Paphos: Georges Bizet’s Carmen, one of the most beloved operas around the world, will be showcased at the 2025 Pafos Aphrodite Festival, scheduled for September 5-6. A press conference was held on Monday in Paphos, highlighting the event that will take place at the city’s Medieval Castle. The performances by the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre, with the participation of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, are set to begin at 1930 local time. They promise a unique experience of lyrical drama under the starry sky of Pafos.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pafos Aphrodite Festival and Pafos mayor, Phaedonas Phaedonos, emphasized the transformation of Pafos into a modern city over the last decade, marked by projects and activities with a clear vision. Phaedonos noted that the relaunch and further enhancement of the Pafos Aphrodite Festival contribute significantly to the strategic developmental goals of the city.
The mayor highlighted the example set by the Pafos Aphrodite Festival, demonstrating that Cyprus has the capability to establish events in various art fields, thus positioning them on the cultural map of the Eastern Mediterranean. He also emphasized the collaboration with the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre for a second consecutive year, reflecting the cultural capabilities of Cyprus.
Composer-conductor Aris Antoniades remarked that 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the first presentation of Bizet’s Carmen, one of the best-known and most frequently performed operas globally. Ani Udzilauri, the Consul of Georgia in Cyprus, expressed gratitude to the organizers for hosting the Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theatre, highlighting the cultural encounter between two regions with a rich history and cultural heritage.
Dr. Christina Michael, Assistant Artistic Director of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, noted that the Pafos Aphrodite Festival attracts tens of thousands of spectators, including both permanent residents of Cyprus and visitors, offering them high-quality performances and unforgettable musical experiences.