Under the baton of Sergey Smbatyan, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra presented a programme that spanned centuries and sensibilities, weaving together Romantic passion and contemporary vision.
Mozart's Overture to Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute, K. 620, 1791) opened the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra's Pre‑UK Tour Concert in Valletta on 6th November at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, setting a luminous and ceremonial tone before the ensemble embarked on its UK performances.
Composed in 1791, the same year as Mozart's death, the overture introduces his final opera, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). It begins with three solemn chords, often interpreted as symbols of Masonic ritual, reflecting Mozart's own ties to Freemasonry.
The Adagio section conveys grandeur and mystery, while the Allegro fugato bursts with energy, wit, and contrapuntal brilliance, showcasing Mozart's mastery of orchestral texture. As the first notes of the evening, it framed the tour as a journey from Malta's stage to the UK, carrying Mozart's universal message of wisdom and joy.
Mozart was followed by Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, performed by Freddy Kempf. From the first tolling chords, Kempf drew the audience into Rachmaninoff's world of emotional intensity - a work born out of the composer's recovery from despair, now celebrated as one of the greatest concertos of the Romantic repertoire. Kempf's interpretation balanced thunderous virtuosity with moments of lyrical intimacy, the orchestra responding with warmth and precision under Smbatyan's direction.
I choose to sit in the back row at MCC, thus avoiding going down those treacherous stairs in the dress circle. However, although I heard the pianist very well I could not see him because of the way the piano was placed.
As an aside let me share the following with you. Two hours a day was all the practice Sergey Rachmaninoff needed to stay in top form. Composing however, was a different matter - Rachmaninoff could never seem to find as much uninterrupted time as he needed. As he wrote to a friend in 1907, "Today I worked only from 9a.m. to 12.30. Then lunch, and now I write you instead of working. I have one free hour and then an hour's walk. Then two hours practice, and then I retire with the chickens. Thus I have only about four hours a day for composition. Too little!"
Geniuses are born not made. No doubt he is one of them.
Rachmainoff was followed by Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor, a monumental work built around the theme of fate. Smbatyan guided the orchestra through its sweeping arc: the brooding opening, the luminous horn solo of the second movement, the restless waltz, and finally the triumphant finale. The symphony's journey from melancholy to affirmation left the audience uplifted.
The programme then turned to Karl Fiorini's The Prospects of the Future, a contemporary Maltese composition that offered a striking contrast. Fiorini's music, with its layered textures and forward-looking title, invited reflection on continuity and change - a reminder that Malta's cultural voice resonates not only with its past but also with its evolving artistic horizons. Karl is doing Malta proud with his compositions. He is now based in Paris.
The concert showcased the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra's versatility, moving seamlessly from Romantic grandeur to contemporary reflection, under the inspired leadership of Sergey Smbatyan.
MPO's mission after all is to elevate and promote Maltese culture through world-class collaborations and performances.
It has been widely reported that the The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra's UK tour "was received with enthusiasm and marked as a milestone in showcasing Maltese musical excellence.
The orchestra performed between 8-13 November 2025 at three renowned UK concert halls - Norwich Theatre, G Live in Guildford, and Cadogan Hall in London.
Led by Sergey Smbatyan, the MPO delivered a programme blending Mediterranean warmth with classical rigour, reinforcing its reputation as Malta's cultural ambassador."
The tour was framed as part of the MPO's ongoing mission to share Malta's rich musical heritage internationally, positioning the ensemble alongside Europe's respected orchestras.
We are so proud of our national orchestra. It has come a very long way since I first heard it all those years ago.