Spotlight on Beethoven

Barocco Foundation proudly presents a special anniversary concert dedicated to Ludwig Van Beethoven to celebrate the 250th year from his birth. Spotlight on Beethoven is performed by passionate pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa on Friday 17th April at 20.00 at St. Augustine’s Monastery. Ramona Zammit Formosa who has lately performed with great flair and virtuosity Mussorgsky’s complete ‘Pictures at an Exhibition ‘ has now embarked on this inspiring project of selecting and performing six of Beethoven’s innovative works derived from his earlier, middle and later periods encompassing very different styles and emotions that the great composer Beethoven could arouse. The earliest work featured in this recital is the elegant set of six variations. ‘Nel Cor piu non mi sento’ from Giovanni Paisiello’s opera ‘La Molinara’, followed by the famous and great ‘Sonata Tempest’ no. 17 in D minor a truly animated, passionate and emotive composition. The programme also includes the charming, poetic ‘Andante Favori’ and the expressive, reflective ‘Prelude in F minor’. Another featured work is ‘Fantasia in G minor’ followed by the brilliant ‘Polonaise in C’. Ramona Zammit Formosa commenced her pianoforte studies in Malta with Fay Griscti Davies, in Holland with Prof Marcel Baudet, then in London with Byrce Morrison. She also studied the flute with Douglas Townshend and harpsichord with Helena Mowatt Brown. Besides the Renaissance and Baroque period, Ramona also specialized in 20th century and contemporary works for the harpsichord. On returning to Malta, Ramona continued studying the pianoforte repertoire with her mentor, artist and musician Pawlu Grech. With Mro Grech, Ramona also specialized on contemporary compositions for piano and also under his guidance performed his compositions. During the Biennale held in Malta in June 2005, Ramona gave the first-ever performance on the clavichords built by Dr.George Debono. Together with her husband Silvio Zammit, she has recorded CD s featuring works by Maltese composers Carmelo Pace and Charles Camilleri, and 18th and 19th century Malta-related compositions together with the Gukulari ensemble. She has recently recorded a solo album with the piano compositions of Carmelo Pace. Besides giving numerous recitals in Malta and Gozo, Ramona has performed in England, Italy, Austria, Hungary, USA, Belgium, Bulgaria, Portugal and Poland. She has dedicated entire solo recitals to the great keyboard masters; Rameau, J S Bach, CPE Bach, Reggio, Mozart, Grieg, Liszt, Granados and Mussorgsky. Ramona is a Fellow of the London College of Music and teaches at the Malta School of Music. Spotlight on Beethoven will be held at St. Augustine Monastery, Old Bakery Street, Valletta on Friday 17 April at 20:00. Entrance is at a suggested donation of €15. Free refreshments will be offered after the concert. Tickets available prior to the concert from the venue itself or by email: baroccomalta@gmail.com or phone 79680952. For information visit barocco-malta.com.