The third concert in the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Series will feature composer and pianist Veronique Vella in a combination of works by Carmelo Pace, Maurice Ravel, Dimitri Shostakovich and Vella’s own Concerto for Maria.
The work is dedicated to the late Maria Ghirlando, a well-known arts figure and a great friend of the MPO and the Manoel Theatre where she was a board member for many years.
Vella is the first Maltese woman to be awarded a PhD in Music Composition. Her music has been performed in many countries in Europe, as well as in Malaysia, Canada, Japan and US.
Interpreters of her works include The Orchestra of Scottish Opera, The Edinburgh Quartet, the Cosmos Wind Ensemble, the Agnew McAllister Duo, and the MPO.
Veronique VellaConcerto for Maria was commissioned by Robert Ghirlando as a tribute to his late wife, Maria, herself a fine pianist and patron of the arts. It was written in 2012/13 and follows the traditional three-movement format. Despite its title, the piano treatment is not always soloistic.
The concert which will be under the direction of MPO artistic director and chief conductor Brian Schembri, will also feature Carmelo Pace’s Sinfonietta, Maurice Ravel’s Pavane per un Enfante Defunte and Dmitri Shostakakovich’s Symphony No. 9 written to celebrate the end of World War II.
The concert takes place on February 20 at the Manoel Theatre at 8pm. Tickets cost €30 and €20 with concessions at €10. Booking from the theatre booking office on 2124 6389 or e-mail bookings@teatrumanoel.com.