By Paris Georgiou R.S.A. | Editor in Chief, Cyprus Pulse
The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra presents STARLIGHT 2, featuring internationally acclaimed artists in two extraordinary performances showcasing 20th-century masterpieces and romantic symphonic brilliance.
Performance Details
- Nicosia: Thursday, December 18 at Strovolos Municipal Theatre, 20:30
- Limassol: Friday, December 19 at Pattihio Municipal Theatre, 20:30
The Featured Artists
Lavinia Meijer, a renowned Dutch artist and one of the most important harpists of her generation, joins the CySO alongside Grammy Award-winning conductor Karen Kamensek. Born in South Korea and adopted by a Dutch-Austrian family at age two, Meijer began playing harp at nine and graduated cum laude from both Utrecht and Amsterdam Conservatories. She made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2007 and has since performed at the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna’s Musikverein, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw.
Known for her adventurous spirit, Meijer mesmerizes audiences with her bold explorations across classical, electronic, jazz, and avant-rock music. She has collaborated with renowned artists including Philip Glass, Iggy Pop, Sufjan Stevens, Ludovico Einaudi, and the Kronos Quartet. Her impressive discography spans from Handel to Takemitsu and features two gold albums and a platinum-selling recording. Her 2022 album Are You Still Somewhere? won the prestigious Edison Classical Award, while her 2024 release Winter concludes a multi-album project inspired by the seasons.
Conductor Karen Kamensek is lauded for her expansive artistry, authoritative conducting, and deep commitment to championing composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, making her the perfect guide for this dynamic program.
The Program
The evening opens with Pivot by Grammy-nominated composer Anna Clyne, a thrilling work that bursts with energy and a distinct Celtic character. Inspired by the composer’s experience at the Edinburgh International Festival, the piece pivots dynamically from one lively tune to another, capturing the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of the festival atmosphere. Clyne’s contemporary voice brings fresh excitement to the orchestral repertoire.
Under Kamensek’s masterful direction, Meijer will interpret Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, one of the 20th century’s most ravishing masterpieces. Inspired by the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, the summer residence of Spain’s Bourbon kings in the 18th century, Rodrigo captures an idealized, bygone Spain by blending diverse Spanish musical elements into a work of extraordinary evocative power.
The concert concludes with Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F major, one of his most personal, poetic, and dramatically intense symphonic works, offering a perfect balance to the evening’s contemporary and Spanish flavors.
Editor’s Note from Paris Georgiou:
These performances add captivating notes to Cyprus’s cultural tapestry. The Cypriot crowd will celebrate the choice of versatile young artists who bring extraordinary energy to our stages. Lavinia Meijer embodies this beautifully, with her Asian spiritual heritage harmonized with European classical virtuosity, creating a transcendent timbre that defies borders. Her diverse collaborations, from Handel’s baroque elegance to Takemitsu’s contemporary cadenzas, speak one universal language: music as pure human connection. This neoclassical renaissance, supported by ministerial backing, signals an inspiring future for the arts.
Ticket Information:
- Zone A: €25 / €18 (reduced)
- Zone B: €20 / €15 (reduced)
- Zone C: €17 / €12 (reduced)
Reduced prices for students, military personnel, university students, pensioners, and large families. Free admission for persons with disabilities.
Get Your Tickets:
- Lefkosia: cyso.interticket.com (also 1.5 hours before concert)
- Lemesos: soldouttickets.com.cy or Pattihio Theatre Box Office (Mon-Fri: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00-19:00, Sat: 10:00-13:00, and 2 hours before performance)
More information: https://www.cyso.org.cy/?p=13549
Images courtesy of: Cyprus Symphony Orchestra
Disclaimer: This information is provided in good faith to promote art, culture, and appreciation for the performing arts. Cyprus Pulse is not responsible for any changes to programming, scheduling, or ticketing arrangements made by event organizers.
Tags: #LaviniaMeijer #CyprusSymphonyOrchestra #ConciertoDeAranjuez
