Without a Conductor

We will have the opportunity to enjoy the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra without a conductor during the next concert series. Musical ensembles with strings and winds will present a programme with works by Grieg, Wirén and Gounod. More specifically the programme includes the works: E. Grieg: Holberg Suite, Op.40, D. I. Wirén: Serenade for strings, Op.11, Ch. Gounod: Little Symphony for nine wind instruments and Jazz Suite (J. Richards, M. Ellington, T. Waller), orch. A. Baltas.

Three evening concerts will take place on Wednesday 5 December 2012 at the Larnaka Municipal Theatre, on Thursday 6 December 2012 at the Markideion Theatre, Paphos and on Friday 7 December 2012 at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. The concerts start at 20:30. Tickets available at the Theatres’ box office (Tel. 24 665794, 26 932571, 22 313010). €12 and €7 (18- 26 years old and pensioners). Free entrance for children and students under 18 years old. Information: 22 463144, ww.cyso.org.cy

The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1987 by the Ministry of Education and Culture and worked as the Cyprus State Orchestra until 2006. In 2006, the Ministry of Education and Culture established the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation, which manages the Orchestra since January 2007.

According to the Foundation’s Artistic Policy, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra aims to bring classical music close to the wider public of Cyprus. This is achieved by giving concerts in all main cities, as well as by organizing community outreach programmes. The Orchestra’s Educational Programmes, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, cover all levels of education from early childhood to secondary education. The Orchestra’s activities also include participation in International and local Festivals, as well as in opera productions.

Aiming to promote the work of Cypriot artists, the CySO regularly collaborates with Cypriot composers, presenting premieres of their works. It has collaborated with distinguished Cypriot and foreign artists and at the same time gives a platform for young artists, by offering them regular public exposure. Aiming to promote modern Cypriot culture abroad, the Orchestra develops cultural exchange programmes and has toured several times in Greece, Germany, Denmark, Bulgaria, France, Malta, the U.K. and Switzerland.

The first Conductor and Artistic Director of the Orchestra was Ayis Ioannides, who was succeeded by Roland Melia, Maciej Zoltowski, Spiros Pisinos and Peter Kovacs as General Manager and Artistic Director. Since May 2011, Alkis Baltas is the Orchestra’s Artistic Director / Chief Conductor.