Music of sun and snow

Classical music enthusiasts who are in search of fresh talent are in for a treat when Fulcrum Media, in collaboration with the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, stage a recital of operatic arias from the Russian and Italianate tradition on May 31.

The recital will be held at the Sala Isouard, Manoel Theatre, Valletta, where special guest soprano Katia Akimenko from St Petersburg will perform alongside baritone Ken Scicluna and pianist John Anthony Fsadni. Mr Scicluna explained the choice of title: "The sun signifies the southern hemisphere viz the warm climate of the south hence the choice of Italian composers who exude passion and intensity through their music and lyrics.

"A case in point is Puccini, of Madama Butterfly fame, with his masterpiece arias of love from the renowned operettas La Boheme and Tosca. We decided to perform Sì, Mi chiamano Mimi and Vissi d`Arte, because unfortunately these pieces are rarely performed to the Maltese audience, which is a shame as the public craves for new arias that are barely heard of." The night would not be complete without the much loved and acclaimed aria by Mascagni, Ave Maria, which is set to the music of his renowned interlude Cavalleria Rusticana. Furthermore, they will perform arias from two of Verdi's operas, namely Credo from Otello and Aria di Leonora from Forza Del Destino.

Music of the Snow relates to the northern hemisphere, with its cold climate, hence music from acclaimed Russian composers Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Mussorgsky and Shostakovich and Austrian composer Mozart will be recited.

It is only apt that Rachmaninov is put to the fore in this event as the singers will be accompanied by a piano not an orchestra as most of Rachmaninov's work is characterised by piano interludes such as Prelude in C, Op.32 no.1 with its sharp and abrasive sounds. Other works by Rachmaninov that are to be performed on the evening are Aria di Zemfira and Nye Mojet Bit.

Mr Scicluna and Ms Akimenko studied vocal studies at the Rimsky - Korsakov conservatory in St Petersburg while Mr Fsadni, who has a degree in music, has studied under John David Zammit, Lydia Buttigieg and Elizabeth Leonardi.

The event starts at 7.30 p.m. More information is available on www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.