The Manoel Theatre and the Malta Association for Contemporary Music rang in the New Year with a double bill dance programme, Chancel/Spirall, held on Saturday.

Dancers from the Ballet de l’Opéra Théâtre de Metz Métropole performed two choreographies as part of the Modern Music Days 2016, MMD, which promotes the performance as well as understanding of 20th century repertoire and contemporary music in Malta.

Chancel was inspired by the music of German-born British composer Max Ritcher, with post-minimalist melodic contours that evoke film music. The performance had premiered in France at the Musée de La Cour d’Or, in April 2014.

Maltese composer Ruben Zahra composed the music for Spirall, which portrays primordial rhythms combining primitive pulse with complex contemporary textures. Mr Zahra also served as artistic director.

Both pieces were choreographed by Gleb Lyamenkoff.

Organised by the Manoel and the association, Modern Music Days is being organised as part of the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme in the run-up to the European Capital of Culture year.