Wayne Marshall will be on Rai Uno conducting the Christmas Concert from Assisi on Christmas Day after the Pope’s message. He is here at present and in search of an organ to play tomorrow, Christmas Eve. Any takers? Marie Benoît spoke to him briefly in the hope that someone will allow him to play in church. He is an extraordinary musician
Wayne Marshall has been living in Malta since October. “We travel so much so living in Malta is more like being based there,” he commented. “My first visit to Malta was last May and my first impressions were so positive, l said to Jennifer we should move here…and so we did. We even bought a house. House prices are so much better here than in London. What one gets is a lot more value for money, especially when it comes to space.”
The concert on RAI Uno on Christmas Day comes from The Cathedral in Assisi and Wayne comments: “This is my second appearance with the Rai Orchestra this year and this concert is very special. It was recorded the Saturday before last Saturday and believe it or not but the weather changed for the worst on that morning. Heavy snow fell and lots of people had great difficulty reaching the Cathedral. This however, did not deter from the enjoyment of the concert, if anything, it added a very special atmosphere.”
What kind of music are we going to hear on Christmas Day on Rai Uno? “Mainly Christmas music. But, included was the World Premiere of my version of Psalm 150 scored for Brass and Choir. There was a young children’s choir and they were fantastic, supplemented by members of the Rai Chorus. The only playing participation this year was playing harpsichord in the Bach Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin and in the Pastoral from Handel’s Messiah.”
Wayne is first and foremost a pianist. “But now I spend more time playing the organ. I am also Organist in Residence at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.”
Is he a believer? “The answer is yes.”
Wayne may be contacted on Mob: 9925 7616 or e-mail: wayne
[email protected]
(Please turn to Page 39 for more information about the Christmas Day concert which he is conducting.)