Estonian organist Piret Aidulo is the protagonist of one of the concerts taking place this weekend within the Malta International Organ Festival.This weekend offers two concerts within the Malta International Organ Festival currently touring cathedrals, basilicas and churches around the islands.
Today’s concert, taking place in St Julian’s, features Maltese organist Roberta Bugeja playing pieces by Diacono, Pace, Gatt, Bugeja, D’Amato, Caruana, Buhagiar and Nani. The concert, focusing on themes and variations on Maltese feast antiphons, starts at 8.30pm.
Bugeja initiated her musical career as a classically-trained pianist but she then moved on to complete her studies obtaining a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Cardiff University, specialising in organ performance, baroque and French romantic historical performance practice and conducting under Robert Fokkens, the first and youngest Maltese musician to do so.
As a talented organist, pianist, accompanist and light lyrical soprano, she has performed in many notable concert halls, churches venues and cathedrals throughout Malta, the UK and Sicily, as well as with various ensembles, orchestras and choirs.
Tomorrow’s concert at St John of the Cross parish church in Ta’ Xbiex is a solo organ recital with Piret Aidulo starting at 7.15pm. The programme includes pieces by Corrette, Buxtehude, Bach, Mozart, Liszt, Lepnurm, Sandén, Marguste, Mägi, Arro and Schumann.
Aidulo graduated cum laude from the Tallinn Conservatory as a music teacher/ choir conductor and four years later as an organist. In 1998, she also earned a Master’s degree from the Estonian Academy of Music as an organist.
As well as performing solo, she actively takes part in different chamber music ensembles and has cooperated with some of Estonia’s best vocal and instrumental soloists, as well as choirs. She has been invited to play with several of her national as well as international orchestras.
Aidulo has taught the organ, the history of organ music and courses on church music in different teaching facilities and was chairperson for the board of the EELC Church Music Association.
She currently holds the post of chairperson for the Board of the EELC Synod and Song Festival Foundation. She is also one of the founders of the Association of Estonian Professional Musicians (EIL).
Since 1991, Aidulo has been the head organist and music director at Charles’ church in Tallinn, which hosts the biggest organ in Estonia (Walcker/1923).
■ Entrance to both events is free. The festival runs until December 9 with concerts taking place in various cathedrals, basilicas and churches across the Maltese islands. Full programme details can be obtained from www.MaltaInternationalOrganFestival.com. This space will cover the individual concerts on the day.