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11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 JANUARY 2019 COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENT The most common wildflower colour in Malta is yellow. There are plenty in the red part of the spectrum too, but most of these are pink or purplish. Rich, blood-red is much rarer - even red poppies have an orange tinge. One flower that can do pure, un- compromising red is the pheasant's eye (M. għajn is-serduq or għallet is-serduq). Despite the striking redness, however, the pheasant's eye is surprisingly easy to overlook and that's because the plant is short with ephemeral leaves, the flowers are no bigger than your thumbnail, and they're not produced in great profu- sion either. This jewel of a plant, which starts to bloom as early as January, was formerly widespread along field edges and waysides, but generations of people collecting bunches of it for decoration have taken their toll on the population of this species. Today the pheasant'e eye is rather rare, so spotting one will always be some- thing special – a red-letter day, so to speak! Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 547: Find out more at www.foemalta.org/goodfood Text Victor Falzon Photo Aron Tanti 548 - What's in season 644. PHEASANT'S EYE Tucking back into Bach TEODOR RELJIC speaks to the young violinist Charlie Siem ahead of his participation at the Valletta International Baroque Festival with 'Charlie's Baroque Angels' – a showcase of works by Johann Sebastian Bach Given the degree of suc- cess you've achieved at such a young age, one wonders what in fact your artistic or- igins were. At what point in your life did you decide that music would be your path in life, and how did you set about making a career path out of it? Music affected me at a very young age in an emotional way mostly. I didn't imagine I would have a career in it ear- ly on, but knew that it was a fundamental part of me. Plan- ning a career is something I've never been good at and have taken opportunities that have presented themselves over the years mostly out of gratitude for them being there! Not al- ways the best path... and I find I'm now more discerning, but I think starting with an open mind hasn't been such a bad thing, as I've learnt a lot in the process. Who were some of the most instrumental figures in your musical development, and how did they help you shape the musical direction you eventually took? Shlomo Mintz was a big in- fluence, as his playing is so visceral and powerful. Spend- ing time and studying with him had a profound effect on my own playing. Ida Haendal was also a great inspiration and I got to know her quite well in my teens – another remarkable musician and vio- linist. What kind of role does Bach play in your musical uni- verse, and how do you hope to channel his influence and legacy in your upcom- ing Valletta International Baroque Festival concert, 'Charlie's Baroque Angels'? The solo Bach sonatas and Partitas are like the Bible for a violinist. You spend your life playing and interpret- ing them. The music is so profound and challenging in many ways. I am really look- ing forward to this concert as it has given me the oppor- tunity to explore these two works in greater depth and performing them in a sacred space is special. What do you make of the Valletta International Ba- roque Festival? How would you say it compares to other international festivals you have participated in, and what do you make of the musical environment of Malta in general? Malta holds a special place for me as I have played there a few times and knowing [VIBF Artistic Director] Ken- neth Zammit Tabona as I do, it feels like home turf, which is an added dimension. The festival is renowned and I see many great artists are com- ing, so it is a pleasure to get a chance to form part of it once again. Charlie's Baroque Angels will be performed at Santa Marija Church, Ghaxaq on January 21 at 19:30. Bookings: https://book- ing.teatrumanoel.com.mt/