Interview on 3XY Radio Hellas

Stefanos Pelekanis, one of the most talented and beloved figures in the Cypriot music scene, recently appeared in the studio of 3XY Radio Hellas. Invited as a guest on the expatriate program, he shared his experiences and reflections on his career, tradition, and the music that expresses who he is.

Taking advantage of his tour in Australia, Stefanos revealed that he began his journey in Adelaide and continued with concerts in Brisbane and Melbourne. The program, held on Valentine’s Day, centered on the theme of love—an emotion he considers the cornerstone of both his life and his music. “Love is everywhere and always relevant”, he remarked thoughtfully, emphasizing how both his daily life and his songs continually explore the power of love.

However, his musical journey is not solely a form of personal expression. Deeply rooted in the traditional values of Cyprus, Stefanos also seamlessly blends music with literature—a passion likely fueled by his background as a philologist. He explained that his love for Byzantine music and traditional songs was instilled in him by his family and early experiences in church, where he began chanting at a young age. “It is a great blessing to have spent so many years in the choir”, he said with emotion, referring to his path as a chanter and the profound inner connection he feels with music.

Looking ahead to 2025, Stefanos is preparing to release new material featuring songs steeped in traditional music alongside fresh interpretations of contemporary Cypriot realities. While his discography remains faithful to the island’s traditions, he is also venturing into experimental territory with artistic and musical explorations. For instance, his upcoming work, “En i Agapi Yasemin”, features lyrics by Michalis Chatzimichail and music by himself. This piece intertwines traditional melodies with modern elements, capturing his personal views on love and life.

Discussing the Cypriot music scene and the summer festivals, Stefanos disclosed that he will return to Cyprus in June to take part in various concerts and events, further continuing his journey through the world of music and culture. “It’s wonderful to see that the new generation loves tradition while also seeking new sounds”, he noted, expressing optimism for the future of Cypriot music.

With his warm voice and passionate dedication to tradition, Stefanos Pelekanis remains an irreplaceable presence in the music scene. He keeps Cyprus’s cultural heritage vibrant and adaptable to modern times. Fans in both Cyprus and Australia can look forward to much more from this talented artist, who promises to carry on his work with love and creativity.