More musical steps

By Maria Gregoriou

The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra will present its second series of concerts with young artists under the title of The First Step during two concerts this week – the first in Larnaca on Thursday and the second in Nicosia on Friday.

After the orchestra’s introduction to violinist Andreas Lardis and pianist Christos Yiallouros last week, young soloists Constantinos Christou and Annisa Iacovou on the viola, and Orestis Magou on the piano will take to the stage under the baton of Yiorgos Kountouris.

The three young soloists will perform Max Bruch’s Romaonze for viola, Gioachino Rossini’s overture to the opera La Cenerentola (Cinderella), Pablo de Sarasate’s Fantasy on Bizet’s Carmen for violin and orchestra, op. 25, Johann Strauss’s Radetzky March, op. 228 and the Piano Concerto no. 1 by Cypriot composer and pianist Christodoulos Georgiades.

Christou started violin lessons at the age of ten. In 2010 he became a member of the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2014 he chose the viola as his main instrument of study at the Music Lyceum. He has participated in many concerts as a member of Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra in Cyprus and abroad.

The musician will represent Cyprus at the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra during this month.

Iacovou began violin lessons at the age of eight in the Programme for the Development of Musical Talents of the Ministry of Education. She became a member of the Cyprus Young String Soloists, an ensemble which consisted of the most advanced and talented pupils of the programme.

In 2013 the ensemble was given the opportunity to give their orchestral debut in Monza, Italy.

Magou started learning the piano at the age of six. In 2013 he entered the Evagelia Jiarri Piano Competition where he received third prize. In 2014 Magou also received a scholarship to the Royal Welsh School of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales and at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Young Artists Platform (2) – The First Step
Performance by young artists presented by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. July 2. Larnaca Municipal Theatre, Municipal Gardens, Larnaca. 8.30pm. €12/7. Tel: 22-463144
July 3. Pallas theatre, Nicosia

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