Kinder Garden, a book of music comprising a collection of piano pieces written especially for young performers, has been launched, featuring eight compositions by eight contemporary Maltese composers of various ages.
The book, which was compiled by Prof. Charles Camilleri and sponsored by Bank of Valletta, was launched at the Sala Isouard of the Manoel Theatre by Education Minister Louis Galea.
During the launch, young pianist Christine Zerafa played two of the original compositions featured in the new book.
Dr Galea said the early years were essential in the development of young minds. It was well-known, he said, that children learned most of what they needed in life in their first three years and that a solid education in the early years and at kindergarten level helped students later on in their education and throughout their life. Having relevant, well-prepared and enjoyable learning tools targeted directly at this age group would certainly help children enjoy their learning and enhance their creativity.
Prof. Camilleri explained that the history of music-making (composing) in Malta stretched back to the 16th century and could boast a number of composers, some of whom had produced outstanding work. “One need only mention Benigno Zerafa (1726-1804), Francesco Azzopardi (1748-1807), Nicolo Isouard (1775-1818) and Carmelo Pace (1906-1993) to name a few who have contributed so much to our musical heritage,” he said.
BOV chairman Roderick Chalmers announced that Bank of Valletta was donating 1,000 copies of the publication to the Education Division for distribution to schools in Malta and Gozo. An electronic version of the publication is to be included on the BOV website www.bov.com
The title composition, named Kinder Garden was composed by Charles Camilleri. The other composers and their respective compositions are John Galea – Diversions, Albert Garzia – Building Ships, Christopher Muscat – Larmes Tristes, Alexander Vella Gregory – il-Hares, Jane Pace – Duane, Albert Pace – Walking Invention and Manoel Pirotta – Il-Kapparu.