Prior to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s Orchestral Concert at the Manoel Theatre tomorrow, French conductor Jean-Marc Burfin shares his thoughts on composers Debussy and Mahler with Marine Roger. He also tells her what it is like to work with the national orchestra.

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune and two works by Gustav Mahler tomorrow. What are your reasons for choosing these two great composers?

I feel a very real connection with Mahler’s works and therefore this was an important factor in our decision to include them in this concert. Although the decision to perform a work by Mahler was unanimous, we also had to bear in mind a number of parameters that made both logistical and artistic sense.

The fact that Mahler’s Fourth Symphony has a less dense orchestration, with no tuba and trombone, makes it a viable work for performance in a small space such as the Manoel Theatre.

When Mahler was composing his Symphony No.4, he didn’t actually have a symphony in mind but rather he was aiming at a composition comprising modest orchestration.

The working atmosphere is extremely positive, the orchestra has a strong identity and the musicians are capable of working coherently. There is a kind of spontaneity that I like

We also had to ensure that the other Mahler piece to be featured in the concert would not be too long. So we chose the Ruckert-Lieder, a five-song cycle exuding a world of fantasy, dreams and nostalgia for childhood. Mahler included a section for voice in many of his works, even his symphonies, which is quite rare. These works present a good opportunity to enjoy a singer like Andriana Yordanova.

We decided to include Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune because it was composed around the same time as the others, although the aesthetics are completely different. However, I feel that Debussy’s work is truly suggestive and serves as a great introduction to Mahler’s world.

I think that these three works complement each other, making for a very interesting programme.

How can you compare Debussy’s and Mahler’s works?

Although they lived in similar eras, Mahler is a post-romantic composer, while Debussy is an impressionist. Mahler used the traditional musical effects throughout his works, while Debussy created incredible chords that no one had ever dared to think up. So there are two completely different points of view but both of them are essential in music history.

What are the characteristics of the works selected, and do you feel any particular connection with this music?

This concert requires a good amount of mental gymnastics to perform one work, and then another. One must have a deep understanding of the works and we must do this in just a couple of days. Fortunately, the MPO has got the right attitude and sensibility required for the performance of these pieces. The conductor must decode the work to present it in a simplified form to the musicians. It is an essential process that takes time. This concert will be a greatchallenge in this sense.

You have previously worked with the MPO as you are a regular guest conductor with this orchestra. Can you tell us something about your experiences of working with the MPO? How are you collaborating with the orchestra in preparation for this particular concert?

In my opinion, one of this orchestra’s characteristics is its huge potential. The musicians are virtuous and therefore offer huge room for improvement. They are professional, they all have good technical skills by and large and, at times, great. Above all, they are open-minded and receptive. They have a stunning ability to assimilate and progress.

The working atmosphere is extremely positive, the orchestra has a strong identity and the musicians are capable of working coherently. There is a kind of spontaneity that I like. When I return to Malta, I feel as though I had only just left yesterday.

Is there something in particular that you like about the Maltese culture? Why do you keep coming back?

I think that I like the kind of connection that I have with Maltese people, and not only with the musicians of the MPO. They are sincere, they have a good sense of hospitality and they respect etiquette, though not in an old-fashioned way. This mixture of conformity and open-mindedness while maintaining respect for hierarchy and people is very pleasant.

• The MPO’s Orchestral Concert, featuring Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, and Mahler’s Symphony No.4 and Rückert-Lieder, takes place at the Manoel Theatre tomorrow at 8pm.

Tickets may be obtained by e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt, online from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt or by calling 2124 6389. For more information, visit www.maltaorchestra.com.