Events 1 – Rutter: Requiem

Composed in 1985, John Rutter’s Requiem is an intimate, contemplative and lyric 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. As 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 wide emotional appeal, one that clearly touches the heart of every listener. To bring out these qualities, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra is delighted to collaborate with the superb Georgian conductor Levan Jagaev, the distinguished sopranos Mariza Anastasiades and Eleni Charalambous, as well as the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra Choir.

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 center and is an affirmation of divine glory, accompanied by bells as it is in the Roman Mass.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate 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.

The concerts are held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.