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The Windcraft Music Fest occurred for the eleventh time in Katydata, a picturesque village situated on Mount Troodos in Cyprus. This event celebrates wind instruments, showcasing not only the region’s rich musical heritage but also incorporating elements of jazz and contemporary sound. Musicians and bands from various parts of Europe, including many international acts, participated in this year’s 11th Windcraft Music Fest.
Robinson Khoury, a 30-year-old musician recognized for his contributions to French jazz, was among the performers. In 2024, Khoury received the prestigious Django Reinhardt Prize for being the best jazz musician in France. He’s known for his skill in playing the trombone and his prowess in improvisation. His collaborations with artists like Ibrahim Maalouf, Natacha Atlas, and Quincy Jones demonstrate his versatility and talent. His latest project, “Mesium,” explores his Lebanese heritage by blending jazz with Middle Eastern musical scales, ancient musical traditions, wordless vocals, and electronic soundscapes. At the Windcraft Music Fest, Khoury presented this project alongside his trio, composed of Anisha Neari and Leo Zashef.
Khoury expressed his goal of making this musical project unique, emphasizing the chemistry between the unconventional combination of instruments and the fusion of ancient musical traditions with electronic music. This project aims to rediscover forgotten sounds and timbres, creating a bridge between past and present musical landscapes.
The Oratnitza ensemble, comprising five young Bulgarian musicians, also graced the stage. Their musical style, dubbed “ETHNOBASS,” combines Bulgarian traditional music with contemporary genres such as drum and bass, dubstep, and jazz. They shared compositions from their fourth album, “The Guardian,” which combines classic Bulgarian instruments with modern influences, including the djediridou, an ancient woodwind instrument with a bass sound, alongside synthesizers and traditional singing.
Windcraft Music Fest is more than a series of concerts; it’s a vibrant celebration of the diversity that arises from collaborations between individuals who have never worked together before. It’s a showcase for local and international artists, with a particular focus on wind instruments. The festival also extends an invitation to participants of all ages to engage in the creative musical process through workshops and other activities. These initiatives aim to explore and appreciate the rich cultural legacy of the village and its surrounding region.
