Malta to mark the birth of Dmitri Shostakovich

Malta is marking the first centenary of the birth of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich with a concert on September 28 featuring the national orchestra under the direction of Brian Schembri.

The concert, which will be staged at the Hilton, is patronised by the Culture Ministry and Malta International Airport.

Mro Schembri said the concert was for him a dream come true.

"As a very young boy, the first work by a contemporary composer that I had ever heard was the 15th symphony by Shostakovich.

"Not knowing who this composer was I went through a profound musical experience that has left its mark to this day."

His studies in Russia, where Shostakovich was revered as a demi-god both by conservatives and rebels, enhanced this experience.

Ever since he has dreamt of bringing this love and enthusiasm for Shostakovich to the Maltese public.

The concert's repertoire will represent the diversity found in the music by Shostakovich. It will include jazzy material, symphonic masterpieces, film music and the exciting Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings, which will feature Maria Blanco as a solo pianist, partnered by Sigmund Mifsud on the trumpet.

Ms Blanco, co-organiser of the event, said the concert will commemorate this artist's genius and hopefully serve to widen the appreciation for the musical achievements of this internationally acclaimed artist.

Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said cultural events of such a high calibre helped promote Malta as a venue for quality entertainment and enhanced its place on the cultural map.

Orchestra chairman Lino Attard added that for the concert the orchestra will be supported by other local musicians and by 12 string players from the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.

The main sponsors are MIA, the Malta Tourism Authority and Go Mobile.

Other supporting bodies include Air Malta, Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel, Maltco's Good Cause Fund, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Hilton Malta, the Russian Cultural Centre, Marsovin and St James Cavalier.

Tickets will be available from all Go Mobile outlets from September 1, and the ticket hotline is: 7936-8368.