A concert in harmony and counterpoint soundscapes will take place at Bormla’s parish church on Saturday, 25th March 2006 at 8.00 pm. This concert is the first of two, organised by the University of Malta’s Mediterranean Institute during which works of old Maltese music will be premiered. The second concert is scheduled for 11th April 2006, also at Bormla’s parish church. In both concerts, students following the music course within the Mediterranean Institute will be demonstrating to the general public the skills they have acquired in the study of musicology.

The first concert consists primarily of a number of old Maltese works, from the parish archives of Bormla, which have been edited by students from the Music Division. These scores date to the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century.

Among the pieces that will be played are old antiphons in honour of the Virgin Mary by the Maltese composers Don Giuseppe Burlo, Andrea Schembri and Sisner; an aria by the Neapolitan composer Giovanni Paesiello from the opera La Molinara and an enchanting work by the Italian composer, Montese, entitled Aria Spirituale.

The evening will also include a riveting performance of Simon Brixi’s Magnificat by the
University Vocal Ensemble. The choir and orchestra will be led by Mro Dr Dion Buhagiar, head of the music division at the Mediterranean Institute. The strings players are under the professional tutorship of Maestro Christopher Muscat. Professional players from the National Orchestra will be also participating in this concert. Entrance is free.