The Ave Marias

The Ave Marias Soprano Marita Bezzina will be performing a remarkable and popular programme - “The Ave Marias”- on the 10th May 2016. She will be accompanied by extraordinary pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa. The programme is a selection of Marian Arias – all composed in honour of Our Lady. The selection of arias varies, from excerpts taken from operas, to Maltese compositions. Most of the composers are renowned international giants of the classical music world, such as Verdi, who wrote his “Ave Maria” in his opera “Othello”. Another renowned composer, Schubert, also wrote an “Ave Maria”, which is one of his well-known compositions. Following these, there are compositions by Arcadelt, Caccini, Gounod and two Maltese compositions, one by Prof, Charles Camilleri and aanother by Mro. Silvio Zammit. Soprano Marita Bezzina amalgamated the reading of her B.Ed.(Hons.), Dip. In Educ.(Adm. & Mgmt.) M.Ed (Plan.& Mgmt) together with the development of her voice technique, in Malta mainly with the Welsh tutor Erioes Thomas Jones, and in Vienna with Prof Llasich and with Nadia Klintcharova.. She had consultation sessions with Prof. Paulo Santi, and presently is under the tuition of Juliette Bisazza Zanni. She attended the summer course for singers by the Kodlay Academy at Cheltenham Ladies College. In 1993 she placed 3rd in the Musical International Esteddfodd held in Llangollen Wales, and in 1998 won the prestigious singing competition for solo singers held in Pontweryd Wales. She represented her country in London, Germany, Wales, Italy, Greece Tunisia, Scotland and Finland. Her Credentials include principle roles in ‘ The Mikado’, ‘Le Giaconde’, ‘Elisir d’Amour, ‘Tales of Hoffman’, ‘I Pagliacci’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ ‘Aida’, ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’. Marita’s concert appearances include Mozart’s “Requiem” and Missa in D, Rutter’s “Mangificat” ,”Oratorio”. ‘Elaijah’ ‘Dun Gorg’, World Premier of the opera ‘Maltese Cross’ and the Classical song cycle ‘Kanti Popolari, both by Prof Charles Camilleri. She has also recorded on CD’S: ‘Xeni Maltin’ ‘Antology of Maltese Music’, ‘Malta’, ‘Dun Gorg’, ’Santus Gregorious Magnus’. The venue, the baroque Oratory, 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 monks’ benches. The lunchtime concerts are a wonderful way to visit and enjoy the beautiful chapel. 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: Schubert Ave Maria Arcadelt Ave Maria Mozart Ave Verum (piano) Verdi “Othello” (Ave Maria) Gibilaro Ave Maria Anon. Hail Mary (piano) Zammit Ave Maria Camilleri Ave Maria Trad. French Ave Maria of Lourdes (piano) Caccini Ave Maria Gounod Ave Maria