Frà Richard Divall, the renowned Australian conductor, musicologist, educator, Knight of Malta and bon vivant, was never one to make a quiet entrance. His first encounter with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the primary classical music ensemble of the island he so loved, was one to remember!
It was November 2011 and the MPO was to record a CD of music by Maltese composer Nicolò Isouard and present the music at the annual APS Bank concert at St John's Co-Cathedral. A champion of Maltese music and editor of the compositions we were to record, Frà Richard wasted no time in cracking one joke after another, in a broad Australian accent as wide as his smile. But behind the jokes there was a demanding perfectionist. Many hours were spent in the attention to detail and precision that only a musician with a deep love and respect for the music can achieve. Yet he did so in a spirit of humour, joy and respect that created lasting friendships for him within the ensemble.
Frà Richard's love of Malta was not something which planted its seed in that November week. For decades his work as a committed musicologist tied in harmoniously with his role as a senior Knight of Malta. His doctoral treatise on the works of Nicolò Isouard, as well as several other Maltese composers and those employed by the Knights, gave new insights into and expanded the repertoire of Maltese music. He was a constant source of information, often unsolicited but always appreciated. It was not an unfamiliar situation to open the inbox and find a dozen concerti, never recorded or performed with the simple one line note "tell me what you think" or "a little treat for you!"
Frà Richard was equally inspired by the music of his fellow countrymen and even in this his attachment to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra was felt. His edition of the Frederick Kelly Serenade Op. 7 was inspired by and based on the Malta Philharmonic's premiere recording of the work under Michael Laus. It was through Frà Richard's interventions that the same recording was heard on both Australian Broadcasting and later the BBC.
His support of Maltese musicians extended beyond the Malta Philharmonic; setting up a chamber group to promote lost Maltese compositions, acting as mentor and guide in dissertations by Maltese students, as a visiting professor at the University of Malta and as supporter and promoter of the Maltese community in Melbourne.
And so, what better way is there for us to honour such a man than through the music he loved?
The overture to Isouard's Joconde, discovered and edited by Frà Richard for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in the months before his death, will be the first Maltese composition to grace the most prestigious concert hall in the world - Vienna's Musikverein.
Frà Richard Divall would be very pleased indeed.
The first public performance of Frà Richard's arrangement of the Joconde Overture will be given during a concert at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on Saturday, 11th of March. Dedicated to Frà Richard's memory, the concert will also feature works by Beethoven and Brahms, and tickets can be obtained through www.mcc.com.mt.