The next Valletta Lunchtime Concert, to be held on Wednesday, at Sala Isouard, Manoel Theatre, will feature mezzo-soprano Alexandra Scicluna in a Vocal Recital, accompanied by pianist Roberto Debono. Alexandra will be singing a selection of songs and arias by Schubert, Bellini, Tosti, Mozart and Verdi while Roberto will be performing Beethoven’s Rondo in G. The concert starts at 1pm and lasts just under one hour. Tickets at Lm2 may be purchased from the Booking Office of the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, tel. 2124 6389, or on-line at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
Alexandra Scicluna started her musical training at a young age at the Johann Strauss School of Music. She studies vocal technique, repertoire and interpretation with the renowned soprano Antoinette Miggiani while following piano and music theory training with Ms Fay Griscti Davies.
Alexandra, a graduate in History of Art, has participated in and given a number of recitals locally. She also participated in the Festival Internazionale di Musica Lirica e da Camera in Ripatransone, Italy in July 2006 where she followed masterclasses with Maestro Raffaele Ponti, Baritone Ettore Nova and Mezzo-soprano Ambra Vespasiani while being given the opportunity to perform at Villa Belsito and Teatro Mercantini in concerts of the same Festival also forming part of the Ripa Opera Leonis Festival.
Roberto DeBono started his musical studies at the Johann Strauss School of Music continuing his piano studies privately under the tuition of Ms Josephine Grima Voehringer. He obtained his L.R.S.M. in piano performance under the guidance of Ms Tessie Portelli in 2003.
Roberto is a medical doctor by profession with music remaining an important part of his life. He has attended masterclasses with Maestro Marco Rivoltini, Ms Yvette Galea and Maestro Brian Schembri. In these last years, Roberto has accompanied various musicians and performed locally on a number of occasions. He had the opportunity of performing in Italy and Germany, both as accompanist and soloist. He has composed pieces for piano and other solo instruments as well as choral music.