The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra with the help of the Malta Tourism Authority and the Embassy of Malta in Italy visited Italy in January. Here is a little narrative of how the story unfolded.
Day 1 – early departure
It all began early in the morning on the 23 of January, when the orchestra travelled to Rome. Some carrying their instruments, others not, they boarded the Air Malta flight and headed to Rome. Thankfully Malta is close to Rome so it was a short flight which gave the musicians plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of Rome.
Day 2 – Sight seeing and Concert
The next day, after a few hours sight seeing in the ‘Eternal City’ the orchestra arrived at the Auditorium Parco della Musica ‘Ennio Morricone’, and after a warm up they settled in for a rehearsal experiencing the acoustic brilliance of this magnificent auditorium.
The concert was that evening, and it turned out to be a truly spectacular evening. The warm audience welcomed the MPO and all of the performers played with unrivalled passion.
One cannot but praise all of the musician, especially our soloists Erica Piccotti – Violoncello, Carmine Lauri – Violin, Francesco Sultana – Traditional Maltese Instruments, under the able hands of Michael Laus – Music Director.
The programme featured original works by Ruben Zahra, Johannes Brahms, Christopher Muscat and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
The Repertoire
Ruben Zahra The Forbidden, mov. 2 e 4
Johannes Brahms Doppio Concerto per violino e violoncello in la minore, Op. 102
Christopher Muscat Mesogeios
Petr Ilic Cajkovskij Lo Schiaccianoci, suite
Day 3 – Travelling and Concert at Night
After a successful concert in Rome the orchestra starts its journey North heading to Bologna for a concert at the Auditorium Manzoni. The orchestra travel via train and once they arrive they immediately need to warm up and get started in preparation for the concert. A truly stunning concert hall which resulted in a breath-taking concert. Another bravo goes to all the performers and a special mention to the soloists, Erica Piccotti – Violoncello, Carmine Lauri – Violin, Francesco Sultana – Traditional Maltese Instruments, under the baton of Michael Laus.
The Repertoire
Josef Bugeja Crux
Johannes Brahms Doppio Concerto per violino e violoncello in la minore, Op. 102
Christopher Muscat Mesogeios
Petr Ilic Cajkovskij Lo Schiaccianoci, suite
