5th Concert of the M.C.I. season 2010 : a tribute to Mro Frank Vassallo

Abstract

The February Concert will be dedicated entirely to the music of Mro Frank Vassallo. This is a very special event, as most of the music which we will be presenting is being premiered on the night. The musicians, Maria-Elena Farrugia, Massimo Borg, David Ellul, Miguel Rosales, Mark-Anthony Sammut, Laura Cioffi, Clara Galea, Kevin Azzopardi and Rita Paris have taken a special interest in studying the new music and have undertaken the difficult task of interpreting works which they had previously never heard. They have worked very hard to perfect their performances and they promise us a unique musical experience. We would like to thank the Principal of the University Junior College for allowing them once more to play for the MCI.

Singers Joan Camilleri, Rita Sciciuna and Miriam Camilleri and Pianist Maria Scicluna have all known the Maestro during his lifetime and have performed in his presence and been encouraged by him.

Harpist Lydia Buttigieg feels specially privileged as she originally studied the Harp Sonata, which she will be playing, with Mro Vassallo himself and has been instructed by him as to the interpretation he wished. She has his notes on the original copy he gave her himself and may say that the work was written with her in mind.

Special thanks are due to Mro Manoel Pirotta, who undertook the task of assigning the music to the different musicians from the University Junior College Ensemble and supervising their rehearsals. His collaboration and energy have been invaluable to ensure the smooth preparation and success of the evening. My brother, Dr Pierre Vassallo, would like to join me to thank all the instrumentalists and singers who made this evening possible. Their efforts will never be forgotten. We woc1ld also like to thank all the MCI members and patrons who have promised to be there to support us, just as they have always unfailingly supported the MCI. (Marie Therese Vassallo)