John Koenig – US Ambassador
to Cyprus presents
Ambassador’s Award for
Cultural Diplomacy
By Margaret Sheard….
We had the pleasure of recently meeting Demetra George Mustafaoğlu together with her husband Mehmet at their beautiful home in Çatalköy and were joined by Figen Vicky Rasmussen who, with Demetra, was finalising the grand gala concert which was to be held at the Grand Pasha Hotel in Kyrenia on 2nd May. Demetra was giving her time and talent at the concert which was to raise funds for the Engelsiz Yasam Evi (Home for the Young Disabled) in Nicosia, together with other artists, including Fikri Toros. To see the review of this great occasion click here.
We were delighted to hear that former Miss Oklahoma and National Talent Award for Miss. Teenage America – Demetra George Mustafaoğlu, together with Katie Economidou and Fikri Toros had been chosen for an Ambassador’s Award for Cultural Diplomacy which was presented by US Ambassador to Cyprus – John Koenig and Mrs Natalie Koenig and we show below the press release issued by the United States Embassy in Nicosia.
We, at cyprusscene, would like to offer our congratulations to Demetra. Katie and Fikri for the award given in recognition of their outstanding achievements through the world of music.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Ambassador Cultural Awards
The U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus John Koenig and Mrs. Koenig presented three exceptional performers with the “Ambassador’s Award for Cultural Diplomacy” in recognition of their outstanding commitment to cross cultural communication through music.
Katie Economidou, Demetra George Mustafaoğlu, and Fikri Toros received the awards during a luncheon in their honour hosted by the Ambassador and Mrs. Koenig at Davies House. As Ambassador Koenig said during his presentation remarks, “I envy not only your exceptional musical accomplishments, but even more your selfless dedication to using music for peace-building and inter-cultural understanding in Cyprus and beyond.”
These talented performers have used their gifts to benefit and delight audiences in Cyprus and around the world, raise funds for charitable organizations, and contribute to this island through teaching, performing, and leading organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Cypriots.
The Honorees
Katie Economidou:
After completing her studies in classical singing, voice, and music, as well as receiving her MA in
Demetra George Mustafaoğlu, PhD:
One of the most celebrated musical ambassadors of the United States,
Fikri Toros:
A successful businessman and President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, Fikri Toros is