The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation is proud to announce the release of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra’s album “Legends of Cyprus: Othello” on 16 October 2026, by the internationally acclaimed SOMM Recordings. This release marks an important milestone for the Orchestra and, by extension, the CySO Foundation, as it significantly expands the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra’s international recording presence. At the same time, the album highlights Cyprus’s enduring connection with the European musical repertoire and contemporary musical creation, bringing the island’s music and stories to an international audience.
Under the direction of internationally acclaimed composer and conductor Nimrod Borenstein, the album draws inspiration from legends and stories associated with Cyprus, bringing together four works from different periods and musical styles, united by their connection to the island and its cultural resonance.
The album features the following works:
Samuel COLERIDGE-TAYLOR: Othello Suite, Op. 79
Antonín DVOŘÁK: Othello Overture, Op. 93
Nimrod BORENSTEIN: Legends of Cyprus, Op. 102
Franz SCHUBERT: Incidental Music from Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus, D. 797
Gramophone magazine writes about Nimrod Borenstein that he is “amongst the most recorded of contemporary composers in the UK”. The album’s title work, Legends of Cyprus, composed by Borenstein for the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra in 2025, evokes an entire world of feelings, atmospheres, and magical stories.
The tragically short-lived Afro-British composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, composed a vibrant five-movement Othello Suite inspired by his commission for a 1909 production of Shakespeare’s Othello at His Majesty’s Theatre in London. Although named a concert overture, Antonín Dvořák’s Othello Overture resembles a symphonic poem with its dramatic musical interpretation of Shakespeare’s play and frenetic climax of the tragic events. Franz Schubert’s Rosamunde, Princess of Cyprus is an absolute triumph of the Romantic era and consists of nine numbers; included on this disc are the famous Entr’acte no. 3 and Ballet no. 2.
The recording took place at Pallas Theatre in Lefkosia from 9 to 11 February 2026. Siva Oke served as Executive and Recording Producer, while Adaq Khan was the Recording Engineer. The editing was carried out by Nimrod Borenstein. The album cover features the painting Cyprus in July 1974 – 1978 by the prominent Russian-Cypriot painter Symeon Volchkov (1919–2003).
The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra extends its warmest thanks to Nimrod Borenstein for his enthusiasm and dedication to the project, as well as for his valuable contribution to the completion of the recording.
An important milestone in the development of this production was the presentation of the album’s programme to the public at a concert held at Pallas Theatre on 13 February 2026, conducted by Nimrod Borenstein. The concert also marked the world premiere of Borenstein’s Legends of Cyprus.
The release of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra’s album “Legends of Cyprus: Othello” by the distinguished SOMM Recordings marks an important step in strengthening the Orchestra’s presence on the international recording scene, while also bringing to the fore musical works connected with Cyprus.
“Legends of Cyprus: Othello” is available for pre-order at the following link.
