This year’s Bir Miftuh International Music Festival, organised annually by Din l-Art Helwa, will be launched with a viola and accordion recital on Saturday, 19 May, set to the medi-aeval backdrop of the church at Bir Miftuh. The concert features Jean-Marc Apap on the viola and Frédéric Guérouet on the accordion.

Jean-Marc Apap is of Gozitan descent, and graduated with a distinction in viola and chamber music from the Conservatoire Superieur de Nice. He furthered his studies at the Conservatoire National de Lyon and at the Philadelphia Curtis Institute. He became a member of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and has played with such distinguished conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Riccardo Muti and Seiji Ozawa.

Frédéric Guérouet recorded his first live television show at the reputable Salle Pleyel in Paris when he was 11, also winning his first international prize at Vichy at a very young age. He advanced his studies at the Kiev Conservatoire, where he studied composition and orchestration, winning several prestigious international awards.

Frédéric Guérouet is in great demand both as a classic and contemporary music performer, giving solo concerts, playing with many famous orchestras and internationally-acclaimed artists and participating in numerous festivals..

The concert, made possible with the support of the Alliance Francaise and the French Embassy, starts at 8pm with tickets at Lm8.50 per person, including refreshments after the performance. The programme comprises works by Marcello, Torelli, Bach, Vivaldi and Corelli.

For booking information ring the offices of Din l-Art Helwa on 2122-0358 or 2122-5952, or call at 133 Melita Street, Valletta.