Peter Manning, a leading figure in the classical music world, has been appointed as the new artistic director for the Three Palaces festival, which will be held between 4 and 13 November. Mr Manning, a violinist, concert master and conductor, has toured some of the world's major concert halls and led the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Britten String Quartet. Mr Manning is eager to make the classical arts available to people from diverse social backgrounds and thus shares his passion as music education advisor within many international capitals.
The Three Palaces festival, a week-long festival with performances set in historically important and magnificent buildings, is fast becoming an important appointment in Malta's cultural calendar. This year's programme of events once again features local and international artists of exceptional talent.
Among the artists who will be performing in the Throne Room of the Grand Masters' Palace, the Verdala Palace, San Anton Palace and the Manoel Theatre, are soprano Ailyn Perez and cellist Steven Isserlis. Ms Perez, winner of the 2012 Richard Tucker Award and the 15th annual Plácido Domingo Award, is increasingly in demand at the world's leading opera houses and cultural capitals. Acclaimed worldwide for her profound musicianship and technical mastery, British cellist Steven Isserlis enjoys a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, author and broadcaster. He appears regularly with the world's leading orchestras and conductors, and is a keen exponent of contemporary music.
This year's edition of the festival also includes performances by classical guitarist Sean Shibe, violinist Ania Safanova, the brass ensemble The Wallace Collection, as well as Malta's own violinist Carmine Lauri, composer Karl Fiorini, jazz pianist Dominic Galea and soprano Nicola Said.
One of the festival's aims is to promote the arts as a means of providing entertainment while presenting educational opportunities through concerts but also community events. Thus, as part of the festival's outreach programme, three of the participating artists will also lead master classes aimed at different audiences. John Wallace will lead a master class for band clubs and brass players, Ania Safanova will lead a master class for school children while Sean Shibe will lead a master class aimed at the general public, particularly guitar players. All workshops are free of charge and those wishing to attend should send an email to [email protected].
Concert tickets with prices ranging from €10 to €25 for normal tickets and from €30 to €50 for front row seats, are available.
The Three Palaces festival is organised by Arts Council Malta within the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government under the patronage of the President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca in collaboration with Teatru Manoel and with the support of Valletta 2018, MSV Life and MGA.
More information about the festival, particular events, artists and ticketing can be found on www.3palacesfestival.com
QUOTE: "Festivals are about connecting all of us who love music and art. Live performances are exchanges between artists and audiences that help us share vital and essential emotional experiences" - Peter Manning, artistic director