Kormos

Yvonne Melissa received a grant for the development of new music. Kormos is a project of eight orchestral pieces for a new type of string quartet — violin, viola, cello, and lute — exploring cross-cultural collaboration. Musicians from Greek, Catalan, and Persian traditions bring their distinct identities, blending into a rich sonic tapestry. Each piece is inspired by a tree, its mythology, form, and surrounding folklore, reflecting both the wooden nature of the instruments and the conceptual core of the work. Kormos expands the expressive possibilities of the string quartet, bridging traditional music, jazz, and classical forms, and creates immersive performances that resonate across cultures.

Yvonne Melissa is a Greek violinist and composer based in the Netherlands, specializing in Oriental violin and world music. Her work blends Greek, Anatolian, and Middle Eastern traditions into a unique, cross-cultural sound. She released her debut album, Myrra (2023), and has performed across Europe, collaborating with international ensembles and musicians.