20th century masterworks to be performed in Malta

● Musicians from Czech and Maltese orchestras join forces to deliver a ground-breaking concert

The concert series Modern Music Days presents four 20th century masterworks: Octandre by Edgard Varèse, Chamber Concerto for 13 Instruments by György Ligeti, Sinfonietta Op.1 by Benjamin Britten and Tehillim by Steve Reich. For this exciting concert, selected musicians from the Brno Contemporary Orchestra (BCO) and from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) will join forces under the direction of conductor Pavel Šnajdr. This is a great opportunity for the Maltese audience to experience these major 20th century works that are being performed in Malta for the very first time.

“One of the objectives of MMD is to create the opportunity for local musicians to tackle important 20th century and contemporary works with the appropriate professional coaching,” explains artistic director and composer Ruben Zahra. “MPO musicians have already worked with conductor Pavel Šnajdr and in this concert they will also perform side by side Czech musicians who are specialised in this repertoire.”

As part of the culture programme of Valletta 2018, MMD is committed to promote the performance and understanding of contemporary music in Malta. The works selected for this programme are each considered a masterpiece of the 20th century repertoire as well as accessible to a wide audience. Octandre by Varèse transforms nervous solo rhythmic motifs into shocking waves of sound; Ligeti’s Chamber Concerto for 13 Instruments had been described as a single light of gathering intensity, shining through music texture; Sinfonietta Op.1 is a remarkably assured example of Britten’s earlier compositions. The grand finale of the concert is Tehillim by Steve Reich which means Psalms in Hebrew. Scored for four female voices, winds, strings, percussion and two electric organs, this work is the first to reflect the composer’s Jewish heritage.

“Malta has missed out on 100 years of music,” points out Zahra. “Important 20th century works that portray an unbroken line of evolution in classical music heritage, from Bach to Berio (and beyond) have not yet made it to the shores of Malta. Local audiences have a right to experience this music.”

Tehillim – 20th century masterworks is organised by Teatru Manoel, the Malta Association for Contemporary Music and the Valletta 2018 Foundation as part of the culture programme of Valletta 2018 − European Capital of Culture. The concert will be held at Teatru Manoel in Valletta on Saturday, 9 June at 8.30pm.

Tickets are available at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt