The Malta Independent on Sunday
String serenades and casino grandeur
Enchanting melodies emanate from Valletta’s Casino Maltese as eminent Maltese violinist Carmine Lauri leads the MPO Strings in an intimate concert of String Serenades.
Mastery of the instrument will be displayed in a performance showcasing two iconic serenades for string orchestra. From Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s masterful serenade brimming with Russian Folk influence, to the Bohemian spirit captured in one of Antonín Dvořák’s most beloved works, the repertoire seeks to highlight the brilliance and virtuosity of these instruments, interpreted in the hands of masters.
Such skill comes from the likes of Lauri who started playing the violin at the age of four. Lauri has since been awarded the National Order of Merit – M.O.M. acknowledging his talent. He is co-leader of the London Symphony Orchestra while performing extensively worldwide. He returns to perform with the MPO after featuring in Saturday Nights with Carmine Lauri, one of the MPO’s first projects as part of its digital transformation.
Lauri leading the MPO Strings will serenade audiences at the Casino Maltese, a venue most suited for the exquisite programme. Dating back from the time of the Knights, the regal building had various uses. Since 1906, the Casino Maltese has been a club, instilling it with years of charm and prestige.
The concert follows a series of events keeping the hybrid model the orchestra has taken up, alive. As it continues to diversify its music-making the MPO has launched an album, Harmonie songs for voice and harp, held numerous live-concerts including the most recent Pictures at an exhibition featuring oboist Albrecht Mayer and continued releasing a series of audio-visual productions such as Music from Gladiator as part of Orchestra Resounds. The orchestra continues to gather momentum, having reaped over 17 million unique followers in 12 months.
Taking place on 14 December, String Serenades is presented in collaboration with the Valletta Cultural Agency, in accordance with all current health protocols, with valid vaccination certificate required at entry. Tickets can be bought from showshappening.com