2016/2017 CONCERT SEASON - Malta Philharmonic · PDF file2016/2017 CONCERT SEASON. 1 ......

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2016/2017CONCERT 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.

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.

Symphonic Classical Music

Chamber Orchestra/Chamber Music

Family/Educational

Light Classics/Alternative

Rock/Pop Fusion

Opera

Free Admission

MPO Membership Scheme

MPO BOARD & MANAGEMENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairman: 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 SchembriResident Conductor: Michael Laus Orchestra Leader: Marcelline Agius Guest Leader: Carmine Lauri

MANAGEMENT TEAM Executive Chairman: Sigmund MifsudFinancial Controller: Reuben Sammut Director of Operations: Michael Aquilina Marketing & Development Manager: Maria BlancoMarketing & 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

PUBLISHERS Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

EDITORS

Brian O’ Regan & Maria BlancoDESIGN & LAYOUT

Switch Ltd.

BOOKLET CREDITS

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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.

maltaorchestra.com

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.

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.

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.

MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

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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.

Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

BRIAN SCHEMBRI

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.

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.

Executive Chairman

SIGMUND MIFSUD

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. 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.

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

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. 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. 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.

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MPO MEMBERSHIP SCHEMEThe 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.

• 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

GOLD MEMBERSHIP - €120

• MPO Platinum Membership Card• Free access to open rehearsals• Priority booking with notification


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

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP - €200

• MPO Silver Membership Card• Free access to open rehearsals• Priority booking with notification


Scheme Concerts• Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts

SILVER MEMBERSHIP - €60

• MPO Family Membership Card• Free access to open rehearsals• Priority booking with notification


Scheme Concerts• Free reserved ticket for selected

MPO Concerts• Free family ticket (2 adults & 2 children)

for MPO Family Fanfare Concert

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

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP - €25

Don’t forget to look out for the MPO Membership Icon throughout this booklet. Apply online at www.maltaorchestra.com

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

PIETRU U L-LUPUA Maltese adaptation of Peter and the Wolf

15TH & 16TH NOVEMBER

Catholic Institute, Floriana

MPO FAMILY FANFAREFeaturing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition

18TH & 20TH MAY

Mediterranean Conference Centre

FAMILY CONCERTS

MOZART AT MIDNIGHTA late night performance of the music of Mozart

SATURDAY 27TH MAY

Verdala Palace, Rabat

INSTRUMENTS OF INNOVATIONFeaturing solo pieces for innovative instruments.

24TH & 25TH MARCH

Robert Samut Hall, Floriana

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERTS

A TASTE OF THE CLASSICSThree course dinner served with classical music

26TH NOVEMBER & 11TH FEBRUARY

Palazzo de Piro, Mdina

SYMPHONIC BEATLESFeaturing music from The Beatles

17TH & 18TH FEBRUARY


LIGHT CLASSICS / ALTERNATIVE

SEASON OPENING CONCERTFeaturing music by Beethoven & Brahms

FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER

Teatru Manoel

RUSSIAN MASTERSFeaturing music by Shostakovich & Tchaikovsky

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY


CARNAVAL ROMAINSeason Closing Concert conducted by Brian Schembri

SATURDAY 24TH JUNE


DVORAK & ELGARWith acclaimed cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan

FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER

Teatru Manoel

SYMPHONIC CONCERTS

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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.

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 SEPTEMBER8.00PMPjazza Teatru Rjal

BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor

CHRIS SPITERI Tuba

PHILIP ATTARD Saxophone

GEORGE CAMILLERI Euphonium

KUNĊERT GĦAL JUM

L-INDIPENDENZA

Presented by Arts Council Malta

VELLARebbieħa

ARUTIUNIANConcerto for Tuba and Orchestra

MAURICETableaux de Provence

JENKINSEuphonium Concerto

INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT

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CLIFF ZAMMIT

STEVENS ROCKESTRAIN CONCERT

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.

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.

PHILIP WALSH Conductor

CLIFF ZAMMIT STEVENS

Tenor

NICOLA SAID Soprano

SIGMUND MIFSUD Conductor

SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 8.00PM

Pjazza Teatru Rjal

SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 8.00PM

Malta Fairs & Convention Centre,Ta Qali

Original photo credit: Robert Workman

Concert in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund

Original photo credit: Viktor Vella

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THURSDAY 6TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana

FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana

SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana

FESTIVAL OF MODERN COMPOSERS

Presented in collaboration with the European Foundation for the Support of Culture

Day 1OPENING CONCERTProgramme includes:

Day 3GALA CONCERT FOR COMPETITION FINALISTS

Day 2INSTRUMENTAL RECITALProgramme includes:

Day 4CLOSING CONCERTProgramme includes:

VELLA

Clarinet Quintet Op. 16

VELLASegments Op. 94

VELLACharlie on my Mind Op. 144

This concert will feature performers who have made it through the competition preliminary rounds.

Competition winners will be announced at the end of the concert.

VELLADuo Concertante Op. 91

VELLACapriccio for Violin & Piano Op. 62

VELLAPercussion & Piano Duetting Op.110

VELLASinfonietta for Strings Op. 36

VELLAConcerto Barocco Op. 92

VELLAIn Memoriam Op. 96 (Strings)

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

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. 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”.

BEETHOVENPiano Concerto No. 4

BRAHMSSymphony No. 3

FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER8.00PMTeatru Manoel

SEASON OPENING CONCERT


CHARLENE FARRUGIA Piano

BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS

Presented in collaboration with Teatru Manoel

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Original photo credit: Ken Scicluna

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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.

DVORAK Cello Concerto in B minor

ECONOMOUDi-ichon

ELGAREnigma Variations

FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER8.00PMTeatru Manoel

MICHALIS ECONOMOU Conductor

NAREK HAKHNAZARYAN Cello

DVORAK & ELGAR

Original photo credit: Marco Borggreve

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CARMEN AIDABIZET VERDI

An Astra Theatre ProductionAn Aurora Theatre Production

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.

COLIN ATTARD Conductor

NOVELLA TABILI Director

JOSEPH VELLA Conductor

ENRICO STINCHELLI

Director

SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 7.30PM

Aurora Theatre, Gozo

THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER

7.30PMAstra Theatre, Gozo

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PIETRU U L-LUPU

PETER & THE WOLF

Presented in collaboration with ŻiguŻajg Festival

TUESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER6.30PM (Schools performance)

WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER9.30AM & 11.30AMCatholic Institute, Floriana

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.

RICCARDO BIANCHI Conductor

RUTH BORG

Director

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.

MICHAEL LAUS Conductor

MIRIAM GAUCI Soprano

CLAIRE MASSA Alto

CHRISTOPHER BUSIETTA Tenor

ALBERT BUTTIGIEG Bass

ST. MONICA CHOIR

REQUIEMVERDI

SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 8.00PM


THURSDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

CANTICUM VITAE

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.

HERMANN FARRUGIA FRANTZ Conductor

FRANCESA AQUILINA

Soprano

CHARLES VINCENTI Tenor

ALFRED CAMILLERI Baritone

CORO BEL CANTO

FARRUGIA FRANTZ

A Mediterranean Conference Centre Production

Marketing

Typewritten Text

(Schools performance)

Marketing

Text Box

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FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 8.00PM


WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER 7.30PM

Teatru Manoel

UNIVERSITYOF MALTA

BOV JOSEPH CALLEJA

FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION DAY CONCERT

WINTER CONCERT

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.

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.

Programme includes:

ROSSINILa Gazza Ladra Overture

MORRICONEOnce Upon a Time in America

ADAMSShort Ride in a Fast Machine

TCHAIKOVSKYCapriccio Italien

BRIAN SCHEMBRIConductor

JOSEPH CALLEJATenor

MICHAEL LAUSConductor

Original photo credit: Simon Fowler/Decca 2013

Original photo credit: Ken Scicluna

MONDAY 28TH NOVEMBER8.00PM

Teatru Manoel

A TASTE OF THE

CLASSICS

EINE KLEINE NACHTMUSIK

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.

MPO VOICE & HARP TRIOBritt Arend, Gillian Zammit, Clare Ghigo

INFINITELY XARA CATERING 3 Course Meal

Presented in collaboration with Palazzo de Piro

SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER7.30PM


Featuring chamber music ensembles and soloists from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra,

this performance will feature much- loved music from Handel and Mozart,

conducted by Adrian Butterfield.

ADRIAN BUTTERFIELD Conductor

BRITT ARENDHarp

REBECCA HALLFlute

Concert in aid of Dar il-Kaptan

HANDELConcerto Grosso Op.6 No.11

MOZARTConcerto for Flute & Harp K.299

MOZARTEine Kleine Nachtmusik

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17TH DECEMBER – ROME

BEETHOVEN – MISSA SOLEMNISThe great composer’s choral masterpiece conducted by Brian Schembri.

23RD JANUARY – BERLIN

MUSIC FROM THE MEDITERRANEANEnchanting music for Harp and Voice performed at the Berlin Town Hall.

14TH FEBRUARY – WARSAW

COSMOS WIND ENSEMBLEThrilling music for wind instruments presented at the Warsaw Royal Castle.

16TH MARCH – VIENNA

BEETHOVEN – EROICABrian Schembri conducts Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Brahms Double Concerto.

16TH JANUARY - BRUSSELS

EU PRESIDENCY OPENING CONCERTFeaturing internationally acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja.

25TH JANUARY – PARIS

MUSIC FROM THE MEDITERRANEANEnchanting music for Harp and Voice performed at the Salle des Mariages.

16TH FEBRUARY – MOSCOW

COSMOS WIND ENSEMBLEThrilling music for wind instruments presented at the State Tretyakov Gallery.

17TH MARCH – KLAGENFURT

BEETHOVEN – EROICABrian Schembri conducts Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Brahms Double Concerto.

The MPO performing at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, Nov 2015. Original Photo Credit: Adrian Calleja

Cosmos Wind Ensemble. Original Photo Credit: Amanda HsuOriginal photo credit: Adrian Calleja

INTERNATIONALCONCERT SERIES2016-2017

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.

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.

The MPO during their international tour to China, Dec 2014 - Jan 2015

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THURSDAY 12TH JANUARY8.00PM


MONDAY 16TH JANUARY8.00PM

Palais des Beaux ArtsBrussels, Belgium

THURSDAY 26TH JANUARY7.30PM

Teatru Manoel

BAHREU

PRESIDENCY

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.

Following the Opening Concert in Malta, the orchestra travel to Brussels

with Principal Conductor Brian Schembri and acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja.

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.

Presented as part of Malta’s EU Presidency


A Valletta International Baroque Festival Production

EU PRESIDENCY OPENING

GARZIA

OPENING CONCERT


ALBERT GARZIA Composer

MAVIN KHOO Choreographer


JOSEPH CALLEJA Tenor

MICHELLE CASTELLETTI Conductor

CARMINE LAURI Violin

Original photo credit: Darrin Zammit Lupi

BEETHOVEN

MISSA SOLEMNIS

IL-KUNĊERT TAL-PRESIDENT

GĦAS-SENAL-ĠDIDA

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.

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.

Presented by the Culture Directorate within the Ministry for Justice,

Culture & Local Government, Malta

Presented by Arts Council Malta & the Office of the President

SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER8.00PM

Basilica San Paolo Fuori le MuraRome, Italy

SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER8.30PM


CORO DELL’ ACCADEMIA NAZIONALE DI SANTA CECILIA

CIRO VISCO Choir Director



MICHAEL LESSKY Conductor

NICOLA SAID Soprano

PRESIDENT’S NEW YEAR’S CONCERT

Original photo credit: Daniel Cayford

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THURSDAY 9TH FEBRUARY8:00PM

St. Paul’s Collegiate Church, Rabat

SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY7:30PM

St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY

8:00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre

SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY7.30PM


FRISINA

A TASTE OF THE CLASSICS

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.


MARCO FRISINA Conductor & Composer

“FINO AI CONFINI DELLA TERRA”“TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH”

MPO STRING QUARTET Marcelline Agius, Klara Nazaj,

Nadia Debono, Akos Kertesz

INFINITELY XARA CATERING 3 Course Meal

SYMPHONIC BEATLES

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.

Presented in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Qalb it-Tfal

ALAN CHIRCOP Conductor

MPO IN COLLABORATION WITH QALB IT-TFAL PRESENT

00 - 00 OF MONTH

“A SPECATCULAR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE FEATURING SOME OF THE GREATEST HITS”

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.

TCHAIKOVSKYPiano Concerto No. 1

SHOSTAKOVICHSymphony No. 5

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre

JEAN-MARC BURFIN Conductor

PAVEL KOLESNIKOV Piano

RUSSIANMASTERS I

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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.

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.

ISOUARDJoconde Overture

BRAHMSDouble Concerto

BEETHOVEN

Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”

SATURDAY 11TH MARCH8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta

THURSDAY 16TH MARCH3.30PMMusikverein, Vienna, Austria

FRIDAY 17TH MARCH7.30PM Konzerthaus, Klagenfurt, Austria


JIMAN WEE Violin

KIRILL RODIN Cello

EROICABEETHOVEN

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Original photo credit: Luiz Rodriguez

PAULS PUTNINS Figaro

CLAIRE DEBONO

Susanna

CHRISTIAN BOWERSCount Almaviva

RUTH SAMMUT CASINGENA

Countess

TUESDAY 28TH FEBRUARYTHURSDAY 2ND MARCHMONDAY 6TH MARCH7.30PMTeatru Manoel

PHILIP WALSH Musical Director

JACK FURNESS Director

LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

MOZART

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A Teatru Manoel Opera Production

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(Presented as part of Malta's EU Presidency)

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RUSSIAN MASTERS II

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 APRILSATURDAY 8TH APRIL

8.00PM Teatru Manoel

MICHAEL LAUSConductor


RIMSKY KORSAKOV Russian Easter Festival Overture

GLAZUNOV Violin Concerto in A minor

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 2

SATURDAY 22ND APRILSUNDAY 30TH APRIL

8:00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre

MALTA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

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.

Presented in collaboration with the European Foundation

for the Support of Culture

INSTRUMENTS OF INNOVATION

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!

MICHAEL LAUSConductor/Harpsichord

STEPHEN MURPHY

Trumpet

DANIEL CAUCHITypewriter

FRIDAY 24TH MARCH10.00AM (Schools performance)

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH7.30PM


HAYDNTrumpet Concerto

GLASSHarpsichord Concerto

HAYDNClock symphony

ANDERSONThe Typewriter

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

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.

A Gaulitana Festival Production

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL7.30PM

Aurora Theatre, Gozo

COLIN ATTARD Musical Director

PUCCINI

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MOZART Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

MOZART

Horn Concerto No. 4

MOZARTSymphony No. 40

SATURDAY 27TH MAYDOORS OPEN: 11.30PM

Verdala Palace, Rabat


JOSE GARCIA GUTIERREZ French Horn

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.

MELANIE WAITE Leader

SATURDAY 13TH MAY8.00PM


MENDELSSOHNString Symphony No. 10

EDWARDSChorale & Ecstatic Dance

BRAHMSString Sextet No. 2

ROMANTIC STRINGS

MOZART AT MIDNIGHT

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.

Concert in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund

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.

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.

BEETHOVENSymphony No. 9

TUESDAY 9TH MAY8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre


EUROPE DAY CONCERT

MALTESE PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU 2017

International Spring Orchestra Festival Closing Concert

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TUESDAY 6TH JUNE8.00PM

St. George’s Basilica, Gozo

SATURDAY 10TH JUNE8.00PM

Independence Square, Victoria

THURSDAY 15TH JUNE7.30PM

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

OPENING CONCERT

VICTORIA LOCAL COUNCIL

CONCERT

ST. JOHN’S DAY CONCERTThis 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.

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”.

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.

Victoria InternationalArts Festival

Presented by the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military of Malta


JOSEPH DEBRINCAT Conductor

MICHAEL LAUS Conductor

GOLDBERG ENSEMBLE

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 5.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre

WARRICK STENGARDS Conductor

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION

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MUSSORGSKY

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VENUE & BOOKINGINFORMATION

AURORA OPERA HOUSE100 Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo

www.teatruaurora.com(+356) 7904 [email protected]

TEATRU ASTRA9 Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo

www.mediterranea.com.mt(+356) 2155 0985 / (+356) 7925 [email protected]

TEATRU MANOELBox Office, 11 Old Theatre Street, Valletta

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt(+356) 2124 [email protected]

MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTREMediterranean Street, Valletta

www.mcc.com.mt(+356) 2559 5750/[email protected]

ROBERT SAMUT HALLTriq Sarria, Floriana

www.ticketline.com.mt (Ticketing)(+356) 2124 [email protected]

PJAZZA TEATRU RJALCasa Cassar, Triq il-Vittorja, Valletta

www.pjazzateatrurjal.com(+356) 2247 8100 [email protected]

For detailed ticket pricing and further information, please contact the relevant venues and booking offices.

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.

Connect with us on social media to get the very latest updates and information about the orchestra.

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.

For all other information, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA1, Triq John Lopez, Floriana, Malta

www.maltaorchestra.com(+356) 2124 [email protected]

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.

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.

BERLIOZRoman Carnival Overture

KABALEVSKYPiano Concerto No. 3

KHACHATURIANSpartacus Suite

RESPIGHIPines of Rome

SATURDAY 24TH JUNE8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre


DMITRY ISHKHANOV Piano

CARNAVALROMAIN

SEASON CLOSING CONCERT

Presented in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conference Centre

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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.

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

JULY 2017

CLASSICS UNDER

THE STARS

SATURDAY 15TH JULY

CLOSING CONCERT

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra brings the Malta International Arts Festival to a fitting conclusion with a festive orchestral performance.

Malta International Arts Festival

JOSEPH CALLEJA

SUMMER CONCERT

SUMMER CONCERTS

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.

TUESDAY 4TH JULY

MPO/MYO JOINT CONCERT

PETER STARK Conductor

MONDAY 10TH JULY8.00PM

St. George’s Basilica, Gozo

CLOSING CONCERT

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.

Victoria International Arts Festival


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

MALTESE MUSIC NIGHT

Presented as part of the Malta International Arts Festival

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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.

Mr Paul Zammit Supporter

Mr Patrick Xuereb Patron

Mr & Mrs Smith Patrons

MPO PARTNERS

MPO CORPORATE SPONSORS

SEASON CALENDARSEPTEMBERSun 4th Cliff Zammit StevensSat 10th RockestraWed 21st Independence Day ConcertFri 30th Season Opening Concert

OCTOBERThu 6th Festival of Modern Composers- Sun 9th

Sat 15th Bizet: CarmenThu 27th Verdi: AidaSat 29th Verdi: Aida

NOVEMBERSat 5th Verdi: RequiemFri 11th Dvorak & ElgarTue 15th Pietru u l-LupuWed 16th Pietru u l-LupuThu 17th Frantz: Canticum VitaeSat 26th A Taste of the ClassicsMon 28th Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

DECEMBERFri 2nd Malta University Foundation DayWed 7th BOV Joseph Calleja Winter ConcertSat 17th Beethoven: Missa Solemnis (Rome)Sat 31st New Year’s Concert

JANUARYThurs 12th EU Presidency Opening (Malta)Mon 16th EU Presidency Opening (Brussels)Thu 26th Valletta International Baroque Festival

FEBRUARYSat 4th Russian Masters IThu 9th Frisina: To the Ends of the EarthSat 11th Frisina: To the Ends of the EarthSat 11th A Taste of the ClassicsFri 17th Symphonic BeatlesSat 18th Symphonic BeatlesTue 28th Le Nozze di Figaro

MARCHThu 2nd Le Nozze di FigaroSat 4th Le Nozze di FigaroMon 6th Le Nozze di FigaroSat 11th Beethoven: Eroica (Malta)Thu 16th Beethoven: Eroica (Vienna)Fri 17th Beethoven: Eroica (Klagenfurt)Fri 24th Instruments of Innovation (Schools Performance)Sat 25th Instruments of Innovation

APRILSat 1st Madama ButterflyFri 7th Russian Masters IISat 22nd Malta International Music FestivalSun 30th Malta International Music Festival

MAYTue 9th Beethoven: Symphony No. 9Sat 13th Romantic StringsThu 18th Family Fanfare (Schools Performance)Sat 20th Family FanfareSat 27th Mozart at Midnight

JUNETue 6th Victoria International Arts FestivalSat 10th Victoria Local Council ConcertThu 15th St. John’s Day ConcertSat 24th Carnaval Romain - Season Closing ConcertThu 29th Maltese Music Night

JULYTue 4th MPO/MYO ConcertMon 10th Victoria International Arts FestivalSat 15th Malta International Arts Festival TBC Joseph Calleja Summer ConcertTBC 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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