Music's most famous brothers to perform together in Malta

Two of the world's most famous musical siblings - Julian and Andrew Lloyd Webber - will be treating the Maltese to a unique concert at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in September, marking the 50th anniversary of the Malta Trade Fairs Corporation.

This event is just one in a series of cultural events to mark this anniversary and Julian Lloyd Webber, a world-famous cellist, gave a start to these celebrations at the Classical Connections Concert last night.

This concert, held at the Trade Fair Grounds in Naxxar, saw the participation of the Anstan Piano Trio, with pianist Annmarie Chetcuti, violinist Stephen Galea and cellist Angelica Galea.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Julian Lloyd Webber, flanked by Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and corporation senior vice-president Anthony Galea, expressed the hope that the sun would be shining when he returns in September.

Asked if his work was overshadowed by his brother's popular musicals, Lloyd Webber admitted that classical music did not receive as much publicity as large-scale musicals.

"I am fine with that. I think the only time I was ever jealous of my brother was yesterday (Friday) when I heard he would be performing with Beyoncè," he said with a wide smile.

He recounted that the first musical collaboration with his brother Andrew occurred when the latter was nine and he was six. It took place on the stage of a toy theatre, and Julian's role was limited to operating the collection of tiny plastic soldiers that made up the cast of Andrew's latest musical.

More than 40 years have passed since then but the brothers still enjoy a remarkable familial and musical relationship - Julian first recorded a series of cello arrangements of hits from Andrew's musicals in 1990.

"Even though we went our separate ways through the years, coming together again has also made me discover the music of my father, who had stopped composing when I was born - by working with my brother I saw a way of linking the Lloyd Webbers," he said.

The two brothers will be meeting again in Malta in September for A Night with Lloyd Webber at the MCC, with the participation of the National Orchestra, which will have 85 musicians, under the baton of Mro Joseph Vella.

This programme will include Elgar's Cello Concerto and highlights from Sir Andrew's highly acclaimed musicals Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Phantom of the Opera.

During this concert a replica of the one-ton chandelier, used in the film Phantom of the Opera, will be brought from abroad for the occasion. The latest in technology lighting, large projections and pyrotechnics, together with special effects are set to haunt the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

The corporation's celebrations continue in October with a Debutantes' Concert starring Clare-Marie Agius on clarinet, pianist Charlene Farrugia, violinist Romeo Giacomotto and harpist Anne Marie Camilleri Podestà.

In November, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem will provide a fitting conclusion to the 50th anniversary events at St John's Co-Cathedral.

Dr Zammit Dimech said these cultural events served as a catalyst to bring together the worlds of business and culture.