Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1283588
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 30 AUGUST 2020 11 Our sandy seabeds are not generally spectacular to watch for wildlife. They are far from barren, but this habitat is so exposed and featureless that most creatures that live in it either bury themselves or become masters of disguise. One animal that doesn't do much hiding is the bull ray (M. hamiema rasha twila). Its bluish-and-brown patterned back is subdued enough but the snazzy 'stealth wings', the long ramrod tail and the languid flapping 'flight' are enough to get any snorkeller's pulse racing – not to mention the strange duckbill snout, the large eyes and that benign anything-but-fishlike expression. First seen in the last 10 years or so, bull rays are new to the local scene and they are scarce, but it's believed our shores are nursery grounds for this species. Sadly, they make easy picking for spearfishers who patrol our shallow waters killing anything they fancy. Bull rays and other vulnerable species merit full protection, and spearfishing merits strict regulation. Text: Victor Falzon Photo: Desirée Falzon 726. BULL RAY 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 619 Try our delicious meat free recipes: http://foemalta.org/recipes Go Meatless this Monday Tomorrow, let's do Meatless Monday! It's a good start to have a healthier life and to protect animals. Eat more vegetarian/vegan dishes. Instead of meat, use other protein sources such as legumes like beans, chickpeas, lentils or soy. Go local and support Maltese farmers and if not available try the next best option of sourcing from regional and the EU for alternatives. If you don't know where to buy your fresh local veggies from, check out the Malta Farm Map on our website. https://foemalta.org/maltafarmmap/ 'Splendid Beethoven' will be taking place at the Splendid, Strait Street, Valletta on 6 and 7 September Splendid Beethoven at Splendid! THE Strada Stretta Concept, operating under the Valletta Cultural Agency, is organising Splendid Beethoven at Splen- did on 6 and 7 September, both starting at 19:30, at 'The Splen- did' on Valletta's Strait Street. The two-day event is a perfor- mance that will feature one of Malta's most talented and il- lustrious musicians, the pianist and conductor Brian Schembri. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Splendid Beethoven at Splen- did, will be held on two separate nights to a limited audience. In honour of the 250th an- niversary of Ludwig van Bee- thoven's birth. Brian Schembri will be presenting Beethoven's iconic work, the Piano Sonata No. 29. Also known as the Große Sonate für das Hammerklavier, or more simply as the Ham- merklavier. This is famously one of Beethoven's most chal- lenging works for performer and public, due to the pure den- sity of thought and technical prowess needed to master this piece. Keeping that in mind, it is unsurprising that when the work was initially published in Vienna the work was described as 'artistic perfection'. Due to the vision of Artis- tic Director, Prof. Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci, Strada Stret- ta Concept seamlessly manag- es to merge the world of high culture with the accessibility of popular culture. This approach will once again be utilised giv- ing the audience an opportuni- ty to listen to Brian Schembri's presentation of this master- piece in an intimate casual set- ting, as opposed to the usual packed formal concert hall in which one may typically expect to hear this work. For more information, follow the Strada Stretta Concept and the Valletta Cultural Agency on Facebook. Please note that due to the current government restrictions, no more than 13 people will be permitted to attend the performance and masks are to be worn indoors for the duration of the perfor- mance at all times. Entrance will be permitted on a first come first served basis and is free of charge.