May concerts take on spirit of romance

Having resumed their programme of events, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra (CySO) brings another concert to the island’s theatres. Conducted by renowned German maestro Wolfram Christ, Spirit of Romanticism will feature music by romantic composers of Central Europe, bursting with emotion and drama.

The concert series will begin in Paphos on May 19 at Markideio Theatre before travelling to Rialto Theatre on May 20 and Pallas Theatre the following day. With violin soloist Wolfgang Schroeder, the Orchestra musicians and maestro Wolfram, Spirit of Romanticism will focus on pieces by Antonín Dvořák and Louis Spohr.

Discovered in 1951, Dvořák’s Seven pieces for small orchestra were composed back in 1867 to be performed during the interval of a drama production, as was the custom at the time at the Provisional Theatre in Prague. In them, one soon discovers seven movements of gorgeous, surprising theatricality, as if written to accompany the play itself.

One more piece by Dvořák will be performed at the concerts. “Full of optimism, bliss and exuberance,” says the orchestra, “Dvořák’s Serenade for strings was written in 1875, during one of the happiest and most productive times of his life.”

All 15 violin concertos by the German composer Louis Spohr show great originality, vigour and a distinct melodic elegance. CySO’s concertmaster Schroeder will interpret Spohr’s Violin concerto nο. 8. Subtitled ‘in modo di scena cantante’, this concerto stands out by assigning to the violin the role of an opera character, much in the way of a dramatic opera scene, including characteristic recitative and aria style sections.

Spirit of Romanticism

Concert series by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra with renowned German maestro Wolfram Christ. May 19. Markideio Theatre, Paphos. May 20. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. May 21. Pallas Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €5, 7, 12. Tickets at cyso.interticket.com,  rialto.interticket.com, the Rialto App, Rialto Theatre’s Box office and Pallas Theatre’s Box Office every Wednesday