The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra presents a cycle of four orchestral evenings at the Manoel Theatre over the 2011/2012 season.

The series will be launched on Friday with a concert featuring two well-loved masterpieces – Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op 37 and Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op 98.

The MPO will be under the direction of its principal conductor Michael Laus, who will also perform as piano soloist in the Beethoven concerto.

Premiered in 1803, Beethoven’s third piano concerto follows the three-part structure typical of the period. It starts with a dramatic movement characterised by striking contrasts. The central movement is a meltingly beautiful adagio which, following a brief cadenza displaying the skill of the soloist, leads into a sunny, witty finale.

Brahms’s fourth symphony, written in 1885, can be considered the composer’s symphonic testament and includes tributes to two masters he revered – Beethoven and Bach.

The finale in particular is built on a repetition of a theme taken from one of Bach’s cantatas. It is one of Brahms’s most ambitious works, combining a strong sense of structure with intense passion. It was a success at its premiere and has since retained its place in the repertoire.

In a first for the MPO, this concert will be preceded by a 30-minute talk, which will introduce the audience to interesting aspects of the works being performed. The pre-concert talk, which will be held in the Manoel Theatre’s Sala Isouard will start at 6.45 p.m. and will be open to all ticket holders.

To book, call 2124 6389 or e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt. Tickets are €30, €20 and €10. Students and senior citizens are entitled to a 50 per cent reduction on the €20 and €10 tickets.

The MPO is also offering special discounts on the purchase of tickets covering two or more events in its ‘Concert Series’ (terms and conditions apply). Culture Card and Smart Card are accepted.

The concert starts at 7.30 p.m.

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