A highly-decorated cultural non-profit with an impressive and successful presence in America spanning for 3 decades
For more information send us an e-mail cypreco@earthlink.net
CYPRECO OF AMERICA, INC., (Cypriot Emigrants Cultural Organization) of America, Inc., founded by Elena Maroulleti in 1977 as Greek Folk Dancing Group "The Vraka", Inc., and renamed CYPRECO in 1979, is the only purely Cultural Greek Cypriot organization in America. It is a Queens-based non-profit and tax-exempt under 501 ( c) 3 organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich heritage, history, folklore and culture of Cyprus and Greece. Through the production and presentation of ongoing worthy and successful cultural and folk arts programs each year, folk dance and music shows and through its active participation in numerous cultural events throughout the City and State of New York, CYPRECO reaches wide audiences and spreads the folklore of Cyprus and Greece. All of its productions are offered bilingual.
CYPRECO of America, Inc., a member of the Cyprus Federation of America since 1976, is a recognized and highly decorated representative cultural organization of Cyprus in the United States of America. In 1993, CYPRECO teamed up with the non-profit cultural organization AKTINA Productions, Inc., the sponsoring organization of the Greek American bilingual radio AKTINA FM broadcasting live on New York's public station WNYE 91.5FM-HD1 and on line. Since then, CYPRECO participates in the co-production of worthy cultural and folk arts programs, including radio productions that celebrate, promote and preserve the rich heritage and culture of Cyprus and Greece. Such radio productions include the successful series CYPRUS HORIZONS airing on AKTINA FM every Sunday at 2:30pm EST.
For more information about CYPRECO of America, Inc., please send us an e-mail cypreco@earthlink.net .
The Year 2009 marked CYPRECO's 30th anniversary and on this occasion the organization has presented a series of very unique and successful cultural programs, concerts and other productions with the highlight being the sold-out concert CYPRUS-AEGEAN-SMYRNA - A Tribute To The Rembetika (Greek blues) given with outstanding success on March 6, 2009 at the Queens Theatre In The Park.
On November 6, 2009 CYPRECO concluded its 2009 festivities on the occasion of its 30-year anniversary with yet another memorable concert which revived the music and songs of Greece's legendary songwriter/singer Vasilis Tsitsanis with Greek American popular singer Vicky Palma and her orchestra. Please read more about the success of this concert below.
To receive advance notices about CYPRECO's upcoming live events and other activities, please sign up to our e-mail and mailing list by sending your contact information by e-mail to cypreco@earthlink.net.
PLEASE JOIN US: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2010 AT 8PM AT THE STATHAKION CULTURAL CENTER, ASTORIA, NY FOR A A NEW CONCERT DEDICATED TO GREECE'S LEGENDARY FOLK & REMBETIKA SINGER/SONGWRITER
YIANNIS PAPAIOANNOU
Tickets on sale now, please call 718-545-1151 and for more information please visit our Upoming Events page.
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THE SAD STORY OF "AMMOCHOSTOS" - "FAMAGUSTA" BY CYPRECO A HUGE SUCCESS
The Stathakion Cultural Center was packed to full capacity
Members of the Greek Cypriot and Greek American community, including an impressive number of guests from the general audience packed the Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria, NY on Friday, February 19, 2010 in response to CYPRECO's invitation to attend the organization's special program dedicated to "The Sad Story of Famagusta", one of the many towns in northern Cyprus under Turkish occupation following Turkey's 1974 invasion on the island. The response of the public was so tremendous that the venue filled up a month in advance and to accommodate the requests of more people, organizers had to rent some additional 200 seats. Despite these efforts many people who tried to book late were left out.
Photo by: ETA Press
The event which was offered for free as a public service, is part of a series of similar cultural programs offered by CYPRECO as part of the organization's mission to preserve and to promote the rich history and culture of Cyprus to wide audiences through documentary screenings, poetry recitals and special lectures. The presentation of these programs is mainly given in the English language.
The very well organized event highlighted the story of Famagusta before and after the Turkish invasion through video, speech and poetry beautifully incorporated together making the presentation very moving as well as very inspiring. All speakers referred to the 36-year long Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus and the longing of the Cypriot people to see their island re-unified through a just and viable solution. At the same time speakers spoke with great sense of optimism about the future of Famagusta and all of Cyprus.
The event started with welcoming remarks from the President of CYPRECO, Elena Maroulleti who thanked all in attendance and acknowledged the dignitaries and those who sponsored this public service event. In her opening remarks Ms. Maroulleti also shared for the first time her personal story and tragic experience when she had to flee Famagusta in August of 1974 as the Turkish troops started advancing and bombing the City. "As we sped away in our car, I witnessed in horror my beloved town being bombed. I saw bullets falling off the sky and almost hitting us....I saw people lying on the streets wounded with missing limps, people wondering around like lost souls...Since then my life changed completely, but what has not changed after that morning, are the nightmares that followed and which continue to this day".
Photo by: ETA Press
Then followed a video featuring file footage of Famagusta as well as AKTINA TV exclusive footage shot in the occupied city prior to the implementation of free movement between the occupied and the free areas of Cyprus. Produced by Elena Maroulleti the video is enhanced with the poem "A Dream of Famagusta" by the late Lucy Maroulleti and the song "Ammochostos" based on lyrics by Niki Katsaouni, music by Michalis Christodoulides and performed by George Dalaras.
Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos conveyed both a video message and letter to the CYPRECO event attendees. In his message Mr. Galanos thanked and congratulated CYPRECO for its contributions through its activities over the past 30 years and in particular for the production of the event dedicated to Famagusta. Mayor Galanos also extended his gratitude to the American citizens of Greek Cypriot descent for what they have been doing "in order to terminate the Turkish occupation of Cyprus" and urged them to intensify their efforts to "see more involvement in the part of the United States as well as more active involvement regarding the termination of the Turkish occupation". "The question of Famagusta is a test of Turkey's good will", Galanos stressed adding that if this is not achieved, he fears that, "there will be a partition in Cyprus and the efforts of Cyprus President Christofias will go in vein and a very dangerous situation will be created in the heart of Europe". Referring to the Turkey's EU accession process, Mr. Galanos called for the immediate implementation of U.N. Resolution 550 (1994) which was also adopted by the European Parliament on February 10, 2010 in its report on Turkey's EU progress.
Guest Speaker, Theoharis David, FAIA in his brief but very inspiring speech enhanced with slides and entitled "Famagusta: A remembrance and thoughts about the future", shared his family's story regarding his hometown Morphou, also under Turkish occupation. Referring to his ties with Famagusta he noted that it was when he was first starting out as a young architect that he was commissioned by the Archbishop of Cyprus Makarios III and also President of the island to built two structures in Famagusta. The first was the church of Aghia Trias and the other the Aspelia hotel which is situated behind the church. As far as the church of Aghia Trias, Prof. David noted, "the design was very modern and there were some reactions", however, Archbishop Makarios, who according to Prof. David, "was very open for new ideas", approved it and all doubts were put to rest. In speaking about the future of Famagusta, after the city is returned, the Professor stressed that, "all emotions must be set aside as to how we knew and loved the city". "A renaissance of Famagusta must be a reconstructive representation to its returning citizens of its many layered history, through its significant modern and ancient architecture along with new architecture which is yet to be imagined and realized", Mr. David stressed and then cautioned that, "we cannot return to the mistakes of past" by building structures two steps from the beach, "this is unacceptable" he said.
The Consul General of Cyprus to NY, Koula Sofianou, who also comes from Famagusta, talked about the unlawful occupation of the town by Turkish troops stressing the immediate need for U.N. Resolution 550 "to be finally enforced". In describing the tragic aftermath of the city which "is locked behind the barb wire" for 36 years and deprived of its inhabitants, Ms. Sofianou also stressed that, "this is an absurd situation...Snakes, rats and other predators" now inhabit the city she echoed. The return of Famagusta is the first step to a solution to the Cyprus problem, she further stressed.
A greeting message on behalf of the Consul General of Greece to NY and the Greek government was also conveyed by Greek Consul Vagelis Kyriakopoulos. In congratulating CYPRECO and its President for this presentation, Consul Kyriakopoulos stressed, "it is very important that we do not forget" adding that, "at this point the negotiations are at a turning point". "Now, more than ever the Cypriot and Greek governments work hand in hand, and this is the most encouraging message", he further noted.
Photos above by: ETA Press - Prof. Theoharis David and Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sofianou
The President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, a/k/a PSEKA, Philip Christopher after congratulating CYPRECO and Ms. Maroulleti, conveyed a very inspiring message of solidarity and unity stressing that the Greek Cypriot and Greek American community will continue to work very hard here in the United States until Cyprus is reunited.
Elena Maroulleti, President CYPRECO and Philip Christopher, President PSEKA - Photo by: Kostas Beis
Poet/lyricist Polys Kyriacou enhanced the event with his recital of four different poems which revived Famagusta's rich history over the centuries, but at the same time also expressed the pain for what has happened in 1974, the betrayal and violence that followed on the city and its once-inhabitants, the longing for return as well as the missing people of Cyprus during the Turkish invasion.
The program concluded with the screening of the documentary "Hidden In The Sand" followed by an open discussion with its creator Vasia Markides. The film is a collage of points of view from Greek Cypriots mainly members of the filmmaker's family and Turkish Cypriots.
Photos by: ETA Press - Above: Poet/Lyricist Polys Kyriacou
From left: Attorney Athan Tsimpedes, Elena Maroulleti, Consul General Koula Sofianou, Andy Comodromos, Chairman Cyprus US Chamber of Commerce, Polys Kyriacou, Vasia Markides and Prof. Theoharis David
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REMARKABLE ATTENDANCE TO THE CONCERT/TRIBUTE TO
"THE EVERLASTING SONGS OF VASILIS TSITSANIS" WITH VICKY PALMA
AND RAVING REVIEWS FROM THE GREEK AMERICAN PRESS
November 6, 2009 - CYPRECO of America, Inc., presented with outstanding success in a standing room only at The Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria, New York the concert/tribute to "The Everlasting Songs of Vasilis Tsitsanis" . 
The original number of tickets allocated were sold out one week prior to the performance and organizers had to add more seats to accommodate more people and despite these efforts many people who showed up at the door had to be turned away. Some 40 people however adamantly refused to leave and remained standing throughout the two-hour performance joining the rest in singing and clapping along. The packed venue included Greek American and American fans of rembetika (Greek blues) and Laika (popular-folk) of all walks of life and ages who overwhelmingly responded to CYPRECO's invitation to spend a Friday evening filled with the songs of Greece's legendary songwriter/singer Vasilis Tsitsanis.
Featured singer Vicky Palma and her orchestra led by Kostas Psarros revived some of the most representative songs of Tsitsanis and truly enthused and captivated the audience throughout the performance. Comprised by some of the finest and most established New York-based musicians of Greek music, the members of the orchestra performed with traditional music instruments that represent the rembetika and laika something that added greatly in reviving the songs in their original form and further captivating the audience that remained engaged from beginning to end and kept rewarding them with ongoing applause. Kostas Psarros displayed
his unique talent on the bouzouki but also as singer, Glafkos kontemeniotis on the piano/keyboads, Petros Kamplanis on the guitar while the highlight of the evening was the amazing performance of Megan Gould on the violin and baglama. Although non-Greek, Ms. Gould, an established musician of Middle Eastern, Greek and popular music who holds a BA and a Masters Degree in Music and Ethnomusicology performed like a true rembetic musician.
The concert started with the everlasting hit "Oti Ki An Po Den Se Xechno" (Whatever I say I can never forget you) and then followed some 30 other great hits including "Nichtes Magikes" (Magical Nights), "Zaira", "Sto Skalopati Sou" (At your doorstep), "Pira Tin Strata Kai Erchome" (I'm On My Way And I'm Coming) and of course Tsitsanis' greatest hit "Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki" (Cloudy Sunday).
In welcoming the crowd, CYPRECO's President Elena Maroulleti thanked everyone in attendance, the talented
musicians, the sponsors, the Greek Federation and the Stathakion for hosting the concert and CYPRECO's production support staff while she also referred to the importance of the evening stressing that "we gathered here tonight to honor the memory and the songs of a great songwriter/singer. Right here the old songs are being revived.....Old songs but, always brand new because they are the everlasting songs of Vasilis Tsitsanis. Vasilis Tsitsanis was the great teacher of rembetika and popular folk songs and a virtuoso bouzouki player who carried a great weight of what is considered "Greek music inheritance" and which brings together Greeks wherever they are!" Ms. Maroulleti also referred to the history of the rembetika and the important contributions of Tsitsanis in establishing them as the most popular form of music in Greece in the mid 1930's and thereafter.
As advertised, this benefit concert was given in support of Public Service Radio AKTINA FM on WNYE 91.5FM
and Ms. Maroulleti thanked all of AKTINA FM's and AKTINA TV's fans who responded to CYPRECO's invitation to attend, while she also apologized to those that were turned away because there were no more seats including to those who chose to remain and enjoy the concert standing.
A beautifully arranged printed program was distributed for free highlighting CYPRECO's past and upcoming programs, the biographies of all participating musicians and of Vasilis Tsitsanis and vital background information about the history of the rembetika.
This concert was partially funded by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and was supported by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York of which AKTINA Productions, Inc., the sponsoring organization of AKTINA FM is a member.
CYPRECO's production team included: Elena Maroulleti, Concert Executive Producer, Tom Stouras TV Production Director, Caroline Ioannou, Sr,. Production Assistant, Kosmas Vrakas, Elpida Tsoulogiannis and Lambros Kontokostas, Production Assistants, Katerina and Alexis Chapman, Interns. Lights by Thanasis Tzouvelis. The concert's official photographers were Kostas Beis and Fotis Papagermanos.
Photos above: ETA Press
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CYPRECO's CONCERT "CYPRUS-AEGEAN-SMYRNA"
WITH A TRIBUTE TO THE REMBETIKA (GREEK BLUES)WON THE HEARTS OF ALL IN ATTENDANCE
BIG PRAISE FOR THE ORGANIZATION ON THE OCCASION OF THIS PRODUCTION
AND REQUESTS FOR MANY MORE SIMILAR MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Watch Video Excerpts Of This Concert On YouTube - Search Under CYPRECO
MARCH 6, 2009- CYPRECO presented a one of a kind concert featuring leading soloists (musicians and singers) from the well known Mediterranean orchestra from Greece ESTOUDIANTINA Neas Ionias.Greek Cypriots, Greek Americans and Americans of walks of life and ages packed the Queens Theatre In The Park in Queens, New York and spent two hours filled with unique music and songs from Cyprus, Aegean and Smyrna while the highlight of the concert was the special tribute to the rembetika(Greek blues). People were fully engaged throughout the concert singing and clapping along to the beautiful music and songs presented with authentic traditional instruments. The performance which was characterized by all in attendance as captivating and memorable truly moved everyone and according to the testimonies of several guests, some of the songs brought tears in their eyes as they revived very sweet memories from their homeland and even of their parents and grandparents who used to listen to this music here in America. Vocalists Thodoris Mermigkas (also performed the guitar) and Aspasia Stratigou with their authentic traditional voices revived the songs in a most unique form and in the same manner, the rest of the musicians were also exceptionally superb and the non-stop applause which they all received throughout the performance was very well deserved. The group was led by its founder and artistic director Andreas Katsigiannis
who played the santouri and piano and also accompanied the singers in several songs. 
Kyriakos Gouventas one of the leading traditional violinists in Greece displayed with outstanding success his exceptional talent on the violin and so did Nikos Mermigkason the bouzouki and lute, Dimos Vougioukas on the accordion and Kostas Meretakis on percussions. Each of the musicians offered a special treat to the audience with their solos which earned them additional cheering applause. In his welcoming remarks Andreas Katsigiannis thanked CYPRECO and Elena Maroulleti, the concert's Executive Producer for giving his group "this unique opportunity to perform before so many Greek Americans and Americans" while he also thanked everyone for attending and supporting with their presence "such an exceptional and worthy endeavor which promotes very important aspects of the musical traditions of Cyrus and Greece". The concert which started on time at 9pm as advertised and run for two solid hours was divided into four different sets which contributed in reaching reaching the goal of the performance which was to showcase and highlight the centuries old close ties and relationship between the music and songs of Cyprus-Aegean-Smyrna. and how beautifully they blend together. It is worthwhile noting that the first set also featured music and songs form the latest work by ESTOUDIANTINA titled "SMYRNE Tears On The Glass".
There were brief closing remarks from Elena Maroulleti, 
the concert's Executive Producer and President of CYPRECO who thanked everyone whose attendance as she noted "and ethusiastic participation throughout the concert verified once again how important and necessary such performances of quality are for all New Yorkers which highlight the representative aspects of Greek music". Ms. Maroulleti also expressed special thanks to all of the participating artists, the many dignitaries who attendend among others, the Consul General of Cyprus to N.Y., Andreas Panagiotou and the Very Reverand Sebastian Skordallos, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the staff of the Queens Theatre In The Park, the production staff of CYPRECO and all of the sponsors for their support.
Following the non-stop cheering applause from the audience, Ms. Maroulleti invited the musicians to play a few more songs as an encore.
Apart from its entertaining aspect the concert also served as an educational cultural lesson for many and especially for the youth who attended in lqrge numbers and the many non-Greek guests as it gave them the opportunity on one hand to hear in the most traditional form the music and songs of the three featured regions and on the other to learn more about their origins and background from the relevant information which was included in the pribted program and which was distributed to all in attendance for free.
NEW YORK STATE AND CITY OFFICIALS RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CYPRECO ON ITS 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
On the occasion of this concert which was the highlight of CYPRECO's anniversary activities, Proclamations were issued by New York State Senator George Onorato, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and Councilmember Peter F. Vallone, Jr. In their Proclamations these officials recognize and pay tribute to the organization's important cultural contributions over the last three decades and proclaim CYPRECO as "a highly valued member of the Queens cultural community".
CYPRECO's March 6th concert was paqrtially funded by Arch Capital Services, Inc., the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cyprus Ministry of Culture and Education and the Department of Overseas Cypriots. It was sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Marathon Bank of New York, the Cyprus Federation of America, the Alexander S. Onassis Benefit Foundation (USA), the Cyprus Association of Milk Products-Cheese EU and the following restaurants in Astoria, NY: Neptube Diner, Stamatis Restaurant, and Pancyprian Sports Lounge.
Media Sponsors: AKTINA FM, AKTINA TV and Antenna Satellite. CYPRECO's Production Staff included: Elena Maroulleti, Concert Executive Producer, Tom Stouras TV Production Director, Caroline Ioannou Senior Production Assistant, Kosmas Vrakas and Dimitris Rombotis Production Support. Official photographers: Kostas Beis, Petros Petrides and Fotis Papagermanos.
Photos by: Petros Petrides
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2008 SUCCESSFUL CONCERTS & FOLK ARTS PROGRAMS
RAVING REVIEWS FOR CYPRECO's 2008 CONCERT PRODUCTIONS
JUNE 13,2008 - CONCERT/TRIBUTE TO GREECE'S 4 LEADING REBETIKA & POPULAR SINGERS
KETI GREY, POLY PANOU, MARY LINDA AND VICKY MOSCHOLIOU
WITH GREEK AMERICAN POPULAR SINGER VICKY PALMA AND HER ORCHESTRA.
On June 23, 2008 CYPRECO of America, Inc., presented with outstanding success at the Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria, Queens a sold-out concert featuring Greek American singer Vicky Palma and her orchestra. The concert which was dedicated to 4 leading rebetika and popular Greek singers Keti Grey, Poly Panou, Mary Linda and the late Vicky Moscholiou lasted for two hours and throughout the performance people were fully engaged by singing and clapping along to the everlasting songs of Grey, Panou, Linda and Mosholiou.
Organized by CYPRECO of America and produced 
by Elena Maroulleti (photo right) who also selected the repertoire, the concert revived some of the most representative rebetika and popular-folk songs of the early 50’s, 60’s and 70’s by leading Greek composers and songwriters made popular by the four featured singers. Vicky Palma who made her debut as a solo performer in a concert truly enthused and captivated the audience with her interpretation of the songs.
Equally captivating were the outstanding musicians who accompanied Palmas all of whom are well known for their contributions to Greek music. Kostas Psarros performance on the bouzouki was superb, Panos Papagiannakis a veteran drummer who has worked with numerous leading artists from Greece played exceptionally well with great technique and style. Glafkos Kontemeniotis another veteran musician played the keyboards with his known unique style and Kostas Tsoukalas, one of the finest guitarists added his own unique magic to the entire performance.
The reactions of the people during and after the performance were exceptionally positive and enthusiastic. Everyone loved the selection of the songs, Vicky’s interpretation and the musicians who accompanied her.
A full house of guests comprised by Greek Americans and leading members and representatives of both the Greek Cypriot and Greek
American community were in attendance including leading Board Members of the Cyprus Federation of America and of The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.
CYPRECO's concert was under the auspices of the Federation of Hellenic Societies and the Cyprus Federation of America. Partial funding was provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cyprus Federation of America, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Capital One Bank, Vertical Construction and Eiseman Levine Lehrhaupt & Kakoyiannis, PC. Kostas Psarros was the concert’s musical director. Thanasis Tzouvelis, Lights Director, Production Staff Caroline Ioannou, Elpida Tsoulogiannis, Kosmas Vrakas, Kristina Polios, & Jen De Mucci, Thomas Stouras TV Production Director and media sponsors AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV. The event was covered by the daily Greek American newspaper The National Herald. A printed program was also distributed during the performance which included background information on the featured artists Keti Grey, Poly Panou. Mary Linda and Vicky Mosholiou, the participating musicians, the history of the rebetika and popular folk songs and the activities of CYPRECO.
Photos by ETA Press
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MARCH 21, 2008 – CYPRUS THROUGH SONGS & POETRY
A concert/tribute to the traditional and contemporary songs of Cyprus
plus poetry/songs by Greek Cypriot poet Polys Kyriacou
Watch AKTINA TV's Special Report and Excerpts From This Concert On Youtube - Search Under CYPRECO
On March 21, 2008 CYPRECO of America presented a one of a kind concert in Astoria, Queens that paid tribute to the traditional and contemporary songs of Cyprus, including the poetry and songs of Polys Kyriacou a Greek Cypriot American poet/lyricist.
Under the title CYPRUS THROUGH SONGS AND POETRY CYPRECO’s sold-out performance which was under the auspices of the Cyprus of America, captivated the audience for two solid hours with Cypriot songs which blended with the poetry of Polys Kyriacou. People sang and clapped along to the traditional songs of Cyprus, while they were moved with the contemporary songs of Kyriacou most of which pertain to the 1974 Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of the island. The program included the already released songs by Kyriacou Apousia absence and Kyrenia while the surprise of the evening was the debut of 3 of his new and unreleased songs Aphrodite, Kypros Nyn kai Aei and Mana-mother dedicated to all Cypriot mothers.
The concert was presented by some of the finest musicians who serve the Greek and Cypriot music in New York and who truly moved the audience with their exceptional performance. Glafkos Kontemeniotis piano and orchestration, Nicholas Sofos violin, Bob Maloney percussion and George Kollias guitar and vocals. The performance by George Kollias was exceptional in both the traditional and the contemporary songs of Cyprus while the presentation of his own song Ammohosmeni buried in the the sand which is dedicated to the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta was very rewarding.
The highlight of the concert was CYPRECO’s guest star from Greece, the very talented Greek Cypriot singer Doros Demosthenous who truly won the audience with his exceptional performance in the presentation of the traditional songs of Cyprus which were presented in a new and very unique adaptation, however without escaping the tradition. Demosthenous who is also a musician further enthused the 
audience further with an impromptu performance on the piano singing the song Ela Korou, while his passionate presentation of the songs by Polys Kyriacou Kyrenia and Kypros Nyn kai Aei were exceptionally moving and powerful.
The poetry of Polys Kyriacou was eloquent and inspiring covering a variety of themes with special emphasis on love, everyday life in America, the mother, today’s society and the tragedy of Cyprus following the 1974 Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of the island. Attended by a full house of Greek and Greek Cypriot Americans and Americans of all ages, CYPRECO’s unique event was honored with the presence of several dignitaries, 
community leaders and officials including the Consul
Generals of Greece and Cyprus Mrs. Aglaia Balta and Mr. Andreas Panagiotou, the Vice President of Cyprus Federation of America Kostas Tsentas, the Vice President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice For Cyprus Tasos Zambas, the President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York Nikos Diamantides, the Director of the Greek Press Office in New York Ms. Polyxeni Mastroperou and members of the Greek American press.
According to the testimonials of all of those in attendance, CYPRECO’s March 21st event is considered one of best community events ever staged in New York and the organization has offers to tour it in other locations. 
CYPRUS THROUGH SONGS AND POETRY, was produced by Elena Maroulleti with the support of the CYPRECO and AKTINA FM team members Tom Stouras, Caroline Ioannou, Elpida Tsoulogiannis, Vlassis Anastasiou, Dimitris Robotis and Fotis Papagermanos. This program was made possible in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cyprus Federation of America, Marathon Bank of New York, Homeric Tours, The Lampousa Cyprus Association, Zenon Restaurant in Astoria and Oasis Café in Flushing. AKTINA FM and AKTINA TV were the official media sponsors.
From left Glafkos Kontemeniotis, Nicholas Sofos, George Kollias, Doros Demosthenous, Elena Maroulleti and Polys Kyriacou.
Photos above by ETA Press
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SPECIAL CULTURAL PROGRAM BY CYPRECO OF AMERICA, INC
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 34TH TRAGIC ANNIVERSARY OF THE TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS
PRESENTED IN ASTORIA, NEW YORK ON JULY 18, 2008
On the occasion of the 34th tragic anniversary of the July 20, 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus that resulted in the division of the island and illegal continued occupation of 37% of its northern territory, the Cyprus Federation of America (C.F.A) and the International Coordinating Committee Justice For Cyprus (PSEKA) joined by members of the Greek Cypriot and Greek American community, organized a series of remembrance events including a 2-day visit to Washington for contacts with high ranking officials.
The remembrance events started on July 18, 2008 with the presentation of the program “CYPRUS: 34 Years Later…A Journey To Our Occupied Cities”, produced by CYPRECO of America, Inc., a chapter member of the C.F.A.
A full house of guests from the tri-state area of New York and beyond comprised by Greek Cypriot and Greek Americans, including members from the general public, dignitaries and representatives from several community organizations and federations attended the July 18th event which was held at the Stathakion Cultural Center in Astoria, Queens and was mainly dedicated to the occupied cities of Kyrenia and Famagusta, two of the most beautiful cities of Cyprus under occupation whose history and culture stems from ancient times. Through poetry, music, songs and the projection of two mini-documentaries, CYPRECO’s program revived the rich heritage, and history of Kyrenia and Famagusta, including their important contributions over the centuries to the progress, character and identity of the island.
The event was greeted by the Presidents of C.F.A and PSEKA Peter Papanicolaou and Philip Christopher respectively, the V.P. of the Federation of Hellenic Societies George Chrysomallis and the Consul General of Cyprus in New York Andreas Panagiotou. All speakers congratulated CYPRECO for this unique production, while referring to the illegal division and occupation of Cyprus by Turkey called upon the Greek Cypriot and Greek American community to remain united and to continue with the same interest its struggle for the freedom of Cyprus. The Presidents of CFA P. Papanicolaou and of PSEKA P. Christopher both reiterated and emphasized that the organized Greek Cypriot American community will continue working tirelessly and always in support of every elected government in Cyprus for a just and viable resolution of the Cyprus problem that will result in the long-awaited re-unification of the island.
And indeed, the very well organized event which started on time included a very well thought and produced program enhanced with poetry, songs and two mini-documentaries by AKTINA TV.
There were poetry recitals by Elena Maroulleti and Greek-Cypriot poet/lyricist Polys Kyriacou from the book THE YEAR BEING…, by the late author/poet Lucy Maroulleti including from various poetry collections by Kyriacou. The poems truly moved the audience as they revive beautiful memories from Kyrenia and Famagusta, while they also send very strong messages about the injustice that prevails in Cyprus following the 1974 Turkish invasion. Greek American singer Aphrodite Daniel accompanied by Panos Chysovergis on the keyboards along with singer Panagiotis Andreou revived patriotic songs by well known Greek Cypriot and Greek songwriters and composers in a very beautiful performance.
Elena Maroulleti, President of CYPRECO and presenter of the program also welcomed the guests and thanked C.F.A and PSEKA for the big honor they had bestowed upon CYPRECO by entrusting it to produce this cultural program for Cyprus which as she noted “it's truly a very unique journey which will revive beautiful memories and unique feelings”.
The two-mini documentaries by AKTINA TV, written, produced and narrated by Elena Mroulleti and edited by Tom Stouras which were dedicated to Kyrenia and Famagusta included recent original AKTINA TV footage shot in the two occupied cities, as well as file footage from the 1974 Turkish invasion. Both documentaries examine and highlight the rich history of Kyrenia and Famagusta from antiquity to date with emphasis to the Turkish invasion and the sad results of the subsequent continued occupation and division of the island.
Photos by ETA Press
Above from left: Andy Comodromos, Pres. Cyprus US Chamber of Commerce, Philip Christopher, Pres. PSEKA, Peter Papanicolaou, Pres. C.F.A., Andreas Panagiotou, Consul General of Cyprus to NY, Elena Maroulleti, Marios Ioannou and Michalis Andreou, Vice Presidents C.F.A.
Photo Right: Elena Maroulleti, President CYPRECO of America, Inc.