Irene Suchy, an eminent Austrian musicologist, will be giving a talk at the German-Maltese Circle in St Christopher’s Street, Valletta, on Wednesday at 7pm.

The talk will deal with an unusually interesting subject – rediscovered female composers of the 20th century with well-known pianist Charlene Farrugia interpreting some of their works.

The talk and concert are being organised by the Austrian Embassy and the German-Maltese Circle in collaboration with the Circle’s Classical Music Appreciation Group.

Pianist Charlene Farrugia will interpret some of their works

Suchy, a PhD musicologist, also graduated as a cellist, but gave up performing early. As a radio journalist she produces cultural programmes and on historical-political topics and focuses on the aspect of gender in musicology.

She has several publications to her credit and was honoured with the Bank Austria art award on cultural journalism, the Karl Renner award of the city of Vienna and the Gold Medal of Merit by the Republic of Austria.

Farrugia is undoubtedly one of Malta’s leading pianists. At the age of 13 she was the youngest soloist to ever perform with the National Orchestra of Malta. Since then she has regularly appeared as soloist with several orchestras in Europe and has also toured China as guest soloist with the Malta Philharmonic.

On Wednesday she will perform an intermezzo by Elisabeth von Herzogenberg, a close friend of Brahms, followed by Romanze and Novelette by Johanna Müller-Hermann.

In her lecture, Suchy will dwell on the private and professional relationships of these women composers, including Mathilde Kralik, a pupil of Bruckner and a classmate of Gustav Mahler.

Farrugia will also play Die Maschine by Maria Hofer and the first movement of a sonata by Nancy van de Vate, who organises composers’ competitions and is a CD producer.

Entrance is free, but reservations are required by calling on 2124 6967 .