Micallef-Inanga duo all set for concert

Bubbling with enthusiasm and energy and looking younger than ever, Maltese pianist Jennifer Micallef spoke with enthusiasm about her next appearance in Malta. That will be with her Nigerian-born fellow pianist and performing partner, Glen Inanga.

The two need no introduction to local audiences or even, for that matter, to those all over the world where as a piano duo they have made their mark. The concert will be given at the Manoel Theatre on Saturday at 7.30 p.m. The National Orchestra will be conducted by Michael Laus.

The concert will be part of the many activities associated with the CHOGM and it accordingly features performers from various parts of the Commonwealth.

The programme promises to be a very entertaining one with lots of excitement and variety. Could one, so close to his 250th birthday, leave out Mozart? Hardly, so the concert begins with the Micallef/Inanga duo performing Mozart's sparkling Sonata in D for two pianos, K. 448.

Midway through the concert they shall take part in a very different kind of composition. This is British composer Graham Fitkin's Hard Fairy which is also going to feature Australian saxophonist Amy Dickson in a work which is coloured by rock and jazz elements.

By then, two more Commonwealth performers will have taken the stage. South African soprano Joyce Moholoagae sings arias from works by Verdi and Puccini. Canadian pianist Andrew Aarons performs the dazzling Rigoletto concert paraphrase by Liszt and in the second half of the concert performs Three Preludes by Gershwin.

Joyce Moholoagae returns with three traditional South African songs and the rest of the concert features the Micallef/Inanga duo. Joining Amy Dickson again they will perform Milhaud's lively Scaramouche. As a grand finale the duo and orchestra will return with another Gershwin work, An American in Paris.

Jennifer Micallef was in Malta for just three days earlier this month and I took the opportunity to ask her what Saturday's concert means to her and her partner. She said she was proud to be asked to take part, adding that it is going to be the second time she and Glen Inanga are taking part in a CHOGM-related concert. The first time was a few years ago in Edinburgh.

I also asked what important projects the duo have in store. The most imminent is just two days after the Malta concert when on the 28th they are going to perform at Sotheby's library in London's Bond Street. Why, one asks, at such an unusual venue? She quickly explained.

After having disappeared for some 150 years, a most unusual manuscript resurfaced in a church in London. It was later definitely authenticated as by Beethoven and is a version for piano four-hands of his Grosse Fuge, originally the concluding movement of one of his last great series of five string quartets. The rediscovered score is going to be auctioned at Sotheby's on December 2 and the prestigious auction house is presenting the world premiere of this work just four days before.

Many connoisseurs have already expressed hope that the duo will record this work, something which Ms Micallef thinks is just a matter of time. It is too good an opportunity to miss.

She also spoke of her and Mr Inanga's deep involvement in their own pet project. This is the Cayman Arts Festival which they founded last year in the Cayman Islands. This Caribbean venue hosts a biannual event which features music of all genres, theatre and the visual arts. It attracts participants from all over the world. Not only do the two pianists-founders take part through their own performances but they also take active part in workshops and classes with local schoolchildren. This is the main sideline of this festival.

Equally not to be missed therefore is the concert this Saturday. It is a gala occasion and booking is open at the Manoel Theatre box office, Valletta. Tickets are from Lm3 to Lm10. Tel: 2124-6389, fax: 2123-7 240. Also online bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt. For further details visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt