Kronos Quartet are holding a one-day residency on July 18 at the auditorium of the old university in St Paul Street, Valletta, between 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.

The residency is being organised by the Malta Arts Festival in collaboration with the University of Malta to give emerging composers the opportunity to share their work with what is considered as one of the most important contemporary ensembles.

The encounter with the celebrated San Francisco-based quartet is not limited only to composers and the residency is open to artists, performers, and members of the public who want to know more about the ensemble and their work.

During the one-day residency, participants will discuss their works with Kronos Quartet members in workshops and discussion sessions aimed at investigating the composer/performer dynamic as a collaborative process.

Kronos will demonstrate their working processes and discuss their artistic vision while sharing with the participants the music that inspires their creative journey.

Participants will also get a singular opportunity to see Kronos rehearse and sound-check in the afternoon before their Malta Arts Festival concert A Thousand Thoughts, which will take place on July 17 at Argotti Gardens.

Interested participants are requested to send scores of their work and a recording on CD or MIDI by no later than Friday.

While it is preferred that composers present string quartets for the workshops, the option is left open for participants to present any work for any combination.

The full programme for the residency can be found at www.maltaartsfestival.org. The participation fee is €50, while observers may attend the event for the fee of €25. For registration and more information, contact Marilu Vella at marie-louise.vella@maltaculture.com.