A concert-dinner dedicated to Leonard Bernstein will be held in the courtyard of Palazzo de Piro, Mdina, at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The event, entitled Bernstein and More, is celebrating the 55th year since the American artist composed West Side Story.
Soprano Marita Bezzina, harpist Jacob Portelli and cellist Gilmour Peplow will perform some of his famous songs such as Tonight and Somewhere from the celebrated West Side Story (1957), among other compositions. The programme also includes works from other musicals such as Gershwin’s Summertime.
Bernstein, the first American-born conductor to attain international superstardom, emerged as one of a handful of figures in the 20th century who truly changed the face of music.
According to The New York Times, he was “one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history”.
As a composer, he left a far-reaching legacy that includes three symphonies, a film score of singular distinction (On The Waterfront) and an important body of stage works, as his most famous musical is one of the cornerstones of American musical theatre.
His fame derived from his long tenure as the music director of the prestigious New York Philharmonic, his conducting of concerts with most of the world’s leading orchestras and his compositions for musicals such as Candide, Wonderful Town, On the Town and his own Mass, besides West Side Story.
He was also a music lecturer and pianist.
• Tickets may be obtained by phone on 7968 0952 or by e-mail: bookings@baroccomalta.com
Visual Arts
Till Sunday
Steve McCurry Photographic Exhibition
Best known for his evocative colour photography, Steve McCurry, in the finest documentary tradition, captures the essence of human struggle and joy. He has searched and found the unforgettable and many of his images have become modern icons. A selection of his works is showing at St James Cavalier from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Till June 30
Peasant Costumes: Insights into Rural Life and Society
An exhibition of popular attire and their pictorial representations in late 18th, 19th and early 20th century Gozo explores the historical context and production processes and materials for peasants’ dress. Showing at the Ministry for Gozo, St Francis Square, Victoria. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Till June 30
A Cross-Section of My Art Life 2
Mary Clare Albanozzo is holding an art exhibition at her studio at 51A, Tigné Street, Sliema. Open every day. For private viewing call on 2137 1345/9988 1197 or e-mail clarealbanozzo@gmail.com
Till June 30
The Bibliotheca Melitensis – A Passage Through Time
An exhibition at the National Library of Malta on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the inauguration of the building (1812-2012). Open during office hours.
Till July 7
Tra mare e terra
Paola Failla, a refined artist endowed with deep aesthetic sensibility, is showing her works at the Italian Cultural Institute, St George Square, Valletta. Her basic element is colour, which goes from strong shades to very faint patinas barely hinted at. The exhibition is being held under the patronage of the Comune della Città di Padova and Regione Veneto. Opening hours: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Concerts/Music
Today
MASMOM charity concert
The Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (MASMOM), with the St John’sCo-Cathedral Foundation, is organising an orchestral charity concert at St John’s Co-Cathedral at 7.30 p.m. on the occasion of the feast of St John the Baptist, patron saint of the Order of Malta. The concert will be performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Michael Laus with the participation of soprano Gillian Zammit and mezzo-soprano Claire Massa.
Sunday
The New Choral Singers in concert
The New Choral Singers, under the direction of Robert Calleja, are holding a concert at the Parish of the Annunciation, Balzan, at 8.15 p.m.
Mezzo-soprano Alexandra Scicluna, who is currently studying voice in Florence, will be the choir’s guest soloist for the evening, performing excerpts by Gomez and Gounod.
The concert is being held in aid of restoration works that are currently being carried out on various paintings by Emvin Cremona and which are housed in the church. The concert is free of charge but a retiring collection will be held at the end of the performance.
www.thenewchoralsingers.com
Tomorrow
Open air jazz gig
Trumpet player Effie Azzopardi , Eric Santucci on guitar and Ryan Portelli on drums will be giving a catchy and smooth rendition of popular and lesser known tunes combining the different jazz styles at the courtyard of Palazzo de Piro (left-hand side of the Mdina Cathedral) at 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Wednesday
Circolo San Giuseppe Filarmonica
The Banda Sagra Familja (Holy Family Band) of Kalkara will be performing a musical concert to commemorate 125 years from the birth of Lorenzo Gonzi at the parish church at 8 p.m. Tickets may be obtained by e-mail: info@sagrafamilja.org
Other
Tomorrow
Pottery classes for children
Space For Clay is organising pottery classes for children from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. More details may be obtained from Rosella Schembri on 7920 6464 or e-mail: spaceforclay@gmail.com
Feasts
Tomorrow
Our Lady of Pinu, Ta’ Pinu
Sunday
St John the Baptist, Xewkija; St Nicholas, Siġġiewi; St George, Qormi; Sacred Heart of Mary, Burmarrad.
Useful contacts
St James Cavalier
Tel: 2122 3200.
E-mail: info@sjcav.org
www.sjcav.org
Manoel Theatre
Tel: 2124 6389.
bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt,
www.manoeltheatre.com.mt
To submit a cultural event e-mail: arts@timesofmalta.com