December concerts of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra

It is a busy time of year, that is certain. For culture and music lovers especially, it is a wonderful season as the cultural calendar is bursting with events.

In December, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra will offer plenty of classical music evenings for the whole family as it gets in the Christmas spirit. Travelling around the island, the orchestra will pay tribute to noteworthy compositions, highlight local talent and bring to life beloved fairy tales that spread the holiday cheer.

On December 8 and 9, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra will present the Starlight 2 – Great Performers concert series to Nicosia and Limassol audiences. Joined by Ukrainian pianist Igor Tchetuev whose inspiring performance astonished audiences last year, the orchestra will perform the Third Piano Concerto by Sergei Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 4 which explores the concept of faith. The musicians will be conducted by the world-renowned Charles Olivieri-Munroe as they perform first at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre and then at the Pattihio Municipal Theatre.

Later in the month, the orchestra will present a brand-new production of the classic musical My Snowman… Has Changed for young audiences by Alex Panayi, Stavros Stavrou and Katerina Α. Christofidou. The Cypriot musical that has won over audiences for years, returns with a new contemporary production, set to be presented at Strovolos Municipal Theatre on December 22 and 23. Featuring over 100 performers on stage, the students and teachers of the Music School of Nicosia, ‘My Snowman’ promises to be the highlight of this year’s festive season, for the whole family.

Meanwhile, the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra will join forces with the Lefkosia Youth Ballet again to present Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker. The beloved, festive fairy tale will be presented by a large group of young dancers and musicians led by conductor Yiorgos Kountouris on December 21, 22 and 23 at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

Starlight 2 – Great Performers

Cyprus Symphony Orchestra concert with Ukrainian pianist Igor Tchetuev. December 8. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. December 9. Pattihio Municipal Theatre, Limassol. 8.30pm. €17-25. Tel: 22-463144. www.cyso.org.cy

My Snowman… Has Changed

Renewed production of popular Cypriot musical. December 22 (6.30pm) and December 23 (4pm and 6.30pm). Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. €15-20. Tel: 22-463144. www.cyso.org.cy

The Nutcracker

Performance by the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Lefkosia Youth Ballet. December 21-23. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 7pm. Tickets at www.tickethour.com.cy. Tel: 22-463144. www.cyso.org.cy