Celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Schumann and Chopin with songs and duets of Schumann and Chopin, the Malta Arts Festival is presenting ‘The Poet Speaks – Songs and Duets of Schumann and Chopin’ on 9 July at Auberge de Castille Courtyard, Valletta at 9pm.

The programme includes lieder by Schumann and Chopin

A delicacy for music lovers, the recital features one of Malta’s best-loved voices, Gillian Zammit. Gillian Zammit is highly regarded as a recital singer and has mastered a varied repertoire of Lieder, Spanish and French songs, as well as being an accomplished exponent Maltese Baroque music. She has recorded four CDs of this music as part of a series celebrating Maltese Cultural Heritage.

Now she teams up with US tenor Clifford Bechtel and pianist Rosetta de Battista.

Although predominantly a composer of piano music, Chopin’s interest in folk song roots is evident not only in the Cello Sonata but also in his songs. Chopin’s music for the voice preserves his Polish heritage, both in word and in tone, and is a mirror image of his keyboard works.

In an effort to reach the widest possible audiences, entrance for the performance is free. Tickets for the event may be collected from the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, Casa Gaspe 230, Republic Street, Valletta between 9am and 12.30pm.