Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1495665
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 MARCH 2023 5 MUSIC Manoel to host world-renowned pianist for Bach's Goldberg Variations concert Italian pianist Francesco Attesti will perform the one-off concert on 5 April at Teatru Manoel BAROQUE and classical mu- sic lovers in Malta are in for a unique treat this Easter! Internationally acclaimed Ital- ian pianist Francesco Attesti will play Bach's Goldberg Variations on April 5, presented by the Em- bassy of Italy, Teatru Manoel and the Italian Cultural Institute. Widely considered as one of the most demanding works ev- er written for keyboard, and an important example of variation form, The Goldberg Variations BWV 988 consist of an aria and a set of 30 variations – named af- ter its supposed first performer, Johann Gottlieb Goldberg. "Italian composers are known worldwide, from Monteverdi to Busoni, Scarlatti to Berio," says His Excellency, Italian Ambas- sador Fabrizio Romano. "Italy is also a country of conductors, interpreters and performers. When it comes to piano, all music-lovers are familiar with Benedetti Michelangeli, Pollini and Ciccolini. In keeping with this tradition, Francesco Attesti is an outstanding example of the younger generation of players who bring both respect and new ideas, and especially, a sophisti- cated technique." Francesco Attesti is one of the finest interpreters of romantic and early 20th century repertoire of his generation. He trained in Salzburg, Rome and Florence, refining his skills under the in- struction of many prestigious Maestros. He has recorded CDs with several labels and collabo- rated with contemporary com- posers such as Silvia Bianchera Bettinelli and Biagio Putignano, as well as recorded Mozart's piano concertos for the Deeply Mozart DVD. Maestro Attesti was also named 'Artist chang- ing lives' by the city of Edinburg (Texas, USA), and has received the 'Key to the City' in both McAllen, USA and New York, USA, for his artistry and human skills. He has, so far, performed in more than 40 countries and continues to mesmerise audi- ences in renowned concert halls worldwide. Describing Attesti, the Lake City Journal from Florida, USA, said that "Attesti seems to relish pieces of extraordinary difficul- ty, playing with confidence and passion that charms the most demanding critics and concert- goers around the world." Artist Manager Ann Stevens said: "It went totally beyond my expec- tations. Francesco's music has a way of speaking to your heart." The Warsaw Gazeta touted his concert as "The sound of a geni- us!", while fellow concert pianist Hector Moreno called him "an extraordinary professional who greatly combines musicality and enormous talent, all of which makes him belong to the elite of the young Italian concertists." Francesco Attesti will perform The Goldberg Variations by JS Bach at Teatru Manoel on 5 April 2023, at 8pm. This con- cert is presented by the Embas- sy of Italy, Teatru Manoel and the Italian Cultural Institute. Tickets are available via www. teatrumanoel.mt or by email to bookings@teatrumanoel.mt and telephone on (+356) 2124 6389.