This year’s Bir Miftuh International Music Festival organised annually by Din l-Art Helwa is launched with a Viola and Accordion Recital this Saturday 19 May set to the enchanting medieval backdrop of the church at Bir Miftuh. The concert, with Jean-Marc Apap on viola and Frédéric Guérouet on accordion, has been made possible with the support of the Alliance Française and the French Embassy. The programme comprises works by Marcello, Torelli, Bach, Vivaldi and

Corelli.

Jean-Marc Apap graduated with a distinction in Viola and Chamber Music from the Conservatoire Superieur in 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 distinguished conductors such as Leonard

Bernstein, Riccardo Muti and Seiji Ozawa. He has been playing with numerous ensembles playing classical, jazz and contemporary music and for the past three years played with Richard Galliano in an international tribute tour to Astor Piazzolla.

Frédéric Guérouet recorded his first live TV show at the Salle Pleyel in Paris at the age of 11, also winning his first international prize at Vichy at a very young age. He advanced his studies in composition and orchestration at the Kiev Conservatoire, winning prestigious international awards. He is in great demand both as a classic and contemporary performer, giving solo concerts and playing with famous orchestras and internationally acclaimed artists.

The concert starts at 8pm with tickets at Lm8.50. For booking information call Din l-Art Helwa on 2122 0358 or 2122 5952.