Promotional Activity
As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Paphos, the sound of world-class music fills the air at Minthis, a luxury resort now making its mark as a cultural destination. What began as a bold idea to blend nature, architecture, and art has evolved into the Minthis Music Festival, an event that promises not just performances, but unforgettable experiences. We sat down with Evangelia Eliadou, Executive Director of Pafilia, and internationally acclaimed tenor Massimo Giordano, Artistic Director of the festival, to talk about the inspiration behind the project, its rapid evolution, and their shared vision for transforming Minthis into a cultural beacon in the Eastern Mediterranean. 
Q: What inspired the creation of the Minthis Music Festival, and how did the concept take shape?
Evangelia Eliadou: The Minthis Music Festival is a natural extension of the Minthis philosophy — one that is deeply rooted in harmony: between architecture and the natural landscape, between tradition and contemporary living, and, of course, between people and the cultural experiences that bring them together.
As the resort reached a significant milestone with the completion of its core infrastructure and amenities, it felt like the right moment to shift our focus from creating a physical place to enriching it with meaningful experiences. It’s designed not only for our residents, but also for a wider audience, welcoming guests from across Cyprus and beyond to experience music in a truly unique setting. The festival marks the beginning of this new chapter. It’s not just an event; it’s an expression of the Minthis spirit, designed to inspire and connect.
Massimo Giordano: Our vision was to create something exceptional and memorable — a festival that resonates on multiple levels: artistically, emotionally, and culturally.
What makes the Minthis Music Festival so distinctive is not only the calibre of the artists we host, but the environment in which they perform. The amphitheatre is carved into the hillside, offering superb acoustics, breathtaking views, and a sense of intimacy that elevates the entire experience. Every element — from the lighting to the programming — is carefully curated. It’s a festival that speaks not only to the ear, but to the soul.
Q: How has the festival evolved from its debut in 2024 to the expanded 2025 edition?
Evangelia Eliadou: The 2024 launch was intentionally intimate — two exquisite evenings of classical music that served as a proof of concept. The overwhelming response from audiences and artists alike confirmed that we had created something truly meaningful.
Massimo Giordano: For 2025, we’ve grown into a five-night celebration of artistic excellence. Each evening features internationally renowned performers, carefully selected for their artistry, innovation, and ability to connect deeply with an audience. It’s a bold step forward — and yet, it retains the elegance, exclusivity, and emotional power that made our first edition so memorable.
Q: Can you share highlights from the 2025 program?
Massimo Giordano: The 2025 lineup is extraordinary. We are honoured to welcome the La Scala String Quartet for the first time in Cyprus, they open the festival with the precision and passion synonymous with Milan’s legendary opera house. This is followed by a remarkable ensemble of Sony Music artistes featuring Niklas Liepe, Raphaela Gromes, Nils Lipe and Julian Reim — all the forefront of Europe’s new classical movement.
Evangelia Eliadou: We are also thrilled to present Rachel Portman, the Oscar-winning composer, whose music has touched millions through film. Her performance — in collaboration with Niklas Liepe — will be a deeply moving highlight. My friend here, Italian tenor Massimo Giordano also brings operatic splendour on Saturday night, and the festival will conclude with the internationally celebrated guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas, whose expressive power perfectly captures the spirit of Minthis.
Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for 2026 and beyond?
Massimo Giordano: Our goal is to cultivate something far greater than a single event—we’re building a lasting cultural force. By 2026, we envision expanding the festival into a celebration that stands confidently on the international stage. Over the long term, we aim to establish Minthis as an essential annual platform for performance, artistic creation, and cultural dialogue—something that artists and audiences alike look forward to each year.
Evangelia Eliadou: This festival is just the beginning, it is young and growing. We believe Minthis can become a beacon for culture in the Eastern Mediterranean — a recognized yearly destination that invites people not only to listen, but to reflect, connect, and be inspired. There is something profoundly exhilarating about hearing music of this calibre in a setting so alive with history and natural beauty. It is, quite simply, unlike anything else.
