Concerts by Gulbenkian Orchestra, 'Accademia' saxophone quartet

The Manoel Theatre is holding two concerts, on July 13 at 8.30 p.m. and on July 18 at 9 p.m., in collaboration with the Mdina Rehabilitation Committee.

The first concert, at the Manoel Theatre, will feature Portugal's leading orchestra and choir, the internationally renowned "Gulbenkian" Orchestra and Choir.

Since its establishment in the 1960s by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Gulbenkian Orchestra and Choir have performed regularly during the concert season in Lisbon at the Gulbenkian Foundation's 1,200-seat grand auditorium where many of the world's great musicians have participated as guest conductors and soloists.

Accompanying the musicians will be Luisa Manoel de Vilhena, a direct descendant of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena, and Maria Helena Caleia Mendes Pinto, who has a connection with Grand Master Pinto.

The second of these concerts, in what is hoped to become an annual event, will take place in the magical surroundings of the ramparts in the private quarters of the Knight in residence at Fort St Angelo, Vittoriosa, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute, under the patronage of the President of Malta, Guido de Marco, and Fra' Andrew Bertie, Grandmaster of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Renowned for a repertoire that is cultured but popular, the Saxophone Quartet 'Accademia', considered in its genre to be among the most interesting of Italian groups at international level, will be performing works by Rossini, Mike Curtis, Aldemaro Romero, Pedro Iturralde, Thelonius Monk, and Astor Piazzolla, penetrating diverse styles and making for highly captivating listening in their musical journey "Around the World".

A combined ticket for both concerts costing Lm12 may be acquired from the Manoel Theatre Booking Office, tel. 21 246389, e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt