The Mdina Cathedral. Photo: Joe BorgThe Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale, which is currently being held in different venues in the old capital, is hosting concerts in collaboration with Caravan.
Caravan is a trans-cultural initiative which organises a multitude of art events with the intention of creating peaceful dialogue between diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Caravan will be coordinating a number of projects for the Mdina Biennale, including the Maltese Donkey sculptural installation and a series of concerts.
The first concert, by noted American organist Calvert Johnson took place yesterday at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina. The second takes place on Friday when Caravan, in collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, perform a concert offering the audience a stimulating and challenging experience.
Notes of Faith is a musical concert of original compositions by four contemporary composers. The concert grew out of an initial discussion between Paul-Gordon Chandler, president of Caravan and the Mdina Biennale artistic director Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, about hosting a performance that ties Middle Eastern and Western traditions together.
With Raoul Lay as conductor, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra chose to perform the world premiere of Seeds of Hope as the theme resonated with the critical need at this time to build bridges between the Middle East and West. Solo Middle Eastern artists for Seeds of Hope are the renowned musicians Nizar Al Issa, oud, and Bashir Abdel Aal, nay. The concert will also feature three other contemporary composers: Albert Pace’s In Amore illo ardeas, Cristina Vilallonga’s Aspiratio and Karl Fiorini’s Rêves Obscurs.
Notes of Faith takes place at St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina on Friday at 8pm . Admission is free.