Harpist Caroline Calleja featured in a virtual recital from Saint Lucy Church, Santa Luċija (Gozo), the first in the Virtually a Cappella series which kicked off Gaulitana’s 14th edition.
Programme:
- Claude Debussy: Clair de Lune
- Christopher Muscat: Għeliem
- Gabriel Pierné: Impromptu-Caprice, Op. 9
- Carlos Salzedo: Rumba
Highly regarded as one of the island’s finest soloists, Caroline Calleja’s programme featured original works written for the harp during the 20th and 21st centuries, except for a transcription of Debussy’s Clair de Lune that, over the years, itself became a staple of the harp repertoire. The works highlight the instrument’s versatility from the contrasting serenity and energetic special effects of Christopher Muscat’s Għeliem, through the delicacy and virtuosity of Gabriel Pierné’s Impromptu-Caprice Op.9 to the strong rhythmic feel and brilliance of Salzedo’s Rumba.
On can follow the full recital on:
Meanwhile, Albert G. Storace’s online review reads:
This lovely recital came to an end with a piece by Carlos Salzedo, French despite his name. He was a composer of harp music and an innovator as regards technique. Caroline Calleja chose a popular piece, the colourful Rumba from Eight Dances which was performed with suitable gusto.

