Frank and his quartet are now firmly established on our winter music schedule. After some three concerts they have acquired a following here. Many of us are now looking forward to their next concert in December.
Frank now lives and works in Prague where he has a successful career. His first love has always been music, but essentially the piano. He has found his niche. That evening at Palazzo de la Salle, the concert started off with the young and personable Reuben Mifsud on his guitar. He played Capricho Arabe by the Spanish composer Franciso Tárrega. Reuben had won second prize in the Malta Cross Music Competition which took place in Prague recently. He played so well that evening and I loved the way he made sure, once he was about to leave the stage that his guitar was safe on the chair and was not going to topple over and break.
The composer of this piece of music had had an accident when he was young and injured his eyes badly. His father, fearing the worst, arranged guitar lessons for him to make certain that he would be able to make a living when he grew older. Later he also arranged for him to take piano lessons. Franciso succeeded in both instruments and also in composition. All over the world we share the same concerns for our children.
The theme that evening was film music and Latin American tunes.
Frank on the piano then played the popular Don't cry for me Argentina, from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Evita. Through the songs, the soundtrack tells the story of Eva Perón's beginnings, her rise to fame, political career and gradually her death at the age of just 33. The soundtrack was released in two different versions. We are so familiar with this song. Madonna became even more famous after she played the role of the glamorous Evita.
Another favourite of mine is from the film Black Orpheus which was performed by Frank and the quartet. I have been acquainted with and loved this piece of music for a long time but simply did not know it was from the film Black Orpheus.
This film is credited with introducing the world to bossa nova music, which became a global sensation and influenced numerous musicians. Black Orpheus features an enchanting soundtrack composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá. The music perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro.
Armando's Rhumba was performed by the quartet. At the sound of the first notes of the Rhumba one wants to get up and dance. This quartet plays with real energy and enthusiasm. They are totally emersed in the music and immersed us as well.
The Latin rhythms continued with Mas Que Nada. Is it a Bossa Nova, a Rhumba? Plenty of rhythm and percussion. The drums and percussion were having a lovely time banging away, completely lost in the music. One good way of getting rid of anger and stress must be by punching those instruments. You cannot do it on a violin or viola.
Ah! Something truly familiar and loved: Besame Mucho performed by the quartet which was joined by Reuben Mifsud on his guitar.
This is a bolero song written in 1932 by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velázquez. It is one of the most popular songs of the 20th century and one of the most important songs in the history of Latin music. We have heard it sung by so many singers over the year. This was an excellent interpretation of it. No singers this time. Just music.
And so the quartet went on to Song for Lorraine, Night Birds, Morning Dance and so on.
I am sure the musicians were exhausted but the audience called for an encore and being the good natured artists that they are they ended the concert with Tequila. Remember it? Sung by The Champs, all those years ago?
And so another concert brought to us by Frank Bonnici came to an end. Everyone was happy.
I have to put in a special word for Frank's playing. I have been a fan over many years. I loved his playing at The Phoenicia when he was a young man. He is so in love with the piano. He is in complete control. He plays a few random notes and turns them into music. What a gift.
Well, on 10th December there will be a Christmas concert. The winners of this year's Malta Cross Music Competition will be taking part in it. The next competition is going to be held in Malta. So be on the lookout!
Just a reminder - Exhibition at Mdina
Joël Circhanski-Deleuze is having his first solo exhibition in Malta at The Atrium, Xara Palace, Mdina. Vibrant Forces: Nature in Living Colour will remain open until 28 November. The exhibition, curated by Professor Charlene Vella, presents a series of non-representational paintings exploring nature's interconnectedness, blending vivid depictions of birds, sea creatures and other animals into intricate compositions.
The artist's work reflects his Slavic heritage and the breadth of his experiences living around the world. Certainly worth a visit.
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