Music and Art in Cyprus

Cyprus is a culturally rich country where people appreciate the fine arts. Music, drama, arts all find patrons here. They pursue the arts themselves too. Nearly all Cypriot children are sent for music lessons. There are many who take it up seriously but many others who will not choose it as a profession but will devote a considerable part of their time to it.

Accountants, doctors, bureaucrats, politicians – many of them are trained, accomplished musicians and play or sing as a hobby or to unwind after a hard day’s work. The distinctive thing is that despite high pressure jobs and busy careers, they would still go for music lessons, perfecting their skills just for the pleasure they get out of it. Most of them play multiple instruments or are vocalists too. There are many church groups, choirs and amateur singing groups where they can display their talents. You can particularly see it at carnival time, when you are pleasantly surprised to recognise your cardiologist and your accountant sitting next to each other on a float in the group of musicians in traditional costumes playing the instruments. Many familiar faces are visible there which you have seen in different roles.

To have healthy, aesthetic interests like this, gives richness to life and since there is a very high percentage of successful people who choose to spend their free time like this, it says a lot about the country and its people in general.