This week, classical music will shine in Limassol and Nicosia as the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra presents its Starlight 4 concert series, joined by two great artists of international standing. Sharon Kam, one of the world’s leading clarinetists and Michalis Economou, a world-esteemed conductor, composer and educator will perform alongside the Orchestra this Wednesday and Thursday, charming audiences with a special repertoire.

First, the concert series will travel to Limassol this March 18 for a performance at the Pattihio Municipal Theatre before heading to Nicosia on the following evening for a concert at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre.

Sharon Kam

During the concerts, audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy the mastery of the musicians. The soloist of the evening, Sharon Kam is praised for her rare expressive warmth, technical brilliance, and charismatic stage presence. Renowned for his deeply communicative musicianship, Michalis Economou brings his refined artistic vision to the three masterpieces of this concert.

Τhe concert starts with the work Kommos B, Lament for Morton written in 1996 by the celebrated Greek composer, conductor, and educator Theodore Antoniou. Dedicated to the memory of the American composer, conductor, and pianist Morton Gould, the piece uses the first phrase of a mourning song from Epirus.

Sharon Kam will shine in Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto no. 2, a work of dazzling virtuosity and lyrical charm, written to showcase the clarinet’s expressive range. From sparkling agility to warm, songful introspection, its elegance, theatrical flair and playful wit make it one of the instrument’s most beloved concertos.

Next in the repertoire is Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations – a masterpiece of orchestral imagination and emotional resonance. Each variation is a musical portrait of a close friend, revealing Elgar’s rich palette, subtle humour and profound humanity.

Starlight 4

Cyprus Symphony Orchestra concert with clarinetist Sharon Kam and conductor Michalis Economou. March 18. Pattihio Theatre, Limassol. March 19. Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-463144, www.cyso.org.cy