Led by the young energetic conductor, orchestrator and bassist Ryan Paul Abela, this concert will feature a 30-piece orchestra built on the solid rhythm section. Ryan and Stefania are the creators and directors of The Palace String Orchestra. This duo is a force to be reckoned with in the local arts scene who've created a series of concerts with nation-wide reach, as well as the musical and logistical management of local musical theatre productions, over the past five years.
Their common love for orchestra music and the theatre is what triggered the need to knit a unique project between Arthaus and The Palace String Orchestra. Stefania approached Arthaus president Samantha Corrieri Dela, who together with the committee. This is the second major production for Arthaus this year coming straight out of their massively successful CHICAGO, at The Hilton last July. Collaborating with The Palace String Orchestra, one can expect nothing short of brilliance from this extraordinary team.
Stefania took inspiration from her past and passions. "Growing up I always had a particular love for rock music. My sixth form years were pretty much led by the music by The Smashing Pumpkins and Nightwish. Do you see a pattern here? To me, Tonight Tonight is the most beautiful mix of orchestral rock! I was also part of the VOICES family. VOICES (a massive choir concert held every two years) gave me my first platform to perform. I was so grateful for the opportunity that I promised myself to create similar opportunities for others like me." So, whilst being a classically trained singer who tends to sing solo, Stefania also enjoys the community element of being part of a group of people who share the same love for music and singing. "These are people with wonderful different professions, lawyers, architects, bankers, teachers, nurses! It's such a joy to meet up after work and just sing!" The choir, led by vocal coach Claire McCartin also includes some 12 to 15 year olds. This was done to share the love of rock with the upcoming generation - "and oh how well it worked! If you haven't got it by now, ROCKWIRED is a play on the words Rock Choir, as in, you've been Rock-Choir-ed."
This concert is Arthaus's second edition of ROCKWIRED. Thefirst was a bite-sized concert put together in a mere two weeks in Gnien Laparelli. Thanks to Festivals Malta, supporting the initiative throughthe Rock'n Malta Fund, the financial support allowed ROCKWIRED to grow into the dream we wished it to be. Adding 19 string musicians, sixbrass musicians and a whole choir to the equation, this project could not be held anywhere other than at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.
With Ryan's custom-made orchestrations of these well-loved rock anthems by Queen, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Muse, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Zucchero, AC/DC, Green Day, The Beatles, Aerosmith and others, and Claire's dedication to bringing out the best in her singers, this concert will have us appreciate the quality and artistry in the songs in a way we never thought about them before.
The concert will also have a number of featured artists such as Chris Grech, Klinsmann, Neville Refalo, Andre Portelli, Dion Farrell, Dorothy Borg Bonnici, Rachel Grech, Natassja Chapman, Stephanie Chetcuti, and Jodi Zerafa Heckenlaible amongst others. The production will also have a few surprises in store for its audience.
"This concert will be hosted in English by award-winning actor Stephen Oliver. It is a seated concert (well... probably till the first intro!) which makes it easily accessible and is appropriate for ages 6+. It will get a bit loud and we do have one or two very mild adult words that makes rock 'n roll... you know... rock 'n roll".
Bringing together people from different nations and with diverse cultural backgrounds is important to this team. "Music has always been a way to bring people together, but this feels even more important currently. ROCKWIRED is bringing musicians and singers born 11 countries including Ukraine and Palestine. Some of these musicians are flying into Malta specifically to perform in this production. We couldn't be prouder of bringing together such a diversified group of people."
ROCKWIRED plays at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Malta on 4 and 5 November 2023, with all performances at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at prices between €20 and €35 through tickets.arthaus.mt. This production is suitable for all audiences. For more information on Arthaus, visit www.arthaus.mt.