ASTORIA – The Pancyprian Choir of NY held its first meeting of 2022 and shared best wishes for the New Year with their annual cutting of the traditional vasilopita at Dionysos Taverna in Astoria on January 24.

The Choir had been on its winter break following the success of the Christmas Concert Kalanta last month and is now resuming weekly in-person rehearsals.

Pancyprian Choir Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis welcomed everyone to the event and spoke about the plans for the upcoming tribute concert for Mikis Theodorakis. The tribute concert had been originally planned for 2020, to celebrate the 95th birthday of the renowned Greek composer, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Rehearsals continued online throughout the lockdown, however, the restrictions on large gatherings and theatrical performances, further delayed the concert. Following the passing of the iconic Theodorakis on September 2, 2021, many tributes have been planned in his honor. The program for the Pancyprian Choir’s concert includes some of the best-loved songs by the composer. The Choir looks forward to performing live once again and will announce the date of its concert as soon as the details are finalized.

Pancyprian Cultural Division President Ismini Michaels cut the traditional vasilopita and wished everyone all the best for a happy and healthy new year. The lucky coin was found by soloist and Choir member Aggeliki Psoni.

Pancyprian Association President Philip Christopher also attended the event, praising the Choir for its efforts and noting that the Cultural Division has two upcoming theatrical productions to be presented in March at the American Theater of Actors, 314 West 54th Street in Manhattan. The Pancyprian Association presents Tears of Silence starring Paola Hadjilambri on Tuesday, March 1, 7 PM. The play is based on the novel by Aria Socratous, author and contributor to The National Herald, and features the harrowing stories of women who have suffered domestic abuse. On Wednesday, March 16, 7 PM, the Pancyprian Association presents Onassis the Play with actor Anthony Skordi and production manager Alexandros Ammohostianos. The theater capacity is only 120 seats due to COVID restrictions, so reserve your tickets as soon as possible. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help women suffering domestic abuse. More information on tickets and supporting the productions is available by phone: 917-635-8867.