My first guest conducting trip this year was to Cyprus, which is a beautiful island right in the eastern end of the Mediterranean sea. In the ancient Greek mythology Cyprus is the place were the goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born out of the foam washed on the seashore (I won't tell you where that foam originated - you can Google it yourselves).


CYSO warming up in Larnaca Municipal Theatre.

The island has a small symphony orchestra (Cyprus Symphony Orchestra, or CYSO), and I also learned that they have an ambitious youth symphony which hosts an international music academy each summer high in the mountains. There is no age limit but I heard that the oldest students are in their mid-twenties. If you fall in that range definitely go, if only to check out the beautiful landscape!


Khirokitia, ruins of a 9000-year old settlement.

When I first received my CYSO rehearsal schedules I was surprised by the weekend break between the rehearsals, but it turned out to be a blessing in a guise. A couple of musicians took the trouble of driving me all around the island to beautiful places, to archaeological sites, to parties (yes!) and I was introduced to a host of interesting people. The work/leisure ratio for once seemed to be just perfect! I also ate better than I had done in ages (sorry America).


After the last concert with soloist Yiannis Miralis.

Our rehearsals went very smoothly and the concerts were very well received. The program was Dvorak Serenade for Strings, Glazunov saxophone concerto with the Cypriot saxophonist Yiannis Miralis, and Beethoven's symphony No. 8. The first concert was in the Strovolos theatre in the capital Nicosia, the other concerts took place in more modest venues in Limassol and Larnaca, but the public did not lack enthusiasm there either - and the orchestra was playing better every day! This trip was for me the highlight of the winter and I definitely want to go back whenever a chance arises. Thanks everyone who helped to make me feel so welcome on Cyprus!