This evening, the Casino Maltese, in Valletta, will host the concert Sigmund in a Classical Mood. During the last years we have seen Sigmund Mifsud taking the music direction of events involving mainly pop music, such as the National Orchestra Goes Pop and, more recently, the Manoel Theatre Swing Concert. The concept behind these concerts was that of introducing the orchestra and big-band productions in a different way that appeals to a larger audience. On the other hand, this event is different on two aspects, firstly we will see Mro Mifsud as a performer and, secondly, it is a smaller event with a limited number of tickets available. This concert will represent Mro Mifsud's other passion; that of classical music, not only because he is a full-time member of the National Orchestra but also since he is a keen trumpet player.
"This event is a trumpet recital wherein I will be playing a solo artist whereas in the orchestra you are part of an ensemble of musicians. As a soloist, the preparation part involves much more studying than just rehearsing the scores. Moreover, the solo artist has much more freedom in giving his own interpretation and feel to the pieces whereas in an orchestra tempo and interpretation are given by the conductor.
"I started studying some three months ago, trying to fit in at least two to three hours of study a day, apart from the normal working hours with the National Orchestra. It is important that you master each piece and build a good stamina to enjoy playing in order to share and project that same vibe to the audience."
The programme will feature Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, which was written specifically to exploit all the capabilities of the trumpet; virtuoso pieces such as variations on a Neapolitan theme; contemporary works from Allen Vizzutti and Maurice Ravel; and a concerto for trumpet by Harry James.
His favourite piece is definitely Haydn's Trumpet Concerto. "Firstly, because it is a challenge to every valid trumpeter and I am eager to take up this challenge. Secondly, I believe the composer managed to exploit all the capabilities of this instrument; its dominant sound and brilliant tone."
Throughout the programme renowned pianist Rosetta De Battista will accompany Mro Mifsud, who commented on the repertoire selected: "There is a bit of everything. I enjoy its (the concert's) overall shape... scrumptious, romantic, clean, exquisite, riveting, exciting, indulgent and sensual, in other words I am enjoying every bit of it and I hope that on the night we will simply transmit this enjoyment. Thank God for that because when you spend every free moment at the piano, when it feels like everyone else is getting a life, it is the only thing you can hold on to. My poor neighbours seem to enjoy this particular repertoire or so they say!"
Other guest performers will join in and include saxophonist Joseph Vella, Roderick Bugeja and Jesmond Azzopardi on euphonium, Dennis Camilleri on the trombone. There will also be the participation of soprano Denise Mulholland. Some numbers will also be performed as an ensemble.
This recital, under the patronage of Tonio Portughese, is being sponsored by HSBC Malta plc, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Orienta and supported by Ikona Artworks.
• Sigmund in a Classical Mood kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets at €12 are available from www.maltaticket.com or by phone on 2784 2538. Tickets are also available at Agenda bookshops, Newskiosk, Exotique, Bookends and Vodafone outlets.
"This event is a trumpet recital wherein I will be playing a solo artist whereas in the orchestra you are part of an ensemble of musicians. As a soloist, the preparation part involves much more studying than just rehearsing the scores. Moreover, the solo artist has much more freedom in giving his own interpretation and feel to the pieces whereas in an orchestra tempo and interpretation are given by the conductor.
"I started studying some three months ago, trying to fit in at least two to three hours of study a day, apart from the normal working hours with the National Orchestra. It is important that you master each piece and build a good stamina to enjoy playing in order to share and project that same vibe to the audience."
The programme will feature Haydn's Trumpet Concerto in E flat major, which was written specifically to exploit all the capabilities of the trumpet; virtuoso pieces such as variations on a Neapolitan theme; contemporary works from Allen Vizzutti and Maurice Ravel; and a concerto for trumpet by Harry James.
His favourite piece is definitely Haydn's Trumpet Concerto. "Firstly, because it is a challenge to every valid trumpeter and I am eager to take up this challenge. Secondly, I believe the composer managed to exploit all the capabilities of this instrument; its dominant sound and brilliant tone."
Throughout the programme renowned pianist Rosetta De Battista will accompany Mro Mifsud, who commented on the repertoire selected: "There is a bit of everything. I enjoy its (the concert's) overall shape... scrumptious, romantic, clean, exquisite, riveting, exciting, indulgent and sensual, in other words I am enjoying every bit of it and I hope that on the night we will simply transmit this enjoyment. Thank God for that because when you spend every free moment at the piano, when it feels like everyone else is getting a life, it is the only thing you can hold on to. My poor neighbours seem to enjoy this particular repertoire or so they say!"
Other guest performers will join in and include saxophonist Joseph Vella, Roderick Bugeja and Jesmond Azzopardi on euphonium, Dennis Camilleri on the trombone. There will also be the participation of soprano Denise Mulholland. Some numbers will also be performed as an ensemble.
This recital, under the patronage of Tonio Portughese, is being sponsored by HSBC Malta plc, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Orienta and supported by Ikona Artworks.
• Sigmund in a Classical Mood kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets at €12 are available from www.maltaticket.com or by phone on 2784 2538. Tickets are also available at Agenda bookshops, Newskiosk, Exotique, Bookends and Vodafone outlets.