The Malta Independent on Sunday
The Bir Miftuh International Music Festival
After a successful first opening concert, the Bir Miftuh International Music Festival continues on Friday, 24 May at 7.30pm featuring Concert for Europe presenting a String Quartet by The RE: Orchestra, formerly known as the Rotterdam Ensemble, under the direction of Maestro Roberto Beltran Zavala. The concert will have Nicolai Bernstein – violin 1, Reggie Clews – violin II, Hara van Amersfoort – viola, Wijnand Hulst – cello with guest artists Jessica Ellul – clarinet and Jenny Melville – oboe and with the special participation of Gillian Zammit – soprano and Claire Ghigo – mezzo soprano. Music is by Beethoven, Mozart, Fauré, Puccini, Mahler, Rossini, Strauss, Bellini, Offenbach and Viardot.
The European anthem Ode to Joy, translated to Maltese by Dr John Vassallo, will bring the concert to a grand finale.
This concert is being generously sponsored by Dr John Vassallo and Dr Marianne Schaefer Noll. All concerts at the Medieval Chapel of Bir Miftuh are followed by refreshments offered in the magical garden surrounding this chapel and afford patrons the opportunity of meeting musicians, sponsors and Din l-Art Helwa officials.
Block tickets for three concerts and refreshments are against a donation of €50 per person; Block tickets for two concerts and refreshments are against a donation of €35 per person. All proceeds will be devolved to contribute for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris.