‘Ħuġġieġa’, a project organise and performed by Zebbug’s 12th May Band & Social Club will seek to infuse the traditional elements of Maltese bands with the contemporary, under the direction of four elite composers.
With music from Euchar Gravina, Veronique Vella, Alex Vella Gregory, and Albert Garzia, and verses from Sebastian Saliba, the performance is inspired by all the elements and concepts which are associated with fire.
The project, which will take place on 16 November at Sir Temi Zammit Hall at the University of Malta, will see the participation of Francesca Aquilina, Carmel Gauci, and Karl Schembri, while Pawlu Mizzi will be Artistic Director.
Minister for Culture Owen Bonnici said that he appreciates the involvement of so many volunteers, noting that the time they dedicate is sometimes taken for granted. He said that the message in funding this initiative is on the importance of combining tradition and innovation, and also in emphasising the importance of musical societies in Malta’s cultural calendar.
Mariella Mizzi, from the band club, said that there was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for the project, and was pleased to note the golden opportunity that this gives the band members to even further themselves in the musical world. She said that she hoped to honour not only the Zebbug community, but also those who granted funds to them, and the Maltese community as a whole.
Maestro Hermann Farrugia Frantz said that the idea had started without a title, but with the intention of attracting some of the best contemporary composers to come up with a theme that infuses tradition with innovation.
He said that the theme of the piece reflects its name, and is based around the concept of fire. It includes the society’s band but also two actors to offer a different musical repertoire to what is traditionally associated with Maltese bands.
Mary Ann Cauchi from the Malta Arts Council called the project a model that others should follow; one which celebrates and strengthens Maltese culture, while also creating a contemporary product.
The project is supported by the Malta Arts Fund (Project Support Grant) by Arts Council Malta.