Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/290775
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 APRIL 2014 40 THIS WEEK We've no doubt all heard of the nightingale's famous song, how it inspired poets and composers, and we probably all read Andersen's heartbreaking tale. But how many of us here have actually heard a nightingale 'in concert'? Too few, unfortunately. It's not that we don't get the bird: nightingales (M: rozinjol) are long-distance travellers and many will be stopping by at this time of the year as they wing their way north to nest in European woodlands. The reason we don't hear many nightingales sing here is because they don't nest in Malta. And since birds sing mostly to announce and defend their territory, nightingales have no particular need to make music while on their short stint here. But sometimes they do, and every time I'm lucky to be around when that happens I always wonder how all that repertory of whistles, warbles and trills could possibly be coming out of the tiny voicebox of a single bird. Simply magical. (Incidentally there IS one documented breeding record, a nest in Buskett in 1995. Sadly, that nest failed.) . Text Victor Falzon Photo Aron Tanti 398. COMMON NIGHTINGALE Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us www.foemalta.org. You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on 50618070 (€4.66) or 50619223 (€11.65). GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 300: Get free clothes when you swish – Now spring is here, it's a great time to combine fun and fashion with a 'swishing' (or clothes swap) party with your friends. Get some fabulous, free clothes, accessories and jewellery, without any damage to your bank balance - or the environment. The EU and US must not exploit the Ukraine crisis to fast-track further fossil fuel development on both sides of the Atlantic, according to Friends of the Earth Europe and Friends of the Earth US. The call comes as the US Secretary of State John Kerry and the EU High Commissioner Catherine Ashton met earlier this week for an emergency EU-US energy council, just two days after the latest UN climate report warned of climate- change-related risks from extreme events, such as heat waves, extreme precipitation, and coastal flooding. The ongoing crisis in Ukraine is being used to promote increased shale gas trade and development according to the organisations, and to open Europe's doors to tar sands – the dirtiest fossil fuel in commercial production. Under the guise of energy security, the EU and US are undermining their own commitments to climate action by locking-in further reliance on dirty energy like shale gas and tar sands. Diversification of energy supply does not mean more fossils fuels. The best path to energy security is to break the stranglehold of fossil fuel imports and develop our own clean renewable energy resources. Last month hundreds of people protested in frustration at the lack of urgent action on climate change by the EU. They called for a clean, safe energy future that puts people at the centre, not polluting corporations. EU-US 'locking-in' dirty energy The puppets of Golgotha THE Dwal Godda theatrical troupe will be presenting their annual Good Friday 'para-liturgy' event on April 13. Taking place across the streets of Gharghur, 'Pupi Fuq Zuntier' will be an immersive theatrical per- formance taking its cue from Scrip- ture and 'transform the picturesque village of Gharghur is transformed into modern-day Golgotha'. The first act of the production will begin at 16:30, telling the story of the parable of the prodigal son as contrasted with another son, vic- tim of the 'fine dust'. This will be followed by the pro- cession of the eight traditional Good Friday statues; but as this draws to a close – at around 20:00 – the performance will continue at the church parvis, placing Biblical characters in a contemporary, re- latable context. Parts of the production will be performed in English, and elements of it will be interactive. For more information log on to http://tinyurl.com/pyj4x92 or call 79 092624, 99 288288 THE Manoel Theatre, together with the Italian Cultural Institute, is presenting a recital featuring saxophonist Alfredo Cerrito ac- companied by pianist Anna Lisa Giordano on April 10 at 20:00 in Sala Isouard. They will perform Schumann's 'Romanze op. 94', Schulhoff 's 'Hot Sonate', Fitkin's 'Gate' and Albright's 'Sonata'. Alfredo and Anna are better known as the Duo 'Otto e Quin- dici' which was founded in Janu- ary 2009 and owes its name to the fortuitous encounter that led to its formation, a meeting that took place between the pianist Anna Lisa Giordano and the saxophon- ist Alfredo Cerrito on the train Rome – Naples of 8:15. The two musicians have had the opportunity to perform at vari- ous festivals and concert halls throughout Italy and abroad in- cluding Switzerland, Slovenia, Finland, France, Germany, Aus- tria. In October 2013 they held a concert, organised by the Italian Embassy in collaboration with the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, at the National Theatre in Baghdad (Iraq). In 2011, the two musicians per- formed the world premiere of 'Toccata' by the composer Fabio Conocchiella, dedicated to them. Tickets at €10 and can be pur- chased online www.teatrumanoel. com.mt, 2124 6389 or bookings@ teatrumanoel.com.mt A rare saxophone and piano recital at the Manoel