In line with Gaulitana’s organic nature, the 2018 edition shall commemorate the birth centenary of Leonard Berstein. A number of events are envisaged to mark the eminent American composer, conductor, pianist and pedagogue.
In these, festival Artist-in-Residence Alexander Frey shall figure in a major role. The American performer, returning yet again to Gaulitana, enjoyed a close working relationship with Bernstein, the latter defining him as a “wonderful spirit”. His renditions of the master’s works have received great critical acclaim. In fact, he has just recorded the complete Bernstein piano works for his latest CD release, Big Americana Box.
On Tuesday 10 April, Frey will be joined by Maltese choreographer and YADA founder Felix Busuttil in a discussion on Bernstein’s life and works. The event, part of the TALK re u series, will be held at the University of Malta Gozo Campus at 19.30hrs.
The following day, Frey will then perform a solo recital interpreting the complete piano works of Leonard Bernstein at the Ministry for Gozo Hall, Victoria. Gaulitana is immensely proud that the programme will feature the European premiere of Valse Gaea, composed in 1967 and world premiered by Frey in 2017 in Florida.
The commemorations will round up on Friday 13 April with an organ recital by Frey on the recently installed instrument at the Xewkija Parish Church. Whilst interpreting around works, including Vivaldi’s Concerto for Cello and Continuo with collaborative artist Desirée Quintano, the A-i-R will perform his organ transcription of Bernstein’s enigmatic Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.
The USA Embassy in Malta is the main supporter of Alexander Frey’s residency during Gaulitana.
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