2016/2017 CONCERT SEASON
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WELCOME It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2016/2017 Season. Throughout this booklet you will find information about our many concerts and events this season, both in Malta and internationally.
The MPO performs a diverse range of repertoire, so we have categorised each event and indicated which category each concert belongs to throughout the booklet. Symphonic Classical Music Chamber Orchestra/Chamber Music Family/Educational Light Classics/Alternative
As well as having a wide range of free concerts, our MPO Membership Scheme offers significant discounts on a large number of performances as well as other benefits such as, access to open rehearsals, opportunities to meet the musicians and free reserved tickets for selected concerts. For more information on our Membership Scheme, see page 7. Free performances and Membership Scheme concerts are indicated throughout this booklet. Look out for the “Free Admission” icon and the “MPO Membership Scheme” icon.
Rock/Pop Fusion
Free Admission
Opera
MPO Membership Scheme
MPO BOARD & MANAGEMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman: Sigmund Mifsud Deputy Chair: Ruth Micallef Directors: Toni Abela, Mark Attard Montalto, Marthese Azzopardi, Rita Cutajar, Alexei Galea Cavallazzi Secretary to the Board: Jean Killick ARTISTIC TEAM Principal Conductor & Artistic Director: Brian Schembri Resident Conductor: Michael Laus Orchestra Leader: Marcelline Agius Guest Leader: Carmine Lauri
MANAGEMENT TEAM Executive Chairman: Sigmund Mifsud Financial Controller: Reuben Sammut Director of Operations: Michael Aquilina Marketing & Development Manager: Maria Blanco Marketing & Development Executive: Brian O’ Regan HR Officer: John Saliba Librarian: Matthew Fenech Musicians Coordinator: Frank Camilleri Logistics Coordinator: Andrew Fiorini Lowell Services Officer: Tony Mizzi
BOOKLET CREDITS PUBLISHERS Malta Philharmonic Orchestra
EDITORS Brian O’ Regan & Maria Blanco
DESIGN & LAYOUT Switch Ltd.
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MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is recognised as the foremost professional musical institution on the Maltese islands, bringing together the best of Maltese talent and musicians hailing from ten other countries. Founded in 1968, the Orchestra was formerly known as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra and became an independent body in 1997 when it was officially named the National Orchestra of Malta. The orchestra underwent another transformation in 2008 when it was further extended and became known as the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO). Since its inception, the Orchestra has been under the direction of Malta’s most prominent musicians including Joseph Sammut, Joseph Vella and Michael Laus. In September 2014, internationally acclaimed conductor Brian Schembri, one of the most brilliant musicians to emerge from Malta, was appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Director. Brian Schembri is bringing to the MPO a wealth of experience and musical vision that remains unparalleled in its development to date. Michael Laus continues to be the MPO’s resident conductor. The orchestra’s extensive calendar of events, places the MPO as Malta’s leading cultural ambassador. Performing in more than 70 concerts a year, including regular symphonic concerts, annual opera productions in Malta and Gozo, community outreach programmes and many concerts of a lighter musical genre in venues around the islands.
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On an international level, the MPO has collaborated with many foreign orchestras and opera companies, performing in Brussels, Milan and Frankfurt, with further international performances planned in Brussels, Rome and Vienna this season. The orchestra has also produced a number of CDs including a project with international recording label Naxos featuring works by Charles Camilleri and two CD series entitled Music of the 19th Century Jewish German Composers (Cameo Classics) and the British Composers Premiere Collections (Cameo Classics). We are also currently working on the production of a CD featuring the music of internationally renowned composer Alexandre Tansman with the CPO Label.
The orchestra’s extensive calendar of events places the MPO as Malta’s leading cultural ambassador.
Over the years the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has performed with a number of distinguished artists including Karl Jenkins, Joseph Calleja, Andrea Bocelli and Bryn Terfel, acclaimed conductors such as Jean Marc Burfin, Peter Stark, Philip Walsh, and personalities from the pop world including Claudio Baglioni, Michael Bolton, Suzanne Vega and pop star Anastacia. The orchestra is also a predominant exponent of Maltese composers and performers, hosting competitions for young musicians, with winners featuring during the orchestra’s concert season. The MPO is also actively involved in education programmes for children, involving them in workshops and bespoke performances for children and young families. The MPO is also responsible for the orchestral training and professional development of young musicians, through the formation of the MPO Academy and the Malta Youth Orchestra. Under its new leadership, the MPO today continues to pride itself on developing its vision of delivering music of the highest calibre on the Maltese islands while also promoting our musical heritage abroad. maltaorchestra.com
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SIGMUND MIFSUD Executive Chairman
The start of a new concert season is always a very exciting time for an orchestra and with a thoroughly exciting programme of concerts, this season is certainly no different.
Every orchestra has a different character which is developed and projected through the music that it performs and I believe that the concerts we present makes us who we are and gives us our identity.
extraordinary things and through the hard work of the orchestra’s management team, we have endeavoured to sustain this artistic vision and to develop the orchestra as a cultural organisation.
I see the orchestra as a living body comprising of many individual musicians and, as such, it needs to be carefully nurtured in order to bring out the skills and creativity of its musicians. Therefore, finding the right balance between offering our musicians challenging repertoire and presenting engaging and enjoyable concerts to our audience is an important but difficult task. However, I am confident that this year’s season fulfils such a goal and despite being a very busy season, I believe we managed to find the right recipe to motivate and challenge our musicians while also captivating and engaging with our ever growing audience.
Being the only orchestra of the country, and as the leading ambassador for classical music in Malta, I truly believe that it is imperative to invest in international performances in order to increase the visibility of Malta and of the orchestra on an international platform. With recent highly successful performances in China and across Europe, and having received a standing ovation at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt for our performance at the Grand Opening of the European Cultural Days, I have great confidence that the orchestra can become an internationally recognised ensemble. This season, we will once again be representing Malta internationally with performances in Rome, Brussels and at the prestigious Musikverein in Vienna.
Last season saw the orchestra perform in more than 70 events throughout the season and it has been increasingly in demand, both in Malta and internationally. By engaging in such a large number of performances, and by collaborating with a variety of other cultural organisations and festivals, the orchestra has further solidified its vital role in Malta’s increasingly vibrant cultural sector. Through the artistic vision of our principal conductor and artistic director Brian Schembri, we have challenged our musicians to achieve
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It is with a great sense of pride that I present this season’s programme to you. Without you, our loyal audience, the orchestra could never have achieved what it already has, and with your continued support and investment, I firmly believe that we can continue to achieve great things together.
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Artistic Director & Principal Conductor
This coming season is a very special one for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and for myself as it will be my third season as artistic director. Throughout these past three years, the orchestra has considerably strengthened its ranks and I believe that it has clearly started to develop a distinct character of its own. We have also engaged in more ambitious programming, allowing musicians and the public to discover new and exciting repertoire.
This season, the Orchestra will also be travelling to Italy, Belgium and Austria to perform at three very prestigious events. Firstly, we will be performing Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis in Rome. The orchestra will also be travelling to Brussels with internationally acclaimed tenor Joseph Calleja to open Malta’s EU Presidency and we have also been invited to perform in Vienna’s famous Musikverein. However prestigious these events will be, I cannot but look forward to our main concerts in Malta. This season we will be working with two excellent maestri, Jean-Marc Burfin and Michalis Economou, and we look forward to welcoming international guest soloists Narek Hakhnazaryan, Pavel Kolesnikov and Carmine Lauri. Furthering on my predilection to promote the concerto genre we will also feature some of Malta’s excellent musicians including Charlene Farrugia, Philip Attard, Chris Spiteri and George Camilleri. The MPO has always been committed to supporting Maltese contemporary music and this season we are very proud to be presenting
a major new work by Albert Garzia, a ballet produced in collaboration with ZfinMalta and another project in which five Maltese composers will present new works featuring Maltese traditional instruments. Throughout the season we will also be performing at many of Malta’s festivals, and for operatic productions in Gozo and Malta. We are continuing to develop our educational programme, and the orchestra will also be appearing at events like Rockestra and the Classics under the Stars. Dedicating his Missa Solemnis to the Archduke Rudolf of Austria, Beethoven wrote, “Von Herzen - Möge es wieder - Zu Herzen gehn!” (from the heart, may it return to the heart!) and the opening Kyrie is marked “mit Andacht” (with devotion). It is indeed with a certain sense of devotion that my colleagues at the MPO and myself offer you, the public, our work. May the music we perform from our hearts, find a place in yours, especially in these troubled times in which Beethoven’s message was never more essential.
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SEASON HIGHLIGHTS SYMPHONIC CONCERTS SEASON OPENING CONCERT Featuring music by Beethoven & Brahms
DVORAK & ELGAR With acclaimed cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan
FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER
FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
Teatru Manoel
Teatru Manoel
RUSSIAN MASTERS Featuring music by Shostakovich & Tchaikovsky
CARNAVAL ROMAIN Season Closing Concert conducted by Brian Schembri
SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 24TH JUNE
Mediterranean Conference Centre
Mediterranean Conference Centre
FAMILY CONCERTS PIETRU U L-LUPU A Maltese adaptation of Peter and the Wolf
MPO FAMILY FANFARE Featuring Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
15TH & 16TH NOVEMBER
18TH & 20TH MAY
Catholic Institute, Floriana
Mediterranean Conference Centre
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERTS INSTRUMENTS OF INNOVATION Featuring solo pieces for innovative instruments.
MOZART AT MIDNIGHT A late night performance of the music of Mozart
24TH & 25TH MARCH
SATURDAY 27TH MAY
Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
Verdala Palace, Rabat
LIGHT CLASSICS / ALTERNATIVE
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A TASTE OF THE CLASSICS Three course dinner served with classical music
SYMPHONIC BEATLES Featuring music from The Beatles
26TH NOVEMBER & 11TH FEBRUARY
17TH & 18TH FEBRUARY
Palazzo de Piro, Mdina
Mediterranean Conference Centre
MPO MEMBERSHIP SCHEME The MPO Membership Scheme offers significant discounts on a large number of selected concerts throughout the season, regular updates about our work and events, unique opportunities to meet MPO musicians as well as exclusive offers and benefits. SILVER MEMBERSHIP - €60
PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP - €200
• MPO Silver Membership Card • Free access to open rehearsals • Priority booking with notification of pre-ticket sales • 25% discount on MPO Membership Scheme Concerts • Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts
• MPO Platinum Membership Card • Free access to open rehearsals • Priority booking with notification of pre-ticket sales • 50% discount on MPO Membership Scheme Concerts • Free ticket for MPO Season Opening Concert • Free reserved ticket for Girgenti Palace Concert • Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts • Invitation to VIP Receptions at selected MPO concerts • Free ticket for MPO performance at Basilica San Paolo, Rome • Free ticket for MPO performance at Musikverein, Vienna
GOLD MEMBERSHIP - €120 • MPO Gold Membership Card • Free access to open rehearsals • Priority booking with notification of pre-ticket sales • 40% discount on MPO Membership Scheme Concerts • Free reserved ticket for Girgenti Palace Concert • Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts • Free ticket for MPO performance at Basilica San Paolo, Rome STUDENT MEMBERSHIP - €25
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP - €240
• MPO Student Club Card • Free access to open rehearsals • 50% discount on MPO Membership Scheme Concerts • Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts
• MPO Family Membership Card • Free access to open rehearsals • Priority booking with notification of pre-ticket sales • 50% discount on MPO Membership Scheme Concerts • Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts • Free family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) for MPO Family Fanfare Concert
Don’t forget to look out for the MPO Membership Icon throughout this booklet. Apply online at www.maltaorchestra.com
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CLIFF ZAMMIT STEVENS
Concert in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund
ROCKESTRA
IN CONCERT
Original photo credit: Viktor Vella Original photo credit: Robert Workman
SIGMUND MIFSUD Conductor PHILIP WALSH Conductor CLIFF ZAMMIT STEVENS Tenor NICOLA SAID Soprano
Maltese tenor, Cliff Zammit Stevens has been described as a “Revelation” by the Daily Express and Opera Magazine proclaims that he “shows exceptional promise”. Cliff returns to Malta this year to perform a programme featuring music from Mozart, Verdi, Rossini and Tchaikovsky conducted by Philip Walsh and featuring guest singer Nicola Said.
SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 8.00PM Pjazza Teatru Rjal
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Under the musical direction of Sigmund Mifsud and the artistic direction of Pawlu Borg Bonaci, this year’s Rockestra will feature an impressive line-up of local artists including Mikaela Attard, Lara Dimech, Xarulu and Ivan Grech. The MPO, along with musicians from the Malta Youth Orchestra will take to the stage to perform rock songs from artists such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, Elton John and many more.
SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 8.00PM Malta Fairs & Convention Centre, Ta Qali
Presented by Arts Council Malta
KUNĊERT GĦAL JUM L-INDIPENDENZA INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor CHRIS SPITERI Tuba PHILIP ATTARD Saxophone GEORGE CAMILLERI Euphonium
VELLA Rebbieħa
ARUTIUNIAN
Although commonly found in Malta’s many band clubs, instruments such as the tuba, saxophone and euphonium rarely find themselves taking centre stage in symphonic concerts.
Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra
MAURICE Tableaux de Provence
JENKINS Euphonium Concerto
This concert, conducted by the MPO’s Principal Conductor Brian Schembri, will feature concerti written for these instruments and performed by talented Maltese soloists. In addition to the three concerti, the orchestra will also perform Joseph Vella’s “Rebbieħa” (Victorious), a work which has certain patriotic connotations and depicts how Malta has always managed to emerge victorious over its various tribulations. WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 8.00PM Pjazza Teatru Rjal
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Presented in collaboration with Teatru Manoel
BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS SEASON OPENING CONCERT
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor CHARLENE FARRUGIA Piano
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4
BRAHMS
Although they never met in person, Beethoven and Brahms have always been closely associated through their musical styles. Under the baton of Brian Schembri, the orchestra will be joined by highly acclaimed Maltese pianist Charlene Farrugia to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.
Symphony No. 3 Brahms’ Third Symphony was well received at its premiere and a leading music critic at the time, Eduard Hanslick, commented that “Many music lovers will prefer the titanic force of the First Symphony; others, the untroubled charm of the Second, but the Third strikes me as being artistically the most nearly perfect”. FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 8.00PM Teatru Manoel
Original photo credit: Ken Scicluna
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Presented in collaboration with the European Foundation for the Support of Culture
FESTIVAL OF MODERN COMPOSERS This first edition of the Festival of Modern Composer is dedicated to Mro Joseph Vella, one of Malta’s most famous composers. Detailed information about the festival, including competition rules and regulations can be found at modcomfest.com Day 1 OPENING CONCERT Programme includes:
Day 2 INSTRUMENTAL RECITAL Programme includes:
Clarinet Quintet Op. 16
VELLA Duo Concertante Op. 91
VELLA Segments Op. 94
VELLA Capriccio for Violin & Piano Op. 62
VELLA Charlie on my Mind Op. 144
VELLA Percussion & Piano Duetting Op.110
THURSDAY 6TH OCTOBER 7.30PM Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER 7.30PM Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
VELLA
Day 3 GALA CONCERT FOR COMPETITION FINALISTS This concert will feature performers who have made it through the competition preliminary rounds.
Day 4 CLOSING CONCERT Programme includes: VELLA Sinfonietta for Strings Op. 36 VELLA Concerto Barocco Op. 92
Competition winners will be announced at the end of the concert.
VELLA In Memoriam Op. 96 (Strings)
SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 7.30PM Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER 7.30PM Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
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An Aurora Theatre Production
An Astra Theatre Production
BIZET
VERDI
CARMEN
AIDA
COLIN ATTARD Conductor
JOSEPH VELLA Conductor
NOVELLA TABILI Director
ENRICO STINCHELLI Director
Conducted by Colin Attard, the Aurora Theatre’s production of Carmen will feature Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Nadia Krasteva and Italian tenor Roberto de Biasio, who have graced the most important operatic stages ranging from the Metropolitan to La Scala and the Wiener Staatsoper.
Aida possesses all the great ingredients which make up Italian Opera, including grandeur and intimacy; poignancy and implacability; vengeance and redemption; love and envy. This is the third time Teatru Astra is producing Aida and this performance will also mark the beginning of the 15th edition of Festival Mediterranea.
SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 7.30PM Aurora Theatre, Gozo
THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 7.30PM Astra Theatre, Gozo
DVORAK & ELGAR MICHALIS ECONOMOU Conductor NAREK HAKHNAZARYAN Cello
DVORAK Cello Concerto in B minor
ECONOMOU Di-ichon
ELGAR Enigma Variations
The Washington Post has described cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan as “a seasoned phenomenon” and we are delighted to welcome him to Malta to perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto under the direction of acclaimed conductor Michalis Economou. The conductor’s own composition “Di-ichon”, which follows, was re-arranged especially for this concept and is inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The evening will finish with Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a set of musical sketches inspired by the personalities of some of the composer’s closest friends including his wife and even himself.
FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 8.00PM Teatru Manoel
Original photo credit: Marco Borggreve
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FARRUGIA FRANTZ
CANTICUM VITAE A Mediterranean Conference Centre Production VERDI
REQUIEM MICHAEL LAUS Conductor
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MIRIAM GAUCI Soprano
HERMANN FARRUGIA FRANTZ Conductor
CLAIRE MASSA Alto
FRANCESA AQUILINA Soprano
CHRISTOPHER BUSIETTA Tenor
CHARLES VINCENTI Tenor
ALBERT BUTTIGIEG Bass
ALFRED CAMILLERI Baritone
ST. MONICA CHOIR
CORO BEL CANTO
Verdi’s dramatic and spectacular setting of the Mass for the Dead was written to commemorate the death of another great Italian, Alessandro Manzoni. This powerful work will be performed by international and Maltese soloists including Miriam Gauci, the St. Monica Choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Michael Laus.
In the beautiful and captivating surroundings of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, composer and conductor Hermann Farrugia Frantz presents his newest work for orchestra, choir and soloists. Canticum Vitae, or “Song of Life” is an oratorio based on sacred texts compiled by Mons. Lawrence Gatt and has been written specifically for this concert.
SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 8.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
THURSDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Presented in collaboration with ŻiguŻajg Festival
PIETRU U L-LUPU PETER & THE WOLF
RICCARDO BIANCHI Conductor RUTH BORG Director The MPO, Malta Youth Orchestra and ŻiguŻajg Festival in collaboration with Studio 18 are proud to present Pietru u l-Lupu, a contemporary Maltese adaptation of the renowned classic Peter and the Wolf. With Prokofiev’s original score, this version promises to take young audiences on an exciting journey into Peter’s imagination. TUESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER 6.30PM (Schools performance) WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 9.30AM & 11.30AM (Schools performances) Catholic Institute, Floriana
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Presented in collaboration with Palazzo de Piro
A TASTE OF THE CLASSICS
Concert in aid of Dar il-Kaptan
EINE KLEINE NACHTMUSIK
ADRIAN BUTTERFIELD Conductor BRITT AREND Harp REBECCA HALL Flute MPO VOICE & HARP TRIO Britt Arend, Gillian Zammit, Clare Ghigo
INFINITELY XARA CATERING 3 Course Meal
HANDEL Concerto Grosso Op.6 No.11 MOZART Concerto for Flute & Harp K.299 MOZART Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
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This joint venture between the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and Palazzo de Piro Cultural Centre creates a unique experience within the stunning city of Mdina. The evening will offer the perfect combination of chamber music and fine dining in one of Mdina’s most beautiful venues.
Featuring chamber music ensembles and soloists from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, this performance will feature muchloved music from Handel and Mozart, conducted by Adrian Butterfield.
SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM Palazzo de Piro, Mdina
MONDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 8.00PM Teatru Manoel
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA FOUNDATION DAY CONCERT
Original photo credit: Simon Fowler/Decca 2013 Original photo credit: Ken Scicluna
MICHAEL LAUS Conductor Programme includes:
BOV JOSEPH CALLEJA FOUNDATION WINTER CONCERT
ROSSINI La Gazza Ladra Overture MORRICONE Once Upon a Time in America
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
ADAMS Short Ride in a Fast Machine
JOSEPH CALLEJA Tenor
TCHAIKOVSKY Capriccio Italien
The University of Malta was founded in 1769 and this concert is both a celebration of its foundation and a tribute to the university’s students and their families. The concert is a unique opportunity for graduands and their guests to enjoy an evening of classical music with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Michael Laus.
FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 8.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
The annual BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation Winter Concert is held to raise funds for the foundation which provides support and assistance to young people. Accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Joseph Calleja will perform a varied programme of popular classics with special appearance from some of the Foundation’s Scholars.
WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER 7.30PM Teatru Manoel
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INTERNATIONAL CONCERT SERIES 2016-2017 Over the past few years the MPO has firmly established its role as Malta’s leading cultural ambassador, with an increased number of international performances.
Recently the MPO appeared in performances in various major cities in China, at the Milan Expo in Italy, at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, and chamber performances in Sydney and Melbourne. This season continues to see the MPO feature in an increasing number of prestigious performances across Europe. In December, Principal Conductor Brian Schembri will present Beethoven’s great choral masterpiece, Missa Solemnis, in Rome and in January, the orchestra will travel to Brussels with acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja to perform at the opening concert of Malta’s EU Presidency.
In March, the orchestra will be taking off to Austria to perform in Vienna’s world famous Musikverein with a repeat performance in Klagenfurt. Performances will include another of Beethoven’s masterpieces, the Eroica Symphony, and Brahms’ Double Concerto featuring soloists Jiman Wee and Kirill Rodin. There will also be concerts in Berlin, Paris, Warsaw and Moscow featuring performances by MPO Chamber Music groups, the Cosmos Wind Ensemble and the MPO Voice & Harp Trio.
The MPO during their international tour to China, Dec 2014 - Jan 2015
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The MPO performing at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, Nov 2015. Original Photo Credit: Adrian Calleja
17TH DECEMBER – ROME
14TH FEBRUARY – WARSAW
BEETHOVEN – MISSA SOLEMNIS The great composer’s choral masterpiece conducted by Brian Schembri.
COSMOS WIND ENSEMBLE Thrilling music for wind instruments presented at the Warsaw Royal Castle.
16TH JANUARY - BRUSSELS
16TH FEBRUARY – MOSCOW
EU PRESIDENCY OPENING CONCERT Featuring internationally acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja.
COSMOS WIND ENSEMBLE Thrilling music for wind instruments presented at the State Tretyakov Gallery.
Original photo credit: Adrian Calleja
Cosmos Wind Ensemble. Original Photo Credit: Amanda Hsu
23RD JANUARY – BERLIN
16TH MARCH – VIENNA
MUSIC FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN Enchanting music for Harp and Voice performed at the Berlin Town Hall.
BEETHOVEN – EROICA Brian Schembri conducts Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Brahms Double Concerto.
25TH JANUARY – PARIS
17TH MARCH – KLAGENFURT
MUSIC FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN Enchanting music for Harp and Voice performed at the Salle des Mariages.
BEETHOVEN – EROICA Brian Schembri conducts Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Brahms Double Concerto.
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Presented by the Culture Directorate within the Ministry for Justice, Culture & Local Government, Malta BEETHOVEN
MISSA SOLEMNIS
Presented by Arts Council Malta & the Office of the President
IL-KUNĊERT TAL-PRESIDENT GĦAS-SENA L-ĠDIDA PRESIDENT’S NEW YEAR’S CONCERT
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor CARMINE LAURI Violin
Original photo credit: Daniel Cayford
CORO DELL’ ACCADEMIA NAZIONALE DI SANTA CECILIA
MICHAEL LESSKY Conductor
CIRO VISCO Choir Director
NICOLA SAID Soprano
Under the baton of principal conductor Brian Schembri, the MPO begins its international concert series in the ancient city of Rome. The orchestra will be joined by the Coro dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia to perform Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis in the beautiful surroundings of the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura.
SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 8.00PM Basilica San Paolo Fuori le Mura Rome, Italy
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Led by Michael Lessky, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by Maltese soprano Nicola Said for an evening of operatic arias, well-loved songs and beautiful orchestral music. Featuring music from Puccini, Bernstein, Strauss and Delibes there is surely no better way to ring in the New Year.
SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER 8.30PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
Presented as part of Malta’s EU Presidency
Presented as part of Malta’s EU Presidency
BAHR
EU PRESIDENCY
EU PRESIDENCY OPENING
OPENING CONCERT
GARZIA
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor JOSEPH CALLEJA Tenor Following the Opening Concert in Malta, the orchestra travel to Brussels with Principal Conductor Brian Schembri and acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja. Original photo credit: Darrin Zammit Lupi
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
MONDAY 16TH JANUARY 8.00PM Palais des Beaux Arts Brussels, Belgium
ALBERT GARZIA Composer
A Valletta International Baroque Festival Production
MAVIN KHOO Choreographer
INSPIRED BY BAROQUE
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is rotated every six months and Malta has been awarded this honour for the first half of 2017. “Bahr” is an original work created for the opening performance of the Maltese EU Presidency 2017 through a collaboration with ZfinMalta Dance Ensemble and with music by Albert Garzia. The music incorporates Maltese melodies discovered in foreign libraries dating back centuries and is presented here in a contemporary style.
THURSDAY 12TH JANUARY 8.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
MICHELLE CASTELLETTI Conductor CARMINE LAURI Violin Conducted by Michelle Castelletti, the MPO will perform a selection of music both of the Baroque era and inspired by Baroque music including works by Arvo Pärt and the world premiere of Reuben Pace’s Concertino No.1 for guitar, harpsichord and orchestra. THURSDAY 26TH JANUARY 7.30PM Teatru Manoel
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RUSSIAN MASTERS I JEAN-MARC BURFIN Conductor PAVEL KOLESNIKOV Piano
TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5
In the first concert of our Russian Masters Series, we focus on two of the most prominent Russian composers, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Highly acclaimed Russian pianist Pavel Kolesnikov joins the orchestra to perform Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto under the direction of French conductor Jean-Marc Burfin. Written at the height of Stalin’s oppressive reign, Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony paints a vivid picture of Russia at that time and was a deeply personal composition for the composer.
SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 8.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
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Presented as part of Malta’s EU Presidency
FRISINA “FINO AI CONFINI DELLA TERRA” “TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH”
Presented in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Qalb it-Tfal
SYMPHONIC BEATLES
“A SPECATCULAR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE FEATURING SOME OF THE GREATEST HITS”
MARCO FRISINA Conductor & Composer
THURSDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 8:00PM St. Paul’s Collegiate Church, Rabat SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 7:30PM St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
A TASTE OF THE CLASSICS MPO STRING QUARTET Marcelline Agius, Klara Nazaj, Nadia Debono, Akos Kertesz INFINITELY XARA CATERING 3 Course Meal Designed to delight your senses, this second event in the series will once again offer the perfect combination of chamber music and fine dining in one of Mdina’s most beautiful venues. SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 7.30PM Palazzo de Piro, Mdina
MPO IN COLLABORATION WITH QALB IT-TFAL PRESENT
ALAN CHIRCOP Conductor
00 - 00 OF MONTH Under the direction of Alan Chircop, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing some of the Beatles’ greatest hits. This concert, presented in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Qalb it-Tfal, is a must for any Beatles fans so make sure you have your Ticket to Ride.
FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 8:00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
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A Teatru Manoel Opera Production MOZART
LE NOZZE DI FIGARO PHILIP WALSH Musical Director JACK FURNESS Director
PAULS PUTNINS Figaro CLAIRE DEBONO Susanna CHRISTIAN BOWERS Count Almaviva RUTH SAMMUT CASINGENA Countess
Original photo credit: Luiz Rodriguez
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TUESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY THURSDAY 2ND MARCH MONDAY 6TH MARCH 7.30PM Teatru Manoel
BEETHOVEN
EROICA BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor JIMAN WEE Violin KIRILL RODIN Cello
ISOUARD Joconde Overture
BRAHMS
Beethoven and Brahms feature side by side under the baton of Principal Conductor Brian Schembri, with renowned soloists Jiman Wee and Kirill Rodin joining the orchestra to perform Brahms’ Double Concerto.
Double Concerto
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”
Originally written for Napoleon Bonaparte, Beethoven’s Third Symphony was dramatically renamed “Sinfonia Eroica” or “Heroic Symphony” after the composer saw a different side to Napoleon than the one he had admired him for. In contrast, Isouard was a loyal Bonapartist, and the overture to his opera “Joconde”, edited by Richard Divall, will open these concerts.
SATURDAY 11TH MARCH 8.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta THURSDAY 16TH MARCH 3.30PM Musikverein, Vienna, Austria FRIDAY 17TH MARCH 7.30PM Konzerthaus, Klagenfurt, Austria
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A Gaulitana Festival Production PUCCINI
MADAMA BUTTERFLY INSTRUMENTS OF INNOVATION MICHAEL LAUS Conductor/Harpsichord STEPHEN MURPHY Trumpet DANIEL CAUCHI Typewriter HAYDN Trumpet Concerto GLASS Harpsichord Concerto
COLIN ATTARD Musical Director
HAYDN Clock symphony ANDERSON The Typewriter Throughout the history of classical music, composers have always explored new possibilities for musical instruments. This concert presents a selection of music composed for innovative instruments such as the trumpet, harpsichord and even the typewriter!
The 11th edition of Gaulitana Festival will be highlighted by a full-scale production of Puccini’s immortal opera Madama Butterfly, conducted by Colin Attard. Featuring the musicians of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the opera’s international cast will be led by world-renowned Maltese soprano Miriam Gauci.
FRIDAY 24TH MARCH 10.00AM (Schools performance) SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 7.30PM Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
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SATURDAY 1ST APRIL 7.30PM Aurora Theatre, Gozo
Presented in collaboration with the European Foundation for the Support of Culture
RUSSIAN MASTERS II
MALTA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
MICHAEL LAUS Conductor CARMINE LAURI Violin
RIMSKY KORSAKOV Russian Easter Festival Overture GLAZUNOV Violin Concerto in A minor TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 2
Opening the second concert of our Russian Masters Series is Rimsky Korsakov’s Russian Easter Festival Overture, followed by Carmine Lauri performing Glazunov’s Violin Concerto. Rimsky-Korsakov, among others, was particularly enthusiastic about Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony because of the composer’s distinctive use of traditional folk tunes.
FRIDAY 7TH APRIL SATURDAY 8TH APRIL 8.00PM Teatru Manoel
The Malta International Music Festival and Competition aims to create a platform for young musicians to exhibit their talents and learn from acclaimed professors. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be featured in two of the festival’s concerts.
SATURDAY 22ND APRIL SUNDAY 30TH APRIL 8:00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
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International Spring Orchestra Festival Closing Concert
EUROPE DAY CONCERT MALTESE PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU 2017
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
BEETHOVEN
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is widely considered to be one of the composer’s greatest works, although he was so deaf at the time of its completion, Beethoven couldn’t hear the audience’s enthusiastic applause at its premiere.
Symphony No. 9 With its rousing choral finale which utilises Friedrich von Schiller’s text “Ode to Joy”, Beethoven’s Ninth has also stood as an important cultural symbol. The melody that Beethoven set to Schiller’s text is the anthem of the European Union. This concert is also the closing concert of the International Spring Orchestra Festival and will feature musicians from the European Union Youth Orchestra.
TUESDAY 9TH MAY 8.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
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Concert in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund
MOZART AT MIDNIGHT
ROMANTIC STRINGS MELANIE WAITE Leader
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor JOSE GARCIA GUTIERREZ French Horn
MOZART Eine Kleine Nachtmusik MOZART Horn Concerto No. 4
MENDELSSOHN String Symphony No. 10
MOZART Symphony No. 40
EDWARDS Chorale & Ecstatic Dance BRAHMS String Sextet No. 2
Led by Melanie Waite, the MPO string section will perform some of the most beautiful music written for strings including works by Mendelssohn, Brahms and Edwards.
SATURDAY 13TH MAY 8.00PM Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
When he had the resources to do so, Mozart enjoyed a lavish lifestyle and would often host private concerts late into the night. In this very special event starting at midnight, the music of Mozart will be performed in the beautiful surroundings of Verdala Palace near Rabat. With principal conductor Brian Schembri, and soloist Jose Garcia, this is sure to be a night to remember.
SATURDAY 27TH MAY DOORS OPEN: 11.30PM Verdala Palace, Rabat
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MUSSORGSKY
PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION WARRICK STENGARDS Conductor
Children love to live in a world of dreams, brimming with imagination, colourful stories and magical sounds. This is what underlies the great success of our annual Family Fanfare Concerts. In 1873 Modest Mussorgsky composed a musical depiction of an exhibition of pictures by painter Viktor Hartmann and in 2017 students from the Johann Strauss School of Music will be composing their own musical soundscapes on emotive pictures. The orchestral performances of these compositions will bring these pictures to life and our young audiences are invited to join us on this magical journey that inhabits the enchanting world of stories, pictures and sounds.
THURSDAY 18TH MAY 10.00AM (Schools performance) Mediterranean Conference Centre SATURDAY 20TH MAY 5.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
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Victoria International Arts Festival
VICTORIA LOCAL COUNCIL CONCERT
OPENING CONCERT
JOSEPH DEBRINCAT Conductor
Organised by the Victoria Local Council, this concert will feature a selection of classics from composers including Rossini, Puccini and Bizet. Under the direction of Joseph Debrincat, the MPO will also perform Charles Camilleri’s “Malta Suite”.
SATURDAY 10TH JUNE 8.00PM Independence Square, Victoria JOSEPH VELLA Conductor Presented by the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military of Malta
This year, the Victoria International Arts Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the opening concert will feature works by Joseph Vella, the festival’s Artistic Director. With a range of soloists, the Laudate Pueri Choir of St. George’s Basilica, and the University of Delaware Choral Society, together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra this is sure to be a very special opening concert.
TUESDAY 6TH JUNE 8.00PM St. George’s Basilica, Gozo
ST. JOHN’S DAY CONCERT MICHAEL LAUS Conductor GOLDBERG ENSEMBLE The annual St. John’s Day Concert features a selection of sacred works for choir and orchestra and is held in the beautifully ornate setting of St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Under the direction of Michael Laus, the orchestra will also be joined by the Goldberg Ensemble. THURSDAY 15TH JUNE 7.30PM St. John’s Co-Cathedral
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Presented in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conference Centre
CARNAVAL ROMAIN SEASON CLOSING CONCERT
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor DMITRY ISHKHANOV Piano
BERLIOZ Roman Carnival Overture
KABALEVSKY
In this distinctly Roman themed concert, the orchestra sets the scene with Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture before being joined by the brilliant young pianist Dmitry Ishkanov to perform Kabalevsky’s Third Piano Concerto.
Piano Concerto No. 3
KHACHATURIAN Spartacus Suite
RESPIGHI Pines of Rome
Inspired by the heroic gladiator who led the slave uprising against the Roman Republic, Khachaturian’s Spartacus Suite has also been featured in many movie scores. Respighi’s Pines of Rome is a symphonic poem which vividly depicts pine trees in four different locations across Rome including at the Villa Borghese Gardens and along the Appian Way.
SATURDAY 24TH JUNE 8.00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
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VENUE & BOOKING INFORMATION For detailed ticket pricing and further information, please contact the relevant venues and booking offices. TEATRU MANOEL Box Office, 11 Old Theatre Street, Valletta
MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE Mediterranean Street, Valletta
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
www.mcc.com.mt
(+356) 2124 6389 bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
(+356) 2559 5750/1 bookings@mcc.com.mt
ROBERT SAMUT HALL Triq Sarria, Floriana
PJAZZA TEATRU RJAL Casa Cassar, Triq il-Vittorja, Valletta
www.ticketline.com.mt (Ticketing)
www.pjazzateatrurjal.com
(+356) 2124 4473 info@maltaorchestra.com
(+356) 2247 8100 contact@pjazzateatrurjal.com
AURORA OPERA HOUSE 100 Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
TEATRU ASTRA 9 Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
www.teatruaurora.com
www.mediterranea.com.mt
(+356) 7904 5779 teatruaurora@leone.org.mt
(+356) 2155 0985 / (+356) 7925 6897 bookings@mediterranea.com.mt
Ticket prices vary depending on event, venue and organisers. Concessions and student prices are available for all performances and the MPO Membership Scheme offers generous discounts on a wide variety of concerts and events.
For all other information, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 1, Triq John Lopez, Floriana, Malta www.maltaorchestra.com
Connect with us on social media to get the very latest updates and information about the orchestra.
(+356) 2124 4473 info@maltaorchestra.com
Artists, programmes and dates are correct at the time of going to print. MPO reserves the right to change them if necessary. Please visit our website for the latest updates.
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Presented as part of the Malta International Arts Festival
MALTESE MUSIC NIGHT
SUMMER CONCERTS
As part of the Malta International Arts Festival, this very special performance will consist of five new pieces of music commissioned from composers including Albert Pace, Mariella Cassar Cordina, Jesmond Grixti, Chris Muscat and Ruben Zahra. Each composition will feature traditional Maltese instruments, including the Żummara (Reed Pipe), the Żaqq (Bagpipe), Flejguta (folk flute) and Żafżafa (Friction Drum).
THURSDAY 29TH JUNE Victoria International Arts Festival
MPO/MYO JOINT CONCERT PETER STARK Conductor
This very special annual event sees the MPO join forces with the Malta Youth Orchestra to present a captivating and engaging performance which will this year be under the direction of acclaimed conductor, Peter Stark.
CLOSING CONCERT JOSEPH VELLA Conductor
The closing festival of the 20th Victoria International Arts Festival will feature works by Vella and Beethoven. The theme will focus on peace, and the concert will bring together the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, soloists, and the Laudate Pueri Choir of St George’s Basilica.
MONDAY 10TH JULY 8.00PM St. George’s Basilica, Gozo TUESDAY 4TH JULY
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CLASSICS UNDER THE STARS
Featuring a varied programme of popular orchestral classics, light classical songs and musical theatre excerpts, the annual Classics under the Stars concert is a truly special event held in the beautiful gardens at Girgenti Palace.
JULY 2017 Malta International Arts Festival
CLOSING CONCERT
JOSEPH CALLEJA SUMMER CONCERT
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra brings the Malta International Arts Festival to a fitting conclusion with a festive orchestral performance.
Internationally acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja returns to Malta to host his annual summer concert featuring a diverse range of classical, opera and rock/pop music and a world-class line-up of guest artists.
SATURDAY 15TH JULY JULY 2017
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THANK YOU The MPO is proud to enjoy associations with the following cultural entities, corporate sponsors and individual patrons. Their generous support allows us to reach further and touch more lives.
MPO PARTNERS
MPO CORPORATE SPONSORS
Mr Paul Zammit Supporter
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Mr Patrick Xuereb Patron
Mr & Mrs Smith Patrons
SEASON CALENDAR SEPTEMBER Sun 4th Cliff Zammit Stevens Sat 10th Rockestra Wed 21st Independence Day Concert Fri 30th Season Opening Concert OCTOBER Thu 6th Festival of Modern Composers - Sun 9th Sat 15th Bizet: Carmen Thu 27th Verdi: Aida Sat 29th Verdi: Aida NOVEMBER Sat 5th Verdi: Requiem Fri 11th Dvorak & Elgar Tue 15th Pietru u l-Lupu Wed 16th Pietru u l-Lupu Thu 17th Frantz: Canticum Vitae Sat 26th A Taste of the Classics Mon 28th Eine Kleine Nachtmusik DECEMBER Fri 2nd Malta University Foundation Day Wed 7th BOV Joseph Calleja Winter Concert Sat 17th Beethoven: Missa Solemnis (Rome) Sat 31st New Year’s Concert JANUARY Thurs 12th EU Presidency Opening (Malta) Mon 16th EU Presidency Opening (Brussels) Thu 26th Valletta International Baroque Festival FEBRUARY Sat 4th Russian Masters I Thu 9th Frisina: To the Ends of the Earth Sat 11th Frisina: To the Ends of the Earth Sat 11th A Taste of the Classics Fri 17th Symphonic Beatles Sat 18th Symphonic Beatles Tue 28th Le Nozze di Figaro
MARCH Thu 2nd Sat 4th Mon 6th Sat 11th Thu 16th Fri 17th Fri 24th Sat 25th
Le Nozze di Figaro Le Nozze di Figaro Le Nozze di Figaro Beethoven: Eroica (Malta) Beethoven: Eroica (Vienna) Beethoven: Eroica (Klagenfurt) Instruments of Innovation (Schools Performance) Instruments of Innovation
APRIL Sat 1st Fri 7th Sat 22nd Sun 30th
Madama Butterfly Russian Masters II Malta International Music Festival Malta International Music Festival
MAY Tue 9th Sat 13th Thu 18th Sat 20th Sat 27th
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 Romantic Strings Family Fanfare (Schools Performance) Family Fanfare Mozart at Midnight
JUNE Tue 6th Sat 10th Thu 15th Sat 24th Thu 29th
Victoria International Arts Festival Victoria Local Council Concert St. John’s Day Concert Carnaval Romain - Season Closing Concert Maltese Music Night
JULY Tue 4th Mon 10th Sat 15th TBC TBC
MPO/MYO Concert Victoria International Arts Festival Malta International Arts Festival Joseph Calleja Summer Concert Classics Under the Stars – Girgenti
PLEASE NOTE All information is correct at time of printing, however, circumstances may change and MPO reserves the right to make changes to information provided in this booklet. Please check our website for all the latest updates and information.
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