The beginning of the year may have just arrived yet event organisers are well into the spring months. When it comes to classical music, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra has exciting programmes planned for January, February and March for listeners of all ages.

Coming up towards the end of this month is the Cyprophonia 2 concert at Nicosia’s Pallas Theatre on January 29. Roman Simović, the dazzling virtuoso and concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra, will share the stage with the orchestra musicians and conductor Zoi Tsokanou for a fabulous spectacle of violin mastery. The evening’s repertoire will include Tchaikovsky’s Violin concerto in D major and Prokofiev’s Violin concerto no. 2 in G minor.

“Simović’s extraordinary artistry and Tsokanou’s inspired leadership promise to deliver a performance brimming with passion, nuance and technical brilliance that will captivate and enthral audiences,” say organisers. “This is truly a musical experience that should not be missed!”

February will bring two exciting concerts to Nicosia and Paralimni audiences, old and young. The Cyprophonia 3 concert on February 13 at Pallas Theatre will highlight Cypriot composers. Under the baton of the rising Cypriot conductor Kyriaki Kountouri, the concert will offer audiences a glimpse into the country’s vibrant musical creation, highlighting the works of four local composers.

Savvas Savva’s Concerto for piano no. 3 will be performed by Cypriot pianist Rami Sadieddine. Also on the programme are Divertimento by Phanos Dymiotis, Physeos Kelados by Giorgos Hadjimarkou and Coastal Land by Nicos Vichas. Rounding off the concert will be Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, and Arodafnousa by Alkis Baltas, paying tribute to folk music traditions of Eastern Europe and Cyprus, respectively.

As March arrives and brings with it the carnival craze, the orchestra will put on its colourful attire to present the family concert The Carnival of the Animals. Three concerts are planned – February 28 at Paralimni’s Xenion High School Amphitheatre, and March 1 at Nicosia’s Pallas Theatre (at 4pm and 5.30pm.)

This concert takes place in collaboration with the music inspector of the department of secondary education and will be an afternoon that will both educate and captivate young audience members.

Under the baton of Cypriot maestro Andreas Asiikkis, the concert starts with one of the most popular classical works for children, The Carnival of the Animals by the French composer Camille Saint-Saints. It consists of 13 delightful pieces, whereby a variety of animals come to life in a richly imaginative and humorous manner, such as the lion, the swan, birds, chicken, donkeys, as well as some humans.

The solo piano parts will be performed by young pianists from the music schools of Cyprus. Bringing elements of the new season, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons will wrap up the concert in high energy.

Cyprophonia 2

Cyprus Symphony Orchestra concert featuring Roman Simović from the London Symphony Orchestra. January 29. Pallas Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. www.cyso.org.cy

Cyprophonia 3

Cyprus Symphony Orchestra concert performing pieces by Cypriot composers. February 13. Pallas Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. www.cyso.org.cy

The Carnival of the Animals

Family concert by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra and young pianists from the Music Schools of Cyprus. February 28. Xenion High School Amphitheatre, Paralimni. 6pm. March 1. Pallas Theatre, Nicosia. 4pm and 5.30pm. www.cyso.org.cy