Kelly Thoma and Mayu Shviro invite you to an extraordinary musical journey that dissolves the boundaries between tradition and modernity. At the center are contemporary modal compositions by Kelly Thoma - a vibrant dialogue between lyre and cello, characterized by virtuosity, improvisation, and creative freedom.
New Lyra Sounds from Crete
Kelly Thoma and Mayu Shviro invite their audience on an extraordinary musical journey that transcends traditional genre boundaries. At the heart of their program are contemporary modal compositions by Kelly Thoma, interpreted with cello and lyra – a fascinating dialogue of two string instruments, inspired by both new and old musical traditions at the highest virtuosic level. The magical dance of their bows connects rhythms and melodies with a deep creative freedom, anchored in conscious improvisation and an open, modern approach to musical heritage.
Together they present a concert, drawing their repertoire from the global treasures of modal music traditions. They redefine the potential of modal music and create an auditory experience between innovation and rootedness. In doing so, they focus on the beauty of modality and the immediate power of improvised music – a celebration of diversity and artistic encounter.
Contemporary Modal Music
The term "contemporary modal music" was coined by Ross Daly and describes new compositions that are inspired by the modal traditions found worldwide yet do not stop at their boundaries. This music is not an attempt to preserve the past, but instead a contemporary expression of phrase-oriented, non-harmonic music, which often utilizes microtonal intervals and develops freely. It is open, border-crossing, and international, always seeking new creative paths.
About the Artists
Kelly Thoma was born in 1978 in Piraeus and shapes today's modal music scene as a lyra player and composer. Her international concert activity has taken her around the globe with the ensemble "Labyrinth". Over the years, Thoma has developed a distinctive style and has released several albums of her own compositions.
Mayu Shviro, born in Jerusalem, draws from Japanese and Iraqi roots, blending classical with Arabic, Turkish, and Azerbaijani traditions on the cello. She studied with renowned masters and works with numerous ensembles worldwide.