April’s first classical music concert by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra presents two unique historical and spiritual compositions: John Rutter’s Requiem and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Exsultate. The Events 1 – Rutter: Requiem concert is set to open the Easter period with a concert in Limassol on April 2, followed the next evening by a concert in Nicosia.

Besides presenting these musical masterpieces, the concert will bring together a handful of esteemed musicians – established and emerging, vocalists and conductors. Participating in the concerts is the superb Georgian conductor Levan Jagaev, distinguished sopranos Mariza Anastasiades and Eleni Charalambous, and the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra Choir.

Commenting on the programme’s pieces, the orchestra says: “Composed in 1985, John Rutter’s Requiem is an intimate, contemplative and lyrical meditation on the themes of life and death. Leaving aside any grandiosity and drama, it is a gorgeous masterpiece that moves towards light rather than darkness. Αs Rutter openly stated, his approach to the genre was clearly influenced and inspired by Faure’s Requiem.

“It is precisely because of this approach that Rutter’s Requiem has a wide emotional appeal, one that clearly touches the heart of every listener. The seven sections of the work form an arch-like meditation: the first and last movements are prayers to God on behalf of all humanity. The second and sixth are psalms. The third and fifth are personal prayers to Jesus Christ. The Sanctus, which the composer describes as ‘celebratory and affirmative,’ is the centre and is an affirmation of divine glory, accompanied by bells as it is in the Roman Mass.”

“Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Exsultate,” concludes the orchestra, “sets the seal on resurrection joy. Its virtuosic vocal brilliance, buoyant rhythms and luminous melodies beautifully project the radiant text of rejoicing and exultant praise.”

Events 1 – Rutter: Requiem

Easter concert by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Joined by conductor Levan Jagaev, sopranos Mariza Anastasiades and Eleni Charalambous, and the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra Choir. April 2. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. April 3. Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 7777-7040 www.ticketmaster.cy