Bel Canto Flute

Flautist Silvio Zammit and pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa will be giving a stimulating and sparkling recital at a lunchtime concert to be held at the Oratory of St. Francis, Valletta on Tuesday 19th January 2016 at 12:30pm.

The brilliant duo will be taking the audience to a wonderful era in classical music – that of the Bel Canto. They will be featuring the works of three excellent Italian composers who epitomize this vivacious and melodious genre of music: Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini.

Silvio and Ramona Zammit have been active as a duo for the past 15 years.  They are both Fellows of the London College of Music and teach music in the Johann Strauss School of Music in Valletta.  Particularly due to the versatility of Ramona on the piano, flute and harpsichord, the duo can perform in the different combinations of instruments. 

During 1978-2001, Silvio was a member of the National Orchestra of Malta.  Currently he follows his professional career as a teacher and freelance soloist.  In 1998, the duo won the Lloyd Weber medal for distinction in interpretation. They have performed in various solo and chamber recitals in the U.S.A., Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, Bulgaria and England.  They have also recorded CDs of Maltese music by Pace and Camilleri.  In collaboration with Gukulari Ensemble, they have also recorded CDs of 18th and 19th century music.  Several Maltese composers have dedicated works to the duo.  Their extensive repertoire ranges from the baroque to the contemporary.

The music performances will take place in the baroque Oratory which was originally the friars’ refectory.  Over the years, it had been transformed into an oratory, hence it is beautifully adorned by magnificent baroque paintings, an elaborate gilded altarpiece and original monks’ benches. The oratory is usually closed to the public, therefore the lunchtime concerts are a wonderful way to experience the fabulous music and the beautiful chapel.

The regular performances will be presenting varied performers and musicians, who will be presenting sparkling and stimulating classical music on a weekly basis.  The events are fund raising events for the Franciscan Church, which is undergoing extensive structural restoration. Tickets for the lunchtime concerts, costing 8 euro, can be obtained from the venue itself half an hour before the concert begins. For more details phone 7968 0952 or email: baroccomalta@gmail.com

 

Programme:

 

Donizetti         Concertino

Donizetti         Una furtive Lagrima

Rossini            La Pastorella degli Alpi

                        A Mezzanotte

Bellini                         Casta Diva (piano solo)

Rossini            Barbiere di Seviglia (piano solo)

Rossini            Allegro and Allegro

 

Silvio Zammit – Flute 

Ramona Zammit Formosa - Piano