Mill-Qamar sal-Qabar

Mill-Qamar sal-Qabar is a recital of new works by Maltese composer Alexander Vella Gregory taking place in one of the most spectacular churches in Valletta, that of St Augustine. The recital presents two new works which explore issues pertaining to Maltese contemporary life, namely the final part of the piano cycle Knejjes IV (Churches IV) and the song cycle Mill-Qamar sal-Qabar (From the Moon to the Grave). The composer himself will be performing at the piano, whilst acclaimed soprano Miriam Cauchi will be interpreting the song cycle. 

Knejjes IV is the fourth and final part of a 24 piece piano cycle inspired by the churches of Valletta. Each of Valletta's many churches has its own character and story, reflecting centuries of human interaction. They are not simply places of worship, but important players in the City's daily life. The music reflects this multi-layered diversity. Thus for example the Carmelite Church is represented by a festa march reflecting its strong festa tradition, whilst the Chapel of Bones is represented by a Lament reflecting its derelict state. The last part of the cycle ends with a piece dedicated to the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral, a fitting end to a cycle honouring Valletta’s temples. This is also an opportunity for the audience to listen to this music inside a church (rather than a recital hall) and enhance their experience. 

The song cycle Mill-Qamar sal-Qabar is an in-depth exploration of Maltese identity through literary works. The cycle presents eight Maltese texts taken from various periods that reflect Malta's evolving identity. The 'Moon' of the title refers to the Arab conquest, and the opening song is the famous inscription on the tomb of Majmuna dating from the 12th century. From this starting point the cycle moves through various texts taken from various periods until we reach the final poem by Manwel Dimech, written in the years before the Second World War (hence the reference to the 'Grave'). The texts were not necessarily chosen for their literary merit but for their cultural value. Thus the cycle contains humorous poems like Binti Peppa Isma' Minni, a 19th century poem about a mother warning her daughter against marrying an Englishman, whilst also showing the deep mistrust that was still present between the English and the local population. Incidentally, the first poem is an epitaph from a grave, thus bringing the cycle to a full close. 

This concert is being presented thanks to the support of the Augustinian Community in Valletta. Tickets are at €10 (€5 concessions) and can be bought from this website, at the St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity box office, or at the door.