A year has passed since that memorable concert which celebrated Malta’s accession to the EU and the strengthening of Europe with the addition of its newest members. In 2005 we remember the end of the Second World War. Austria has been celebrating not only these events but also half a century of restored freedom after a 10-year occupation. Moreover, to further strengthen the excellent long-standing relations between Malta and Austria, a new resident Ambassador for Austria in Malta very recently submitted credentials to the President of Malta. There has been no resident Austrian ambassador since the late 18th century.

On this occasion the Austrian Consulate in Malta, in collaboration with Malta International Airport, will be holding a concert to welcome the newly appointed Austrian Ambassador Elizabeth Kehrer on 8 June 2005 at the Manoel Theatre.

The celebratory concert will feature Austrian and Maltese popular music, which appeals equally to connoisseurs of the classical genre as well as other music lovers who are not experts.

The programme has been designed to give a musical portrait of Austria, which not only crosses stylistic boundaries but also shows that Austria is similar to Malta, as it has always been a melting pot of nationalities, languages, religions and cultures, which has given it its unmistakeable and unique identity. Many of the “Austrian” composers featured in this concert were not actually born in today’s Austria. Nonetheless they found their spiritual and cultural home in Vienna, and they created their immortal masterpieces in this city.

Austria salutes Malta with a performance of the Kanti Popolari by the Maltese composer Charles Camilleri. His music, and the lyrics of Joe Friggieri, will close the first part of the classical concert that will also include arias by Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert and Mozart.

The Strauss family and Josef Lanner were the creators of the waltz, which is as much a part of Vienna as the tango is of Buenos Aires. When the waltz burst on the musical scene, it was regarded as morally unacceptable and damaging to health! Fortunately this view has changed radically and the Viennese waltz has, not least through its performance in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein on New Year’s Day, had a triumphal impact around the entire globe. A favourite with the Maltese audience, will be the excerpts from the Strauss family masterpieces which open the second part, followed by the melodious Franz Lehar and the more recent and much-loved Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Traditional sentimental songs of praise from the pen of some of the most authentic Viennese composers and musicians like Johann Schrammel will close the programme, which will also include a tribute to Malta.

Besides leading Maltese soprano Lydia Caruana, a most welcome return will be Austrian baritone Benno Schollum and newcomer to Malta soprano Gabriele Kridl. Stephan Paryla-Raky will accompany them on voice and Viennese counter guitar, with Russel Ryan at the pianoforte.

Indeed a highlight of the programme will be the soloists of the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the renowned string quartet with violinists Ludwig Muller and Barna Kobori, Georg Hamann on the viola and Michael Williams at the cello, to crown what promises to be a most enchanting evening.

Booking from the Manoel Theatre.