With three successful recitals under its belt, the Regional Concert Series of Modern Music Days (MMD) will now be heading to San Ġwann, Żejtun and Victoria, Gozo, over the next four months. Organised by Teatru Manoel and the Valletta 2018 Foundation, the project will, by the end of its eight-month run, have seen internationally-renowned musicians play contemporary and 20th century music in heritage sites all across the islands.
"Each concert takes place in one of the six geographical regions of the Maltese Islands, reaching out to new audiences," explains Ruben Zahra, the artistic director of MMD. "Accessibility is at the heart of this project and, through the Regional Concert Series, we wanted to show that contemporary music can be enjoyed by anyone."
On Saturday, 11 August at 9pm, MMD will be heading to Castello Lanzun in San Ġwann, the headquarters of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem, which can trace its origins back to the Holy Lands after the First Crusade of 1099. Not normally open to the general public, the courtyard of this historic palazzo will become the stage for Trios - a programme of clarinet, violin and piano trios, as well as duets and piano solo works.
As a collaboration with the Order itself, as well as the EUJapanFest, the concert programme will include works by Japanese composers Makiko Kinoshita and Shoichi Yabuta, American composers John Adams and Scott McAllister, Maltese composers Charles Camilleri and Ruben Zahra and Greek-New Zealander composer John Psathas.
Two days after All Souls' Day (Sunday, 4 November), the barrel-vaulted crypt of the Parish Church of Żejtun, which will still be decked in black damask and candles, will help add a new dimension to a programme of 20th century and contemporary string quartets by Philip Glass, Alfred Schnitke, John Adams and Norma Beecroft.
The project will then come to an end at the Citadel Cultural Centre in Victoria, Gozo, on Saturday, 17 November with Percussion Ensemble. The versatile space, which has served numerous purposes since it was renovated, will see three percussionists present several works featuring an intriguing range of instruments ranging from the marimba to the vibraphone, and drums to cymbals, to portray a sculpture-like installation.
"These concerts combine contemporary music with a unique historical backdrop," Zahra continues. "The audience has the opportunity to experience a high-profile music recital within the narrative of an exclusive site which celebrates our heritage."
MMD is organised by Teatru Manoel, the Malta Association for Contemporary Music and the Valletta 2018 Foundation, as part of the culture programme of Valletta 2018 - European Capital of Culture.
Trios is organised in collaboration with the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem.
Kindly note that space is limited due to the intimate settings of these venues.
Tickets to Trios are just €10 and can be purchased from the Teatru Manoel booking office or online: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt. For more information visit www.modernmusicdays.eu.