H.E. Jim Hennessy, Ambassador of Ireland has unveiled Ireland’s EU Presidency Cultural Programme with Malta.
The Valletta launch will be at a Concert on Friday 22 February at 8pm atSt Paul’s Anglican Cathedral with the participation of:
Virginia Kerr who is one of the most distinguished Irish sopranos of her generation, equally well known on the operatic stage, concert and oratorio platform and as a recitalist. She has sung with many of the world’s leading orchestras including the London Philharmonic and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden;
The St Paul Choral Society, today one of Malta’s leading polyphonic choirs, with a repertoire ranging from the 16th century. The Choir is directed by Dr Hugo Agius Muscat who studied organ with Mgr. Carmelo Scerri and music theory with Carmelo Pace. In 1992 he was awarded the Licentiate diploma (LRSM) in Organ Performing by the Royal Schools of Music (London) and in 2008 received the Certificate of the Royal College of Organists;
Dr Anne Marie Camilleri Podesta, was a part-time member of the National Orchestra, which is now Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. She performed a world premiere entitled Gesti, a piece for solo harp composed by Prof. Charles Camilleri at the Ninth World Harp Congress in Dublin during July 2005;
Rosetta Debattista, who first came to love the Art of Accompaniment after being mentored by Maria Callas's Pianist, Robert Sutherland. She studied Pianoforte with Ruth Gerald at the Royal College of Music in London and continued her studies in music education and music therapy at the University of Surrey;
Dr Elisabeth Conrad is an organist, pianist and cellist with a strong reputation as a keyboard accompanist. At the age of 20 she was awarded the Licentiate diploma (LRSM) in Organ Performing by the Royal Schools of Music (London).
The Concert will be presented by one of Malta’s most revered classical music experts Joyce Guillaumier who will introduce emerging Maltese talent on the evening.
Ambassador Hennessy noted that the Organ of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral is currently being restored by the Irish firm of Kenneth Jones and Associates who are based in Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, known as the garden of Ireland. This firm designs and handcrafts unique pipe organs, each custom-built musically, technically and architecturally for its particular location, acoustics and musical requirements.
Kenneth Jones and Associates is directed by Derek Byrne, whose mother is Maltese. Derek has an Opus list of over 180 organs, and his work is found in cathedrals, churches, schools, universities and concert halls worldwide.
The Ambassador recalled that Malta will hold the EU Presidency in 2017 and Valletta will be the European Capital of Culture in 2018. The Presidency Cultural Programme is designed to connect Ireland, Malta and all EU citizens. As we say in the Irish language Ní neart go cur le chéile. Bain taitneamh agus beir bua. There is no strength without unity. Enjoy the next six months.
The Programme can be viewed at: eu2013.ie/news/news-items/theinternationalcultureprogrammeoftheirishpresidency/ or at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGvKoz8FP5o