National Orchestra launches CD series

by Fiona Galea Debono

Times of Malta, Valletta, Friday, January 12, 200
The National Orchestra has launched its Grand Concert, scheduled for January 20 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, and the first in a series of National Orchestra Live CDs.

As part of its successful collaboration programmes with foreign theatres and orchestras - which kicked off a year ago, giving rise to the Grand Concert Series and a new dimension to the orchestra - the National Orchestra is joining forces with the string section of the Orchestra Sinfonica di Pesaro under the baton of Paolo Ponziano Ciardi, National Orchestra chairman Lino Attard said yesterday.

The Grand Concert will feature Maltese composer Paolino Vassallo's Fuga Per Grande Orchestra and Brahms' concerto for violin, cello and orchestra, with the participation of renowned Carmine Lauri (violin) and Tim Hugh (cello), both leaders of their respective sections in the London Symphony Orchestra. The second part will be dedicated to Tchaikovsky's symphony no. 6 Pathetique.

Following the MCC concert, the collaboration is taking the National Orchestra to Italy for a repeat performance a few days later at Pesaro's prestigious Teatro Rossini, this time under the direction of Michael Laus, the National Orchestra's resident conductor, Mr Attard announced.

The National Orchestra enjoys the support of the Italian Cultural Institute, which is financing the concert, institute director Anna Maria Di Marco said. She is a firm believer in the orchestra's potential to grow and go international and in its ability to collaborate particularly with its Italian counterparts.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech took the opportunity to praise the National Orchestra, Malta's foremost music institution, for its overseas collaborations, among other achievements, which were indicative of its high standards. He described it as a source of pride for the country, having also an important role in the development of Malta's music heritage and culture.

Last year was a very active one for the orchestra, including the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mro Vassallo, whose music performed by the National Orchestra under the direction of Christopher Muscat, is featured on the CD recording.

Sponsored by GasanMamo Insurance Ltd, the CD is of high digital quality and comes with a 12-page booklet, containing information on the composer and his works.

The National Orchestra has launched its own record label in the light of developments in this line of business and the demand from those attending its performances, filling in a vacuum, Mr Attard said.

A series of CDs under the same label would be launched over the coming year to culminate on the 10th anniversary of the National Orchestra in 2008, he said.

Tickets for the Grand Concert cost Lm15, Lm12, Lm10, Lm8 and Lm6, and are available from the MCC's booking office. Reservations can also be made via e-mail on bookings@mcc.com.mt, or on 2559 5751.