14th world peace choral festivalThe Bi-Communal Choir for Peace – Lena Melanidou participated from July 17 to 20, 2025, in the 14th World Peace Choral Festival, an international event held in Vienna under the auspices of the United Nations.
This participation was a profoundly meaningful experience, perfectly aligned with the choir’s founding purpose and mission. It was also a special honor to receive the distinction of "Angel of Peace" from the festival organizers. This year’s festival brought together around 35 choirs from 20 different countries, including mixed, children’s, student, and professional ensembles of exceptional quality. Among the participants were university choirs from Australia, Poland, Serbia, Bulgaria, and China. Nearly 50 members from both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities took part, united by a shared vision of a peaceful and reunified Cyprus through the universal language of music. The choir’s repertoire featured traditional Cypriot songs in local dialects alongside contemporary works in various languages — all carrying messages of peace, love, and unity. Throughout the festival, the Bi-Communal Choir performed works with strong social and peace themes, such as the “Song of Peace” and other pieces reflecting the pain of war and the longing for the reunification of our homeland. Through its presence, the choir did not simply share melodies — it shared a story, a cry, and a hope. |
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performances by the bi-communal choir for peace
17th of July 2025
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10:00a.m During the Music connects Generations Concerts at St-Carolus-heim, the choir performed in an elderly care institutions with the following songs:
1. Irthe o keros- Ήρθε ο καιρός “Ήρθε ο καιρός” is a Greek song — a lyrical and musical masterpiece by Nikos Gatsos and Stavros Xarchakos. The song expresses a longing and hope for better days. “Ήρθε ο καιρός” means “The time has come” — a powerful phrase that speaks to change, renewal, and optimism. The Bi-communal Choir performs this song with the hope that the time has truly come for the reunification of our island and the peaceful coexistence of its communities. 2. "Oğlan Oğlan"/ "Τ’ Άη Φιλίππου δκιάβηκεν" "This is a traditional Cypriot folk song performed by Cypriot people, with Greek Cypriots singing in Greek and Turkish Cypriots singing in Turkish." Translation of Oğlan Oğlan/ Oh Boy OH BOY Get up, let's go boy Light your cigarette and lantern, let's go What a beautiful boy, his father is a shepherd What a beautiful boy, I'm burned Boy, put your arms around my neck My hair is a pillow for you, my arms are a quilt I asked the boy to make an ivory comb Put aside the comb and carpet What a beautiful boy, his father is a shepherd I am burnt Oh my BOY. 3. Matomeno Fengari The song «Ματωμένο Φεγγάρι» (Matomeno Fengari – Bloodied Moon) is a deeply symbolic and emotional work composed by Mikis Theodorakis, with lyrics by Nikos Gatsos. It expresses themes of pain, oppression, love, and hope, using poetic imagery to reflect the political and emotional atmosphere of Greece during times of turmoil—particularly the post-war and dictatorship periods. Symbolizing hope for liberation and peace. Translation of Matomeno Fengari/ Bleeding Moon One was holding the knife another held the sword And I was holding your hand to keep me warm My love, my love I will talk to you now For the time of joy and for freedom My love, my love In the bitter land the storm will stop and clear starry sky will come back again The moon is bleeding and the sun is dark And into the night I wait to see the sky shine again 4. Eftalya “Eftalya” is a traditional folk song deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Cyprus, especially cherished among both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The song tells the story of a woman named Eftalya—often portrayed as a symbol of beauty, love, and sometimes longing or heartbreak, depending on the version. 5. Yasemin “Yasemin” (meaning “jasmine”) is a beloved traditional Cypriot folk song, widely known and cherished by both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The song celebrates the fragrance and beauty of the jasmine flower, which is a powerful symbol of summer, love, and nostalgia in Cypriot culture. 6. Aman Katerina mou Originally a Greek song titled “Αμάν Κατερίνα μου”. Over time, it was embraced in Turkish as “Cevriye Hanım”, featuring adapted lyrics that resonate with Turkish-speaking audiences. The choir performed both versions as a bilingual medley . 14:00 – Walk-through for the Opening Ceremony at the Austria Center Vienna, |
15:00-17:30 Opening Ceremony in the Austria Center Vienna. Singing the festival’s common song with all participating choirs."
19.30 Voices for Peace Concert: in the Austria Center Vienna The choir will perform with the following songs: 1. “Η μπαλάντα της φιλίας”/"Dostluğun Baladı" “Η Μπαλάντα της Φιλίας” (The Ballad of Friendship) is a moving composition by Adamos Katsantonis, a Greek Cypriot composer, poet, and cultural ambassador known for his work promoting peace and unity in Cyprus. The song has also been translated into Turkish as “Dostluğun Baladı”, reflecting its inclusive spirit and resonance with both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. At its core, the ballad tells a story of friendship that transcends division, inspired by real experiences of solidarity between ordinary people from both sides of the island. Through poetic lyrics and heartfelt melody, the song expresses a longing for reconciliation and a shared future, celebrating the common humanity that binds the people of Cyprus beyond politics and borders. A central image in the song is that of a common sky—a powerful metaphor for coexistence and unity—reminding us that while borders may divide the land, the sky above belongs to everyone. It stands as a musical symbol of hope and coexistence, urging us to look upward and recognize what we all share. The choir will sing the song in both languages, Greek and Turkish. 2. KARDEŞİM GEORGE/Ο αδελφός μου Μεχμέτ This is a very important song for the choir. Its lyrics and music were composed by Adnan Atalay especially for the Bi-communal Choir for Peace in Cyprus. In 2015, the choir travelled to Turkey to participate in the Choirs Festival for Peace, where they shared a powerful message: that we envision a reunited and peaceful country for all Cypriots. During the festival, Mr. Atalay was inspired by the choir’s spirit and created this song as a tribute to its mission. The song has since been translated into Greek and is performed in both languages. Translation of ‘Kardeşim George’ song
My brother YORGO/My brother Mehmet Enough! Let this hostility end We are tired, exhausted, fed up, This fight is not ours, it's the dirty face of politics Let the wars be forgotten, don't let them destroy our love. Brother Yorgo we were born on the same land We swam on the same waters We loved the same song, the same food, the same game We died together in the same earthquake. Brother Mehmet we were born on the same land we got wet together, in the same waters We shared the same song, the same food, the same joy We died together in the same disaster. Take my hands up in the air Open your arms, let this fight end. Come! Take my hands and lift them up Let this fight end with a hug Our land is common, our sea is common, our fate is common.. Brother Mehmet, my brother Yorgo. |
18th of July 2025
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11:00a.m at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna (VIC), the choir will be on stage with the following songs:
1.Yurdunu Sevmeliymiş İnsan – Η Δική Μου η Πατρίδα The song originated from a poem by Neşe Yaşın, a Turkish-Cypriot poet, written at the age of 17, shortly after the 1974 division of Cyprus. The poem reflects the deep anguish over a divided homeland, asking: “Which half of my country should I love?” In 1998, composer Marios Tokas set Yaşın’s poem to music. The song has since become a powerful symbol of resistance, reconciliation, and the hope for reunification and peaceful coexistence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. It is a deeply emotional, bilingual piece that represents the identity and spirit of the Bi-Communal Choir for Peace – Lena Melanidou, and it is performed at the conclusion of every one of the choir’s events. 
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19:30 -21:302 in the House of Strauss
1. Köprüden Geçemedim Turkish and Turkish Cypriot folk song Translation of Köprüden Geçemedim/ The Bridge In the mountains, in the oaks, my rose oil is bottled, my rose oil is in bottles. Hands took my beloved, I was left in the corners, I was left in the corners. The moon rises in blue. I saw you in my dream, my love. I couldn't cross the bridge, fill it up a little, I couldn't drink it. Fill it up a little, I couldn't drink it. I used to love you, used to love you, the cruel one's daughter. The moon rises in blue. I saw you in my dream. 2. Song of Peace (Finlandia) This hymn is a beautiful plea for peace and unity among nations, emphasizing both love for one’s own country and respect for all others. 3. Güzel Günler Turkish popular songs Translation of ‘Güzel Günler’ song
The Good Days When songs are played in your eyes Four seasons bloom in the mountains at once If songs were played in your eyes at every moment The world would be great all at once Behind which mountain are the beautiful days? Is it possible to reach those mountains? We have never forgotten living so much Laugh, make love and play songs You sleep, I will dive into dreams Let me plant blue flowers in the world For example, a magic wand in my hand will bring beautiful days. |
19th of july 2025
19:30-21:30 at MuTh Concert Hall at the Vienna Boys Choir
1. Balıkçılar
Turkish folk-inspired song
Translation of Balıkçılar/Fishermen
You draw the sea here,
You paint the waters blue.
You put the fish and seagulls on top of it.
You hide the cool morning.
You put fish and seagulls on top of it.
You put the cool morning.
Draw the fishermen,
Draw the night and the day as well that will dawn.
Draw the solution for poverty and the future.
Draw the future and the future too.
(Draw freedom and democracy too)
2. Μυρτιά (Myrtia)
"Myrtia" is a beloved Greek song composed by Mikis Theodorakis, with lyrics by the poet and lyricist Nikos Gatsos. Written around 1960, the song is a lyrical tribute that combines the emotional depth of Gatsos’s poetry with Theodorakis’s rich and evocative melodies. The title, Myrtia (Μυρτιά), means myrtle in Greek—a plant symbolizing love, immortality, and in Greek culture. The lyrics speak of lost dreams, longing, and the yearning to rebuild a life of beauty and love.
3. İmagine
The choir will perform the song "Imagine" by John Lennon, a timeless song that envisions a world of peace, unity, and hope. With its simple melody and powerful message, it invites us to imagine life without borders, conflict, or divisions—just harmony among all people. This song remains a universal anthem for peace and human connection.
1. Balıkçılar
Turkish folk-inspired song
Translation of Balıkçılar/Fishermen
You draw the sea here,
You paint the waters blue.
You put the fish and seagulls on top of it.
You hide the cool morning.
You put fish and seagulls on top of it.
You put the cool morning.
Draw the fishermen,
Draw the night and the day as well that will dawn.
Draw the solution for poverty and the future.
Draw the future and the future too.
(Draw freedom and democracy too)
2. Μυρτιά (Myrtia)
"Myrtia" is a beloved Greek song composed by Mikis Theodorakis, with lyrics by the poet and lyricist Nikos Gatsos. Written around 1960, the song is a lyrical tribute that combines the emotional depth of Gatsos’s poetry with Theodorakis’s rich and evocative melodies. The title, Myrtia (Μυρτιά), means myrtle in Greek—a plant symbolizing love, immortality, and in Greek culture. The lyrics speak of lost dreams, longing, and the yearning to rebuild a life of beauty and love.
3. İmagine
The choir will perform the song "Imagine" by John Lennon, a timeless song that envisions a world of peace, unity, and hope. With its simple melody and powerful message, it invites us to imagine life without borders, conflict, or divisions—just harmony among all people. This song remains a universal anthem for peace and human connection.
20th of july 2025
19:30- 21:30 at the Golden Hall of Muslkverein
On this day, marking the tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the choir chose to sing the song “Hiroshima,” originally written by Dave Morgan and first released in 1971 by the British band Wishful Thinking. A haunting anti-war anthem reflecting on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the song was later adapted by the choir’s late conductor, Lena Melanidou, to reflect the Cypriot tragedy. In this moving arrangement, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots symbolically apologized to each other and to their homeland for the pain and suffering caused by the war.
On this day, marking the tragic anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the choir chose to sing the song “Hiroshima,” originally written by Dave Morgan and first released in 1971 by the British band Wishful Thinking. A haunting anti-war anthem reflecting on the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the song was later adapted by the choir’s late conductor, Lena Melanidou, to reflect the Cypriot tragedy. In this moving arrangement, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots symbolically apologized to each other and to their homeland for the pain and suffering caused by the war.
The last song with which the choir concluded its performance was “Yurdunu Sevmeliymiş İnsan – Η Δική Μου η Πατρίδα,” a piece that reflects its identity and spirit. This song has become a tradition, always used to close the choir’s concerts with a message of unity and love for one’s homeland.
The festival concluded with all participating choirs joining together to perform the common song “Coming Together to Sing, Singing for a Better Future”, expressing the hope that humanity will see brighter days in peace.
