It is more than likely the first festival of its kind on the island, a celebration of that most versatile of brass instruments that has permeated practically every music genre and left a lasting impression on every one of them too.

Starting this Thursday, the saxophone will get its very own national festival; an event that will run for four full days, each one brimming with a variety of activities that should appeal not just to musicians but also to anyone with a taste for good music.

“The original idea was, in fact, aimed at musicians, but we thought it would be more interesting to include something for the public too,” Christine Dimech tells me when we meet to talk about this extraordinary event. “It’s incredible that so many people still don’t know the difference between a sax and a trumpet.”

A saxophone player herself, Dimech is one of the organisers behind the first edition of the Malta Saxophone Festival that kicks off this Thursday. She is also the only female member of the Big Band Brothers, and quite possibly the only accomplished female saxophonist on the island. Oddly enough, she only got into music because of her younger brother.

“When he was five years old – I was eight – he joined the Vittorja Band Club in Naxxar, and I insisted I should also join,” she recalls with a smile. “I had no clue about instruments at the time but I’m eternally grateful to my teacher Edwin Pace for suggesting I take up the saxophone.” Over the years, she became very attached to the instrument, studying hard and, as of four years ago, joining the ranks of the Big Band Brothers, whom she describes as a close-knit family.

But where did the idea of a saxophone festival come from? “Well, it had been in our heads for a while, but we didn’t get round to doing much about it. Then earlier this year, with the support of the Malta Arts Fund, I attended some master classes abroad, and it struck me that most musicians don’t get to attend such events very often, either through lack of finances and/or opportunity, so when I got back I thought perhaps we should do something to bring these opportunities closer to home.”

Along with her fellow organisers, Dimech got in touch with her teacher abroad, Antonino Mollica, who was only too happy to help, as were the Malta Arts Fund, The Box, ECCA GmbH and other music-related companies. “It’s really only thanks to their support that we’ve got this far, ready to roll in just a few days.”

Following a call a few months back for musicians interested in participating in the festival, Dimech says they were inundated with applications.

“We’re more than happy with the response, and I personally am even happier that quite a few female saxophonists applied – it’s about time there were more of us,” she laughs.

The applicants were given parts to study ahead of the workshops and master classes they’ll be attending with four highly respected tutors, namely Mollica, Hayrapet Arakelyan, Joseph Vella and Philip Attard.

“It’s quite a big group altogether, so it should be interesting to see what comes out of the whole programme,” she continues, referring to the master classes as well as the rather unusual sound-painting sessions that are also in the programme.

“It’s quite innovative, very creative and a lot of fun too,” she explains. Apart from two introductory lessons at The Box Creative Space in Mosta – where the master classes and individual lessons with each tutor will also be held – the participating students will get to perform with their tutors during the tea-time concert in Floriana on Sunday.

“There will be ensembles as well as solo performances, but the concert’s highlight will probably be the part where 25 sax players will perform together.”

The tea-time concert is one of three scheduled performances to take place over the weekend. This Saturday, all four tutors will get together on stage, accompanied by pianist Christine Zerafa, to give an international recital that essentially guarantees a high-calibre performance, given their collective credentials.

The original idea was aimed at musicians, but we thought it would be more interesting to include something for the public too

Then on Sunday night, the Big Band Brothers will present a special closing show dedicated to Val Valente, the renowned Maltese saxophonist who passed away earlier this year.

“To be more precise, the whole festival is dedicated to Val,” Dimech confirms. “He had joined the Big Band Brothers during our 2011 One Night Stand concert at the Mediterranean Conference Centre and took quite a shine to the band.”

Indeed he did, to the point that he had openly stated that he wanted the Big Band Brothers to perform with him for his retirement concert. “Work on that project had been under way for some time, but unfortunately, Val passed away last February, and everything stopped despite the fact a lot had been done already.”

It was, therefore, rather fitting that the first edition of the Malta Saxophone Festival should be dedicated to this great saxophonist, a musician who has worked with so many bands and artists and inspired countless others throughout his lifetime.

Valente tribute

“Yes, we felt it would be appropriate to remember him through music, since he was so passionate about it and the saxophone in particular.”

Apart from original works by Valente, Dimech says the performance will also feature tracks in his preferred genre.

“The concert will reveal a different side to that which the Big Band Brothers are usually renowned for,” she says. “It’s been a tasking challenge but we’re all very excited about the performance.”

And to make it all the more special, Dimech says the show will feature guest appearances from his grand-daughter Elisa Valente as well as Sammy Murgo, another well-known Maltese saxophonist and a peer of Valente’s.

The overall response to the festival has been very encouraging, so everyone is urged not to leave it to the last minute to get tickets for the performances.

The positive feedback so far beggars just one final question – will this festival be a one-off, or are there plans to make it an annual event?

“Naturally, I hope it will be the latter,” she responds with a giveaway smile.

“It’s still early days I know, but we’ve already started brainstorming about next year’s festival.”

The Malta Saxophone Festival starts on Thursday and ends on Sunday. Master classes and workshops will be held at The Box in Mosta and anyone interested can still send an e-mail to maltasaxophonefestival@gmail.com, while the concerts will be held at Robert Sammut Hall in Floriana. Tickets are available online. The festival is supported by the Malta Arts Fund.

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