An Evening of Ethnic Music featuring the unique and world famous Carlo Rizzo Trio will take place at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Made up of Carlo Rizzo on vocals and tambourine, Norbert Pignol on the accordion and Michel Mandel on clarinet, the trio bring together their exceptional talents as instrumentalists and composers in an evening of eloquent and complex improvisations as well as fun interpretations of popular music and jazz.

Rizzo, originally from Venice, was heading for a career in fine art until he discovered the tambourine in 1979 with the two percussionists, Alfo Antico and Raffaele Inserra.

Following a start playing traditional and early music he gradually merged the traditional with percussive improvisations. Since 1988 he has created over 30 sets combining traditional, contemporary and jazz music which he has played in numerous festivals worldwide.

Following an early start learning traditional music, Pignol began studying the accordion at the age of 14. He has played with some of the most famous jazz groups and is also a composer and arranger with 16 albums to his name. He has also written music for films and his music is often used for contemporary dance.

After studying at the conservatory of Grenoble, followed by internships with Karl Leister and Jacques Di Donato, obtaining a state diploma for teaching the clarinet, Mandel began a career as a freelance musician, performer and composer.

The evening includes over 12 pieces made up of compositions by Rizzo and Mandel as well as traditional Italian melodies and will appeal to anyone who enjoys jazz, contemporary and traditional music and especially to those who enjoy the fusion of all three.

Rizzo will also be conducting a percussion workshop in the Studio Theatre as part of the Toi Toi Education Programme on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Seats for this workshop are limited and cost €5 and are aimed for anyone over 16. Bring your tambourine to this session.