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2016/2017CONCERT SEASON
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WELCOME
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2016/2017 Season. Throughout this booklet you will find information about our many concerts and events this season, both in Malta and internationally.
The MPO performs a diverse range of repertoire, so we have categorised each event and indicated which category each concert belongs to throughout the booklet.
As well as having a wide range of free concerts, our MPO Membership Scheme offers significant discounts on a large number of performances as well as other benefits such as, access to open rehearsals, opportunities to meet the musicians and free reserved tickets for selected concerts. For more information on our Membership Scheme, see page 7. Free performances and Membership Scheme concerts are indicated throughout this booklet. Look out for the “Free Admission” icon and the “MPO Membership Scheme” icon.
Symphonic Classical Music
Chamber Orchestra/Chamber Music
Family/Educational
Light Classics/Alternative
Rock/Pop Fusion
Opera
Free Admission
MPO Membership Scheme
MPO BOARD & MANAGEMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORSChairman: Sigmund Mifsud Deputy Chair: Ruth Micallef Directors: Toni Abela, Mark Attard Montalto, Marthese Azzopardi, Rita Cutajar, Alexei Galea Cavallazzi Secretary to the Board: Jean Killick
ARTISTIC TEAM Principal Conductor & Artistic Director: Brian SchembriResident Conductor: Michael Laus Orchestra Leader: Marcelline Agius Guest Leader: Carmine Lauri
MANAGEMENT TEAM Executive Chairman: Sigmund MifsudFinancial Controller: Reuben Sammut Director of Operations: Michael Aquilina Marketing & Development Manager: Maria BlancoMarketing & Development Executive: Brian O’ Regan HR Officer: John Saliba Librarian: Matthew Fenech Musicians Coordinator: Frank Camilleri Logistics Coordinator: Andrew Fiorini Lowell Services Officer: Tony Mizzi
PUBLISHERS Malta Philharmonic Orchestra
EDITORS
Brian O’ Regan & Maria BlancoDESIGN & LAYOUT
Switch Ltd.
BOOKLET CREDITS
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On an international level, the MPO has collaborated with many foreign orchestras and opera companies, performing in Brussels, Milan and Frankfurt, with further international performances planned in Brussels, Rome and Vienna this season.
The orchestra has also produced a number of CDs including a project with international recording label Naxos featuring works by Charles Camilleri and two CD series entitled Music of the 19th Century Jewish German Composers (Cameo Classics) and the British Composers Premiere Collections (Cameo Classics). We are also currently working on the production of a CD featuring the music of internationally renowned composer Alexandre Tansman with the CPO Label.
maltaorchestra.com
The orchestra’s extensive calendar
of events places the MPO as Malta’s
leading cultural ambassador.
Over the years the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has performed with a number of distinguished artists including Karl Jenkins, Joseph Calleja, Andrea Bocelli and Bryn Terfel, acclaimed conductors such as Jean Marc Burfin, Peter Stark, Philip Walsh, and personalities from the pop world including Claudio Baglioni, Michael Bolton, Suzanne Vega and pop star Anastacia.
The orchestra is also a predominant exponent of Maltese composers and performers, hosting competitions for young musicians, with winners featuring during the orchestra’s concert season. The MPO is also actively involved in education programmes for children, involving them in workshops and bespoke performances for children and young families. The MPO is also responsible for the orchestral training and professional development of young musicians, through the formation of the MPO Academy and the Malta Youth Orchestra.
Under its new leadership, the MPO today continues to pride itself on developing its vision of delivering music of the highest calibre on the Maltese islands while also promoting our musical heritage abroad.
Founded in 1968, the Orchestra was formerly known as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra and became an independent body in 1997 when it was officially named the National Orchestra of Malta. The orchestra underwent another transformation in 2008 when it was further extended and became known as the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO).
Since its inception, the Orchestra has been under the direction of Malta’s most prominent musicians including Joseph Sammut, Joseph Vella and Michael Laus. In September 2014, internationally acclaimed conductor Brian Schembri, one of the most brilliant musicians to emerge from Malta, was appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Director. Brian Schembri is bringing to the MPO a wealth of experience and musical vision that remains unparalleled in its development to date. Michael Laus continues to be the MPO’s resident conductor.
The orchestra’s extensive calendar of events, places the MPO as Malta’s leading cultural ambassador. Performing in more than 70 concerts a year, including regular symphonic concerts, annual opera productions in Malta and Gozo, community outreach programmes and many concerts of a lighter musical genre in venues around the islands.
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is recognised as the foremost professional musical institution on the Maltese islands, bringing together the best of Maltese talent and musicians hailing from ten other countries.
MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
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This season, the Orchestra will also be travelling to Italy, Belgium and Austria to perform at three very prestigious events. Firstly, we will be performing Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis in Rome. The orchestra will also be travelling to Brussels with internationally acclaimed tenor Joseph Calleja to open Malta’s EU Presidency and we have also been invited to perform in Vienna’s famous Musikverein.
However prestigious these events will be, I cannot but look forward to our main concerts in Malta. This season we will be working with two excellent maestri, Jean-Marc Burfin and Michalis Economou, and we look forward to welcoming international guest soloists Narek Hakhnazaryan, Pavel Kolesnikov and Carmine Lauri. Furthering on my predilection to promote the concerto genre we will also feature some of Malta’s excellent musicians including Charlene Farrugia, Philip Attard, Chris Spiteri and George Camilleri.
The MPO has always been committed to supporting Maltese contemporary music and this season we are very proud to be presenting
a major new work by Albert Garzia, a ballet produced in collaboration with ZfinMalta and another project in which five Maltese composers will present new works featuring Maltese traditional instruments. Throughout the season we will also be performing at many of Malta’s festivals, and for operatic productions in Gozo and Malta. We are continuing to develop our educational programme, and the orchestra will also be appearing at events like Rockestra and the Classics under the Stars.
Dedicating his Missa Solemnis to the Archduke Rudolf of Austria, Beethoven wrote, “Von Herzen - Möge es wieder - Zu Herzen gehn!” (from the heart, may it return to the heart!) and the opening Kyrie is marked “mit Andacht” (with devotion). It is indeed with a certain sense of devotion that my colleagues at the MPO and myself offer you, the public, our work. May the music we perform from our hearts, find a place in yours, especially in these troubled times in which Beethoven’s message was never more essential.
Artistic Director & Principal Conductor
BRIAN SCHEMBRI
This coming season is a very special one for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and for myself as it will be my third season as artistic director. Throughout these past three years, the orchestra has considerably strengthened its ranks and I believe that it has clearly started to develop a distinct character of its own. We have also engaged in more ambitious programming, allowing musicians and the public to discover new and exciting repertoire.
The start of a new concert season is always a very exciting time for an orchestra and with a thoroughly exciting programme of concerts, this season is certainly no different.
Executive Chairman
SIGMUND MIFSUD
Every orchestra has a different character which is developed and projected through the music that it performs and I believe that the concerts we present makes us who we are and gives us our identity. I see the orchestra as a living body comprising of many individual musicians and, as such, it needs to be carefully nurtured in order to bring out the skills and creativity of its musicians. Therefore, finding the right balance between offering our musicians challenging repertoire and presenting engaging and enjoyable concerts to our audience is an important but difficult task. However, I am confident that this year’s season fulfils such a goal and despite being a very busy season, I believe we managed to find the right recipe to motivate and challenge our musicians while also captivating and engaging with our ever growing audience.
Last season saw the orchestra perform in more than 70 events throughout the season and it has been increasingly in demand, both in Malta and internationally. By engaging in such a large number of performances, and by collaborating with a variety of other cultural organisations and festivals, the orchestra has further solidified its vital role in Malta’s increasingly vibrant cultural sector. Through the artistic vision of our principal conductor and artistic director Brian Schembri, we have challenged our musicians to achieve
extraordinary things and through the hard work of the orchestra’s management team, we have endeavoured to sustain this artistic vision and to develop the orchestra as a cultural organisation. Being the only orchestra of the country, and as the leading ambassador for classical music in Malta, I truly believe that it is imperative to invest in international performances in order to increase the visibility of Malta and of the orchestra on an international platform. With recent highly successful performances in China and across Europe, and having received a standing ovation at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt for our performance at the Grand Opening of the European Cultural Days, I have great confidence that the orchestra can become an internationally recognised ensemble. This season, we will once again be representing Malta internationally with performances in Rome, Brussels and at the prestigious Musikverein in Vienna. It is with a great sense of pride that I present this season’s programme to you. Without you, our loyal audience, the orchestra could never have achieved what it already has, and with your continued support and investment, I firmly believe that we can continue to achieve great things together.
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MPO MEMBERSHIP SCHEMEThe MPO Membership Scheme offers significant discounts on a large number of selected concerts throughout the season, regular updates about our work and events, unique opportunities to meet MPO musicians as well as exclusive offers and benefits.
• MPO Gold Membership Card• Free access to open rehearsals• Priority booking with notification
of pre-ticket sales• 40% discount on MPO Membership
Scheme Concerts• Free reserved ticket for Girgenti Palace Concert• Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts• Free ticket for MPO performance
at Basilica San Paolo, Rome
GOLD MEMBERSHIP - €120
• MPO Platinum Membership Card• Free access to open rehearsals• Priority booking with notification
of pre-ticket sales• 50% discount on MPO Membership
Scheme Concerts• Free ticket for MPO Season Opening
Concert• Free reserved ticket for Girgenti
Palace Concert• Free reserved ticket for selected
MPO Concerts• Invitation to VIP Receptions at selected
MPO concerts• Free ticket for MPO performance
at Basilica San Paolo, Rome• Free ticket for MPO performance
at Musikverein, Vienna
PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP - €200
• MPO Silver Membership Card• Free access to open rehearsals• Priority booking with notification
of pre-ticket sales• 25% discount on MPO Membership
Scheme Concerts• Free reserved ticket for selected MPO Concerts
SILVER MEMBERSHIP - €60
• MPO Family Membership Card• Free access to open rehearsals• Priority booking with notification
of pre-ticket sales• 50% discount on MPO Membership
Scheme Concerts• Free reserved ticket for selected
MPO Concerts• Free family ticket (2 adults & 2 children)
for MPO Family Fanfare Concert
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP - €240
• MPO Student Club Card• Free access to open rehearsals• 50% discount on MPO
Membership Scheme Concerts• Free reserved ticket for selected
MPO Concerts
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP - €25
Don’t forget to look out for the MPO Membership Icon throughout this booklet. Apply online at www.maltaorchestra.com
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
PIETRU U L-LUPUA Maltese adaptation of Peter and the Wolf
15TH & 16TH NOVEMBER
Catholic Institute, Floriana
MPO FAMILY FANFAREFeaturing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
18TH & 20TH MAY
Mediterranean Conference Centre
FAMILY CONCERTS
MOZART AT MIDNIGHTA late night performance of the music of Mozart
SATURDAY 27TH MAY
Verdala Palace, Rabat
INSTRUMENTS OF INNOVATIONFeaturing solo pieces for innovative instruments.
24TH & 25TH MARCH
Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERTS
A TASTE OF THE CLASSICSThree course dinner served with classical music
26TH NOVEMBER & 11TH FEBRUARY
Palazzo de Piro, Mdina
SYMPHONIC BEATLESFeaturing music from The Beatles
17TH & 18TH FEBRUARY
Mediterranean Conference Centre
LIGHT CLASSICS / ALTERNATIVE
SEASON OPENING CONCERTFeaturing music by Beethoven & Brahms
FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER
Teatru Manoel
RUSSIAN MASTERSFeaturing music by Shostakovich & Tchaikovsky
SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY
Mediterranean Conference Centre
CARNAVAL ROMAINSeason Closing Concert conducted by Brian Schembri
SATURDAY 24TH JUNE
Mediterranean Conference Centre
DVORAK & ELGARWith acclaimed cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan
FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
Teatru Manoel
SYMPHONIC CONCERTS
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Although commonly found in Malta’s many band clubs, instruments such as the tuba, saxophone and euphonium rarely find themselves taking centre stage in symphonic concerts.
This concert, conducted by the MPO’s Principal Conductor Brian Schembri, will feature concerti written for these instruments and performed by talented Maltese soloists.
In addition to the three concerti, the orchestra will also perform Joseph Vella’s “Rebbieħa” (Victorious), a work which has certain patriotic connotations and depicts how Malta has always managed to emerge victorious over its various tribulations.
WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER8.00PMPjazza Teatru Rjal
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
CHRIS SPITERI Tuba
PHILIP ATTARD Saxophone
GEORGE CAMILLERI Euphonium
KUNĊERT GĦAL JUM
L-INDIPENDENZA
Presented by Arts Council Malta
VELLARebbieħa
ARUTIUNIANConcerto for Tuba and Orchestra
MAURICETableaux de Provence
JENKINSEuphonium Concerto
INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT
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CLIFF ZAMMIT
STEVENS ROCKESTRAIN CONCERT
Maltese tenor, Cliff Zammit Stevens has been described as a “Revelation” by the Daily Express and Opera Magazine
proclaims that he “shows exceptional promise”. Cliff returns to Malta this
year to perform a programme featuring music from Mozart, Verdi, Rossini and Tchaikovsky conducted by Philip Walsh and featuring guest singer Nicola Said.
Under the musical direction of Sigmund Mifsud and the artistic direction of Pawlu Borg Bonaci,
this year’s Rockestra will feature an impressive line-up of local artists including Mikaela Attard, Lara
Dimech, Xarulu and Ivan Grech.
The MPO, along with musicians from the Malta Youth Orchestra will
take to the stage to perform rock songs from artists such as Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie,
Elton John and many more.
PHILIP WALSH Conductor
CLIFF ZAMMIT STEVENS
Tenor
NICOLA SAID Soprano
SIGMUND MIFSUD Conductor
SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER 8.00PM
Pjazza Teatru Rjal
SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 8.00PM
Malta Fairs & Convention Centre,Ta Qali
Original photo credit: Robert Workman
Concert in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund
Original photo credit: Viktor Vella
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THURSDAY 6TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana
SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana
FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana
SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER7.30PMRobert Samut Hall, Floriana
FESTIVAL OF MODERN COMPOSERS
Presented in collaboration with the European Foundation for the Support of Culture
Day 1OPENING CONCERTProgramme includes:
Day 3GALA CONCERT FOR COMPETITION FINALISTS
Day 2INSTRUMENTAL RECITALProgramme includes:
Day 4CLOSING CONCERTProgramme includes:
VELLA
Clarinet Quintet Op. 16
VELLASegments Op. 94
VELLACharlie on my Mind Op. 144
This concert will feature performers who have made it through the competition preliminary rounds.
Competition winners will be announced at the end of the concert.
VELLADuo Concertante Op. 91
VELLACapriccio for Violin & Piano Op. 62
VELLAPercussion & Piano Duetting Op.110
VELLASinfonietta for Strings Op. 36
VELLAConcerto Barocco Op. 92
VELLAIn Memoriam Op. 96 (Strings)
This first edition of the Festival of Modern Composer is dedicated to Mro Joseph Vella, one of Malta’s most famous composers. Detailed information about the festival, including competition rules and regulations can be found at modcomfest.com
Although they never met in person, Beethoven and Brahms have always been closely associated through their musical styles. Under the baton of Brian Schembri, the orchestra will be joined by highly acclaimed Maltese pianist Charlene Farrugia to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. Brahms’ Third Symphony was well received at its premiere and a leading music critic at the time, Eduard Hanslick, commented that “Many music lovers will prefer the titanic force of the First Symphony; others, the untroubled charm of the Second, but the Third strikes me as being artistically the most nearly perfect”.
BEETHOVENPiano Concerto No. 4
BRAHMSSymphony No. 3
FRIDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER8.00PMTeatru Manoel
SEASON OPENING CONCERT
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
CHARLENE FARRUGIA Piano
BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS
Presented in collaboration with Teatru Manoel
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Original photo credit: Ken Scicluna
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The Washington Post has described cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan as “a seasoned phenomenon” and we are delighted to welcome him to Malta to perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto under the direction of acclaimed conductor Michalis Economou.
The conductor’s own composition “Di-ichon”, which follows, was re-arranged especially for this concept and is inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The evening will finish with Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a set of musical sketches inspired by the personalities of some of the composer’s closest friends including his wife and even himself.
DVORAK Cello Concerto in B minor
ECONOMOUDi-ichon
ELGAREnigma Variations
FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER8.00PMTeatru Manoel
MICHALIS ECONOMOU Conductor
NAREK HAKHNAZARYAN Cello
DVORAK & ELGAR
Original photo credit: Marco Borggreve
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CARMEN AIDABIZET VERDI
An Astra Theatre ProductionAn Aurora Theatre Production
Conducted by Colin Attard, the Aurora Theatre’s production of Carmen will
feature Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Nadia Krasteva and Italian tenor
Roberto de Biasio, who have graced the most important operatic stages ranging from the Metropolitan to
La Scala and the Wiener Staatsoper.
Aida possesses all the great ingredients which make up Italian Opera,
including grandeur and intimacy; poignancy and implacability;
vengeance and redemption; love and envy. This is the third time Teatru Astra is producing Aida
and this performance will also mark the beginning of the 15th edition
of Festival Mediterranea.
COLIN ATTARD Conductor
NOVELLA TABILI Director
JOSEPH VELLA Conductor
ENRICO STINCHELLI
Director
SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER 7.30PM
Aurora Theatre, Gozo
THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER
7.30PMAstra Theatre, Gozo
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PIETRU U L-LUPU
PETER & THE WOLF
Presented in collaboration with ŻiguŻajg Festival
TUESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER6.30PM (Schools performance)
WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER9.30AM & 11.30AMCatholic Institute, Floriana
The MPO, Malta Youth Orchestra and ŻiguŻajg Festival in collaboration with Studio 18 are proud to present Pietru u l-Lupu, a contemporary Maltese adaptation of the renowned classic Peter and the Wolf. With Prokofiev’s original score, this version promises to take young audiences on an exciting journey into Peter’s imagination.
RICCARDO BIANCHI Conductor
RUTH BORG
Director
Verdi’s dramatic and spectacular setting of the Mass for the Dead was written to
commemorate the death of another great Italian, Alessandro Manzoni. This powerful work will be performed by international and Maltese soloists including Miriam Gauci, the
St. Monica Choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Michael Laus.
MICHAEL LAUS Conductor
MIRIAM GAUCI Soprano
CLAIRE MASSA Alto
CHRISTOPHER BUSIETTA Tenor
ALBERT BUTTIGIEG Bass
ST. MONICA CHOIR
REQUIEMVERDI
SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 8.00PM
Mediterranean Conference Centre
THURSDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 7.30PM
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
CANTICUM VITAE
In the beautiful and captivating surroundings of St. John’s
Co-Cathedral, composer and conductor Hermann Farrugia Frantz presents
his newest work for orchestra, choir and soloists. Canticum Vitae,
or “Song of Life” is an oratorio based on sacred texts compiled by Mons.
Lawrence Gatt and has been written specifically for this concert.
HERMANN FARRUGIA FRANTZ Conductor
FRANCESA AQUILINA
Soprano
CHARLES VINCENTI Tenor
ALFRED CAMILLERI Baritone
CORO BEL CANTO
FARRUGIA FRANTZ
A Mediterranean Conference Centre Production
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FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 8.00PM
Mediterranean Conference Centre
WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER 7.30PM
Teatru Manoel
UNIVERSITYOF MALTA
BOV JOSEPH CALLEJA
FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION DAY CONCERT
WINTER CONCERT
The University of Malta was founded in 1769 and this concert is both
a celebration of its foundation and a tribute to the university’s students and their families. The concert is
a unique opportunity for graduands and their guests to enjoy an evening
of classical music with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the
direction of Michael Laus.
The annual BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation Winter Concert is held
to raise funds for the foundation which provides support and assistance to young people.
Accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Joseph Calleja
will perform a varied programme of popular classics with special appearance from some of the Foundation’s Scholars.
Programme includes:
ROSSINILa Gazza Ladra Overture
MORRICONEOnce Upon a Time in America
ADAMSShort Ride in a Fast Machine
TCHAIKOVSKYCapriccio Italien
BRIAN SCHEMBRIConductor
JOSEPH CALLEJATenor
MICHAEL LAUSConductor
Original photo credit: Simon Fowler/Decca 2013
Original photo credit: Ken Scicluna
MONDAY 28TH NOVEMBER8.00PM
Teatru Manoel
A TASTE OF THE
CLASSICS
EINE KLEINE NACHTMUSIK
This joint venture between the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and Palazzo
de Piro Cultural Centre creates a unique experience within the stunning
city of Mdina. The evening will offer the perfect combination of chamber
music and fine dining in one of Mdina’s most beautiful venues.
MPO VOICE & HARP TRIOBritt Arend, Gillian Zammit, Clare Ghigo
INFINITELY XARA CATERING 3 Course Meal
Presented in collaboration with Palazzo de Piro
SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER7.30PM
Palazzo de Piro, Mdina
Featuring chamber music ensembles and soloists from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra,
this performance will feature much- loved music from Handel and Mozart,
conducted by Adrian Butterfield.
ADRIAN BUTTERFIELD Conductor
BRITT ARENDHarp
REBECCA HALLFlute
Concert in aid of Dar il-Kaptan
HANDELConcerto Grosso Op.6 No.11
MOZARTConcerto for Flute & Harp K.299
MOZARTEine Kleine Nachtmusik
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17TH DECEMBER – ROME
BEETHOVEN – MISSA SOLEMNISThe great composer’s choral masterpiece conducted by Brian Schembri.
23RD JANUARY – BERLIN
MUSIC FROM THE MEDITERRANEANEnchanting music for Harp and Voice performed at the Berlin Town Hall.
14TH FEBRUARY – WARSAW
COSMOS WIND ENSEMBLEThrilling music for wind instruments presented at the Warsaw Royal Castle.
16TH MARCH – VIENNA
BEETHOVEN – EROICABrian Schembri conducts Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Brahms Double Concerto.
16TH JANUARY - BRUSSELS
EU PRESIDENCY OPENING CONCERTFeaturing internationally acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja.
25TH JANUARY – PARIS
MUSIC FROM THE MEDITERRANEANEnchanting music for Harp and Voice performed at the Salle des Mariages.
16TH FEBRUARY – MOSCOW
COSMOS WIND ENSEMBLEThrilling music for wind instruments presented at the State Tretyakov Gallery.
17TH MARCH – KLAGENFURT
BEETHOVEN – EROICABrian Schembri conducts Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Brahms Double Concerto.
The MPO performing at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, Nov 2015. Original Photo Credit: Adrian Calleja
Cosmos Wind Ensemble. Original Photo Credit: Amanda HsuOriginal photo credit: Adrian Calleja
INTERNATIONALCONCERT SERIES2016-2017
Recently the MPO appeared in performances in various major cities in China, at the Milan Expo in Italy, at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt, and chamber performances in Sydney and Melbourne. This season continues to see the MPO feature in an increasing number of prestigious performances across Europe.
In December, Principal Conductor Brian Schembri will present Beethoven’s great choral masterpiece, Missa Solemnis, in Rome and in January, the orchestra will travel to Brussels with acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja to perform at the opening concert of Malta’s EU Presidency.
In March, the orchestra will be taking off to Austria to perform in Vienna’s world famous Musikverein with a repeat performance in Klagenfurt. Performances will include another of Beethoven’s masterpieces, the Eroica Symphony, and Brahms’ Double Concerto featuring soloists Jiman Wee and Kirill Rodin. There will also be concerts in Berlin, Paris, Warsaw and Moscow featuring performances by MPO Chamber Music groups, the Cosmos Wind Ensemble and the MPO Voice & Harp Trio.
Over the past few years the MPO has firmly established its role as Malta’s leading cultural ambassador, with an increased number of international performances.
The MPO during their international tour to China, Dec 2014 - Jan 2015
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THURSDAY 12TH JANUARY8.00PM
Mediterranean Conference Centre
MONDAY 16TH JANUARY8.00PM
Palais des Beaux ArtsBrussels, Belgium
THURSDAY 26TH JANUARY7.30PM
Teatru Manoel
BAHREU
PRESIDENCY
INSPIRED BY BAROQUE
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is rotated every six months and Malta has been awarded this honour for the first half of 2017. “Bahr” is an original work created for the opening performance of the
Maltese EU Presidency 2017 through a collaboration with ZfinMalta Dance
Ensemble and with music by Albert Garzia. The music incorporates Maltese melodies discovered in foreign libraries dating back centuries and is presented
here in a contemporary style.
Following the Opening Concert in Malta, the orchestra travel to Brussels
with Principal Conductor Brian Schembri and acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja.
Conducted by Michelle Castelletti, the MPO will perform a selection of music both of the Baroque era
and inspired by Baroque music including works by Arvo Pärt and the world
premiere of Reuben Pace’s Concertino No.1 for guitar, harpsichord and orchestra.
Presented as part of Malta’s EU Presidency
Presented as part of Malta’s EU Presidency
A Valletta International Baroque Festival Production
EU PRESIDENCY OPENING
GARZIA
OPENING CONCERT
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
ALBERT GARZIA Composer
MAVIN KHOO Choreographer
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
JOSEPH CALLEJA Tenor
MICHELLE CASTELLETTI Conductor
CARMINE LAURI Violin
Original photo credit: Darrin Zammit Lupi
BEETHOVEN
MISSA SOLEMNIS
IL-KUNĊERT TAL-PRESIDENT
GĦAS-SENAL-ĠDIDA
Under the baton of principal conductor Brian Schembri, the MPO begins
its international concert series in the ancient city of Rome. The orchestra will be joined by the Coro dell’ Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia to perform
Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis in the beautiful surroundings of the Basilica
of San Paolo Fuori le Mura.
Led by Michael Lessky, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined
by Maltese soprano Nicola Said for an evening of operatic arias, well-loved songs and beautiful orchestral music.
Featuring music from Puccini, Bernstein, Strauss and Delibes
there is surely no better way to ring in the New Year.
Presented by the Culture Directorate within the Ministry for Justice,
Culture & Local Government, Malta
Presented by Arts Council Malta & the Office of the President
SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER8.00PM
Basilica San Paolo Fuori le MuraRome, Italy
SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER8.30PM
Mediterranean Conference Centre
CORO DELL’ ACCADEMIA NAZIONALE DI SANTA CECILIA
CIRO VISCO Choir Director
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
CARMINE LAURI Violin
MICHAEL LESSKY Conductor
NICOLA SAID Soprano
PRESIDENT’S NEW YEAR’S CONCERT
Original photo credit: Daniel Cayford
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THURSDAY 9TH FEBRUARY8:00PM
St. Paul’s Collegiate Church, Rabat
SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY7:30PM
St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY
8:00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY7.30PM
Palazzo de Piro, Mdina
FRISINA
A TASTE OF THE CLASSICS
Designed to delight your senses, this second event in the series will
once again offer the perfect combination of chamber music and fine dining in
one of Mdina’s most beautiful venues.
Presented as part of Malta’s EU Presidency
MARCO FRISINA Conductor & Composer
“FINO AI CONFINI DELLA TERRA”“TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH”
MPO STRING QUARTET Marcelline Agius, Klara Nazaj,
Nadia Debono, Akos Kertesz
INFINITELY XARA CATERING 3 Course Meal
SYMPHONIC BEATLES
Under the direction of Alan Chircop, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra
will be performing some of the Beatles’ greatest hits. This concert, presented in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Qalb
it-Tfal, is a must for any Beatles fans so make sure you have your Ticket to Ride.
Presented in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Qalb it-Tfal
ALAN CHIRCOP Conductor
MPO IN COLLABORATION WITH QALB IT-TFAL PRESENT
00 - 00 OF MONTH
“A SPECATCULAR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE FEATURING SOME OF THE GREATEST HITS”
In the first concert of our Russian Masters Series, we focus on two of the most prominent Russian composers, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Highly acclaimed Russian pianist Pavel Kolesnikov joins the orchestra to perform Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto under the direction of French conductor Jean-Marc Burfin.
Written at the height of Stalin’s oppressive reign, Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony paints a vivid picture of Russia at that time and was a deeply personal composition for the composer.
TCHAIKOVSKYPiano Concerto No. 1
SHOSTAKOVICHSymphony No. 5
SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre
JEAN-MARC BURFIN Conductor
PAVEL KOLESNIKOV Piano
RUSSIANMASTERS I
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Beethoven and Brahms feature side by side under the baton of Principal Conductor Brian Schembri, with renowned soloists Jiman Wee and Kirill Rodin joining the orchestra to perform Brahms’ Double Concerto.
Originally written for Napoleon Bonaparte, Beethoven’s Third Symphony was dramatically renamed “Sinfonia Eroica” or “Heroic Symphony” after the composer saw a different side to Napoleon than the one he had admired him for.
In contrast, Isouard was a loyal Bonapartist, and the overture to his opera “Joconde”, edited by Richard Divall, will open these concerts.
ISOUARDJoconde Overture
BRAHMSDouble Concerto
BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”
SATURDAY 11TH MARCH8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta
THURSDAY 16TH MARCH3.30PMMusikverein, Vienna, Austria
FRIDAY 17TH MARCH7.30PM Konzerthaus, Klagenfurt, Austria
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
JIMAN WEE Violin
KIRILL RODIN Cello
EROICABEETHOVEN
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Original photo credit: Luiz Rodriguez
PAULS PUTNINS Figaro
CLAIRE DEBONO
Susanna
CHRISTIAN BOWERSCount Almaviva
RUTH SAMMUT CASINGENA
Countess
TUESDAY 28TH FEBRUARYTHURSDAY 2ND MARCHMONDAY 6TH MARCH7.30PMTeatru Manoel
PHILIP WALSH Musical Director
JACK FURNESS Director
LE NOZZE DI FIGARO
MOZART
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A Teatru Manoel Opera Production
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RUSSIAN MASTERS II
Opening the second concert of our Russian Masters Series is
Rimsky Korsakov’s Russian Easter Festival Overture, followed by
Carmine Lauri performing Glazunov’s Violin Concerto.
Rimsky-Korsakov, among others, was particularly enthusiastic about Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony
because of the composer’s distinctive use of traditional folk tunes.
FRIDAY 7TH APRILSATURDAY 8TH APRIL
8.00PM Teatru Manoel
MICHAEL LAUSConductor
CARMINE LAURI Violin
RIMSKY KORSAKOV Russian Easter Festival Overture
GLAZUNOV Violin Concerto in A minor
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 2
SATURDAY 22ND APRILSUNDAY 30TH APRIL
8:00PM Mediterranean Conference Centre
MALTA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Malta International Music Festival and Competition aims to create a
platform for young musicians to exhibit their talents and learn from acclaimed professors. The Malta Philharmonic
Orchestra will be featured in two of the festival’s concerts.
Presented in collaboration with the European Foundation
for the Support of Culture
INSTRUMENTS OF INNOVATION
Throughout the history of classical music, composers have always
explored new possibilities for musical instruments. This concert presents
a selection of music composed for innovative instruments such
as the trumpet, harpsichord and even the typewriter!
MICHAEL LAUSConductor/Harpsichord
STEPHEN MURPHY
Trumpet
DANIEL CAUCHITypewriter
FRIDAY 24TH MARCH10.00AM (Schools performance)
SATURDAY 25TH MARCH7.30PM
Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
HAYDNTrumpet Concerto
GLASSHarpsichord Concerto
HAYDNClock symphony
ANDERSONThe Typewriter
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
The 11th edition of Gaulitana Festival will be highlighted by a full-scale production of Puccini’s immortal
opera Madama Butterfly, conducted by Colin Attard.
Featuring the musicians of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra,
the opera’s international cast will be led by world-renowned Maltese
soprano Miriam Gauci.
A Gaulitana Festival Production
SATURDAY 1ST APRIL7.30PM
Aurora Theatre, Gozo
COLIN ATTARD Musical Director
PUCCINI
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MOZART Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
MOZART
Horn Concerto No. 4
MOZARTSymphony No. 40
SATURDAY 27TH MAYDOORS OPEN: 11.30PM
Verdala Palace, Rabat
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
JOSE GARCIA GUTIERREZ French Horn
Led by Melanie Waite, the MPO string section will perform some of the most
beautiful music written for strings including works by Mendelssohn,
Brahms and Edwards.
MELANIE WAITE Leader
SATURDAY 13TH MAY8.00PM
Robert Samut Hall, Floriana
MENDELSSOHNString Symphony No. 10
EDWARDSChorale & Ecstatic Dance
BRAHMSString Sextet No. 2
ROMANTIC STRINGS
MOZART AT MIDNIGHT
When he had the resources to do so, Mozart enjoyed a lavish lifestyle
and would often host private concerts late into the night. In this very special event starting at midnight, the music
of Mozart will be performed in the beautiful surroundings of Verdala Palace near Rabat.
With principal conductor Brian
Schembri, and soloist Jose Garcia, this is sure to be a night to remember.
Concert in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is widely considered to be one of the composer’s greatest works, although he was so deaf at the time of its completion, Beethoven couldn’t hear the audience’s enthusiastic applause at its premiere.
With its rousing choral finale which utilises Friedrich von Schiller’s text “Ode to Joy”, Beethoven’s Ninth has also stood as an important cultural symbol. The melody that Beethoven set to Schiller’s text is the anthem of the European Union.
This concert is also the closing concert of the International Spring Orchestra Festival and will feature musicians from the European Union Youth Orchestra.
BEETHOVENSymphony No. 9
TUESDAY 9TH MAY8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
EUROPE DAY CONCERT
MALTESE PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU 2017
International Spring Orchestra Festival Closing Concert
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TUESDAY 6TH JUNE8.00PM
St. George’s Basilica, Gozo
SATURDAY 10TH JUNE8.00PM
Independence Square, Victoria
THURSDAY 15TH JUNE7.30PM
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
OPENING CONCERT
VICTORIA LOCAL COUNCIL
CONCERT
ST. JOHN’S DAY CONCERTThis year, the Victoria International
Arts Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the opening concert
will feature works by Joseph Vella, the festival’s Artistic Director.
With a range of soloists, the Laudate Pueri Choir of St. George’s Basilica,
and the University of Delaware Choral Society, together with the Malta
Philharmonic Orchestra this is sure to be a very special opening concert.
Organised by the Victoria Local Council, this concert will feature
a selection of classics from composers including Rossini, Puccini and
Bizet. Under the direction of Joseph Debrincat, the MPO will also perform
Charles Camilleri’s “Malta Suite”.
The annual St. John’s Day Concert features a selection of sacred works for choir and orchestra and is held in the beautifully ornate setting of St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Under the direction of
Michael Laus, the orchestra will also be joined by the Goldberg Ensemble.
Victoria InternationalArts Festival
Presented by the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military of Malta
JOSEPH VELLA Conductor
JOSEPH DEBRINCAT Conductor
MICHAEL LAUS Conductor
GOLDBERG ENSEMBLE
Children love to live in a world of dreams, brimming with imagination, colourful stories and magical sounds. This is what underlies the great success of our annual Family Fanfare Concerts.
In 1873 Modest Mussorgsky composed a musical depiction of an exhibition of pictures by painter Viktor Hartmann and in 2017 students from the Johann Strauss School of Music will be composing their own musical soundscapes on emotive pictures.
The orchestral performances of these compositions will bring these pictures to life and our young audiences are invited to join us on this magical journey that inhabits the enchanting world of stories, pictures and sounds.
THURSDAY 18TH MAY 10.00AM (Schools performance)Mediterranean Conference Centre
SATURDAY 20TH MAY 5.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre
WARRICK STENGARDS Conductor
PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
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MUSSORGSKY
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VENUE & BOOKINGINFORMATION
AURORA OPERA HOUSE100 Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
www.teatruaurora.com(+356) 7904 [email protected]
TEATRU ASTRA9 Republic Street, Victoria, Gozo
www.mediterranea.com.mt(+356) 2155 0985 / (+356) 7925 [email protected]
TEATRU MANOELBox Office, 11 Old Theatre Street, Valletta
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt(+356) 2124 [email protected]
MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTREMediterranean Street, Valletta
www.mcc.com.mt(+356) 2559 5750/[email protected]
ROBERT SAMUT HALLTriq Sarria, Floriana
www.ticketline.com.mt (Ticketing)(+356) 2124 [email protected]
PJAZZA TEATRU RJALCasa Cassar, Triq il-Vittorja, Valletta
www.pjazzateatrurjal.com(+356) 2247 8100 [email protected]
For detailed ticket pricing and further information, please contact the relevant venues and booking offices.
Ticket prices vary depending on event, venue and organisers. Concessions and student prices are available for all performances and the MPO Membership Scheme offers generous discounts on a wide variety of concerts and events.
Connect with us on social media to get the very latest updates and information about the orchestra.
Artists, programmes and dates are correct at the time of going to print. MPO reserves the right to change them if necessary. Please visit our website for the latest updates.
For all other information, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA1, Triq John Lopez, Floriana, Malta
www.maltaorchestra.com(+356) 2124 [email protected]
In this distinctly Roman themed concert, the orchestra sets the scene with Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture before being joined by the brilliant young pianist Dmitry Ishkanov to perform Kabalevsky’s Third Piano Concerto.
Inspired by the heroic gladiator who led the slave uprising against the Roman Republic, Khachaturian’s Spartacus Suite has also been featured in many movie scores.
Respighi’s Pines of Rome is a symphonic poem which vividly depicts pine trees in four different locations across Rome including at the Villa Borghese Gardens and along the Appian Way.
BERLIOZRoman Carnival Overture
KABALEVSKYPiano Concerto No. 3
KHACHATURIANSpartacus Suite
RESPIGHIPines of Rome
SATURDAY 24TH JUNE8.00PMMediterranean Conference Centre
BRIAN SCHEMBRI Conductor
DMITRY ISHKHANOV Piano
CARNAVALROMAIN
SEASON CLOSING CONCERT
Presented in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conference Centre
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Internationally acclaimed Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja returns to Malta to host his annual summer concert featuring
a diverse range of classical, opera and rock/pop music and a world-class
line-up of guest artists.
Featuring a varied programme of popular orchestral classics, light classical
songs and musical theatre excerpts, the annual Classics under the Stars
concert is a truly special event held in the beautiful gardens at Girgenti Palace.
JULY 2017
JULY 2017
CLASSICS UNDER
THE STARS
SATURDAY 15TH JULY
CLOSING CONCERT
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra brings the Malta International Arts Festival to a fitting conclusion with a festive orchestral performance.
Malta International Arts Festival
JOSEPH CALLEJA
SUMMER CONCERT
SUMMER CONCERTS
This very special annual event sees the MPO join forces with the Malta Youth
Orchestra to present a captivating and engaging performance which
will this year be under the direction of acclaimed conductor, Peter Stark.
TUESDAY 4TH JULY
MPO/MYO JOINT CONCERT
PETER STARK Conductor
MONDAY 10TH JULY8.00PM
St. George’s Basilica, Gozo
CLOSING CONCERT
The closing festival of the 20th Victoria International Arts Festival will feature
works by Vella and Beethoven. The theme will focus on peace, and the concert will bring together the Malta Philharmonic
Orchestra, soloists, and the Laudate Pueri Choir of St George’s Basilica.
Victoria International Arts Festival
JOSEPH VELLA Conductor
As part of the Malta International Arts Festival, this very special
performance will consist of five new pieces of music commissioned from composers including Albert Pace,
Mariella Cassar Cordina, Jesmond Grixti, Chris Muscat and Ruben Zahra.
Each composition will feature traditional Maltese instruments,
including the Żummara (Reed Pipe), the Żaqq (Bagpipe), Flejguta (folk flute)
and Żafżafa (Friction Drum).
THURSDAY 29TH JUNE
MALTESE MUSIC NIGHT
Presented as part of the Malta International Arts Festival
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THANK YOU
The MPO is proud to enjoy associations with the following cultural entities, corporate sponsors and individual patrons. Their generous support allows us to reach further and touch more lives.
Mr Paul Zammit Supporter
Mr Patrick Xuereb Patron
Mr & Mrs Smith Patrons
MPO PARTNERS
MPO CORPORATE SPONSORS
SEASON CALENDARSEPTEMBERSun 4th Cliff Zammit StevensSat 10th RockestraWed 21st Independence Day ConcertFri 30th Season Opening Concert
OCTOBERThu 6th Festival of Modern Composers- Sun 9th
Sat 15th Bizet: CarmenThu 27th Verdi: AidaSat 29th Verdi: Aida
NOVEMBERSat 5th Verdi: RequiemFri 11th Dvorak & ElgarTue 15th Pietru u l-LupuWed 16th Pietru u l-LupuThu 17th Frantz: Canticum VitaeSat 26th A Taste of the ClassicsMon 28th Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
DECEMBERFri 2nd Malta University Foundation DayWed 7th BOV Joseph Calleja Winter ConcertSat 17th Beethoven: Missa Solemnis (Rome)Sat 31st New Year’s Concert
JANUARYThurs 12th EU Presidency Opening (Malta)Mon 16th EU Presidency Opening (Brussels)Thu 26th Valletta International Baroque Festival
FEBRUARYSat 4th Russian Masters IThu 9th Frisina: To the Ends of the EarthSat 11th Frisina: To the Ends of the EarthSat 11th A Taste of the ClassicsFri 17th Symphonic BeatlesSat 18th Symphonic BeatlesTue 28th Le Nozze di Figaro
MARCHThu 2nd Le Nozze di FigaroSat 4th Le Nozze di FigaroMon 6th Le Nozze di FigaroSat 11th Beethoven: Eroica (Malta)Thu 16th Beethoven: Eroica (Vienna)Fri 17th Beethoven: Eroica (Klagenfurt)Fri 24th Instruments of Innovation (Schools Performance)Sat 25th Instruments of Innovation
APRILSat 1st Madama ButterflyFri 7th Russian Masters IISat 22nd Malta International Music FestivalSun 30th Malta International Music Festival
MAYTue 9th Beethoven: Symphony No. 9Sat 13th Romantic StringsThu 18th Family Fanfare (Schools Performance)Sat 20th Family FanfareSat 27th Mozart at Midnight
JUNETue 6th Victoria International Arts FestivalSat 10th Victoria Local Council ConcertThu 15th St. John’s Day ConcertSat 24th Carnaval Romain - Season Closing ConcertThu 29th Maltese Music Night
JULYTue 4th MPO/MYO ConcertMon 10th Victoria International Arts FestivalSat 15th Malta International Arts Festival TBC Joseph Calleja Summer ConcertTBC Classics Under the Stars – Girgenti
PLEASE NOTE All information is correct at time of printing, however, circumstances may change and MPO reserves the right to make changes to information provided in this booklet. Please check our website for all the latest updates and information.
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