Well, finally it’s here – my finalised website and first blog! It’s rather strange but over the months which have led to this point, I’ve been considering that there is quite a lot to say about many issues but most importantly, I want to know whether you, my dear readers and followers think.
For those who don’t know me – this is my brief story.
Born in Famagusta – no dates to be supplied, but as a child, we moved to South Africa where I completed my schooling. With artistic parents, it was probably a foregone conclusion to study music and I graduated from the University of Witwatersrand majoring in Violin and Piano performance.
Many happy years followed – so many experiences and concerts as part of the National Symphony Orchestra of the South African Broadcasting Corporation. We were truly privileged to play under some of the greatest conductors with wonderful soloists including the late Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Victor Yampolsky, Pinchas Zukerman, Robert Cohen, Marisa Robles, Oxana Yabolonskaya, Vanessa Mae, Sarah Brightman…to name a few.
The entrepreneur in me, led to the formation of ITC Tours where we promoted the Mediterranean and Middle East. Its success gave me the courage to leave the orchestra, although music always remained in my heart and soul.
Living in what was termed “crime capital of the world” though, led to my return to the sunny island of Cyprus where I am now based. No longer wanting to be in the orchestral environment, I re-trained and started hosting my own classical music programmes at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation. I can’t believe that they have been going 16 years now…
Life is really a series of circles, and I see that to be true. I’m back in the music field with the Apollon International Arts Festival, which in 2017 is in its 4th year. I also edit and publish the Apollon Magazine and last year, launched the Cyprus International Food Festival.
I’m passionate about quite a few things including gardening, travelling, basketball, tennis and reading about new entrepreneurs and exciting business developments.
It’s really awkward writing about oneself, so that’s it for now, and if you want to be in touch, please post or if you prefer, email or do the social media thing – all of it is available here!
Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you
Till next time
Saskia
