Signing of Lost Generations

Peter Apap Bologna was signing copies of his first novel, Lost Generations at Markers in Dingli Street, two Saturdays ago. So I trotted off to get my copy signed. The book is available in both hardback and paperback, and has a cover by George Large who, with his wife Pam, lives in Malta for at least three months of the year. I believe it was Peter and Alaine who had launched George in Malta at their very popular Melitensia Art Gallary in Lija, all those years ago. Now everyone wants a painting of George Large in their home. Peter and Alaine, an expert in silver with Christie’s in her younger days, were there together with Peter’s brother-in-law Leo Vassallo Cesareo. I recall going to Peter’s 18th birthday party many moons ago, in the family’s lovely house in Lija. I wore a red dress and had a waistline in those days.

Lost Generations is being sold in aid of St Patrick’s. Peter and Alaine work very hard to help the Salesians, organizing art exhibitions and so on. This is one more gesture in support of the excellent work these good people are doing.

Peter told me he is already working on a second novel and has also started collaborating with his two clever daughters, on a cook book. I feel breathless at the thought.

Eva Flair fashion show

After the book signing I hurriedly drove off to Ta’Xbiex to Villa Bel Air, the residence of the Italian ambassador and Signora Sofia Marras to the Eva Flair private show and sale which I had missed last year. I took a deep breath and tried to look as composed as possible before entering the room on the piano nobile. I was a few minutes late and sat on the last seat available which was fortunate as it was next to Eva’s husband, Mauro.  As the beautiful models came out with one lovely ensemble after another, he gave me a running commentary, in a whisper, about the provenance of the jewellery, shawls and clothes. He told me that they had only brought one model out with them, a Mexican girl. The others were selected in Malta. One of them, who looked like an angel, was half German and half Maltese.

I was struck by the craftsmanship which was evident in the refined clothes, shawls and vintage jewellery worn by the lovely models. After the defilé was over we were invited into the adjoining salon to have a closer look at the clothes and accessories which were on sale.  The materials used for the clothes were fine wool, cashmere and silk. They were impeccably tailored and finished. The vintage jewellery and bags were very covetable too.  Eva and Mauro work as a team and their idea is to promote, not so much Italian fashion as Italian craftsmanship; to help the artisan workshops not only to survive but to thrive. This is not about promoting mass, off-the-peg Italian fashion.

There are others doing this work. It is about Italian style, good taste and refinement. Perhaps it is not unlike what Marquis Nicholas de Piro is doing in Malta in promoting Maltese lace and keeping the craft alive. After the defilé I spoke to a number of those present and one word came to mind: refinement. These are clothes for ladies. No style was excessive and the word ‘vulgarity’ was nowhere in our thoughts. It was for the greater glory of Italian craftsmanship.

I must say it made a change from seeing a dozen poor quality beige or black jackets waiting to be bought and worn. It is the workshops which transform the stuff of dreams into reality. But of course one has to pay for quality. It doesn’t come cheap. This event was a most enjoyable experience and I wish the Zanetti’s good fortune and hope that their ideas will flourish.

Recital at San Anton Palace

An invitation to San Anton Palace is always most welcome. It is so beautifully kept and as I walked up the staircase for the recital of pianist Charlene Farrugia and accordionist Franko Bozac I noticed in particular the magnificent bird of paradise flowers, alert in their vases. I believe it was last year that this young couple played at the Sagrestia Vault, a concert I had enjoyed. I must say that the concert this time round was not so enjoyable at least for me. Perhaps the room was too small for an accordion and Charlene’s playing was often completely drowned by the accordionist. In fact, the part I enjoyed most was when Charlene played a piano solo: Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude, so well known and so loved.  Franko Bozac’s accordion solo – Sonata no. 3, 4th movement by V. Zolotaryov was also most enjoyable as was the Piazzolla’s Libertango they played as encore.  It apparently symbolizes Piazzolla’s break from Classical Tango to Tango Nuevo.

Yet another enjoyable evening at San Anton and another occasion to enjoy the hospitality of our President and Mrs Abela who are so generous with their time and give as many people as possible the opportunity to enjoy the President’s palace and these concerts.

I was happy to meet at the reception after the concert,  Pamela and George Large the well-known artist. Pamela reminded me how, many years ago, she had told George (to my embarrassement for I was present) that should anything happen to her, he was to marry me! Hmm, I remember thinking, ‘Mrs Large’. At the time I had smiled and thought no more about it. Pam reminded me of this incident and that she had been ill at the time and feared the worse. So, I took this occasion, so many years later, to ask the good natured Pam how many women were on her list of prospective wives for her George. Pam, an antiquarian before she retired, told me that there were five but I was at the top of the list. “One of the five started flirting with George after I told her, so I scratched her off my list immediately so there were just four left!” We had a good laugh about this.

The Ardeo Quartet

When it comes to music the stars this month for me are surely the Ardeo Quartet formed in 2001 at the Paris Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Dance and now one of the most highly praised French chamber music ensembles. I am plebian in my musical tastes and am not so keen to listen to chamber music on the whole.

However, I am so glad that I was prodded by a friend and encouraged to attend this concert in a week full of activities – both public and family. The Quartet played Anton Reicha (a completely new composer for me), Debussy and Ravel and touched our very core. They were splendid, every note a treat to the ear and the heartstrings. I am so happy I did not miss it. This was really Great Music for Everyone and it is a pity that the Manoel Theatre which seats around 600, is not always full to the gods. I keep on asking: where are the young studying music? Here was a very good quality concert available to as wide an audience as possible – there are several concessions for those who find the cost of seats too high – and there shouldn’t be so many empty seats. 

Trying to find a parking place in Valletta is soul-destroying and it seems to be getting worse so perhaps this is why so many are discouraged from attending. When it rains one is particularly discouraged. One hopes for better days when it comes to parking in the city.