock.

Playing solo, often without a microphone, Ioannidis lets the songs and the environment take the lead. He embraces the spontaneity of live shows and lets the moment and the audience guide his performance, delivering his songs in their purest form, reminiscent of their inception and connecting with the essence of this revered art form. Each concert transcends mere poetry and musicianship, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

In the tradition of troubadours, Ioannidis traverses cities, sharing universal sensations, feelings, and experiences. His fusion of Near Eastern influences, along with elements of folk, classical, and rock music, coupled with his distinctive vocal style, has garnered him acclaim not only within the Greek-speaking community but also among diverse ethnic backgrounds worldwide.

This year, in line with the UCLA SNF Center’s focus on Hellenic culture, Alkinoos Ioannidis’ performance serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus, further enhancing the depth and diversity of the musical experience. UCLA Professor Ioanna Kakoulli, 2023-24 Acting Director of the Center, stated: “We are delighted to present Alkinoos Ioannidis’ performance, which embodies the fusion of Hellenic and Cypriot cultural traditions. Ioannidis’ music celebrates the vibrancy of Cyprus’ heritage while enriching the broader Hellenic artistic expression. His performance transcends boundaries, weaving together melodies and meanings that resonate with social justice and humanistic values. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of the universal language of song and the enduring legacy of this remarkable artist.”

Ioannidis’ lecture, entitled ‘The Word and the Note’, will take place Friday, April 26, 4 PM, at UCLA’s Mong Auditorium. Exploring the intersection of music, language, and tradition, Ioannidis invites attendees to delve into the profound significance of song throughout history and its enduring resonance in the human experience.

These events are being held under the auspices of the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the United States and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus in Los Angeles. This program is made possible thanks to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), with support from UCLA Humanities and Power Muse Productions.

To find out more about the lecture and concert by Ioannidis’ at UCLA, visit: www.hellenic.ucla.edu.