Teatru Astra, Victoria Gozo 

John Galea Conductor 
Dorothy Bezzina Vocals
Chris Grech Vocals

Programme

Edward Mifsud Raġġ

Selection of works by ELP, Yes, King Crimson and Genesis

Feel the Magic of Orchestral Progressive Rock will feature the première of Edward Mifsud’s concept album “Raġġ,” an orchestral work inspired by the progressive rock style that originated in the UK in the early 1970s, with lyrics derived from poetry by Maltese poets from the same era, namely Oliver Friggieri, Marjanu Vella, Ġorġ Peresso, Achille Mizzi, Joe Friggieri, and Ġorġ Borg (in order of appearance). “Raġġ” explores the dualities of hope and helplessness, secrecy and openness, individualism and collectivism, youth and old age, and life and death, among others, all within the work’s overarching theme of light and darkness. These dichotomies are resolved in the work’s final piece, which discusses harmony and connectedness. Such themes echo the juxtaposition of ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ traits, a common characteristic of progressive rock music.

Music by prominent progressive rock bands ELP, Yes, King Crimson, and Genesis, arranged and orchestrated by Edward Mifsud in the style of “Raġġ” will also be featured.

This concert will be held on Saturday 18 th May 2024 at Teatru Astra, featuring the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Dr Mro John Galea, and special guests Dorothy Bezzina and Chris Grech.

This project forms part of the “Feel the Magic” programme 2022-2024, produced by Chorus Urbanus, and is generously supported by Arts Council Malta, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, the Cultural Heritage Directorate, Melita Foundation, APS Bank, and Teatru Astra.

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