Mezzo-soprano launches CD of Maltese songs

British- born mezzo-soprano Sophia Grech, who has Maltese origins, has just premiered her new CD Mal-Kant tal-Bahar (Tunes from the sea), with lyrics by Joe Friggieri and music by Charles Camilleri, at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, in Valletta.

It was a big challenge for Ms Grech. Although she speaks very few Maltese words she still demonstrated it is possible for a foreign singer to sing in Maltese.

"Sophia shows a consistently beautiful voice and she even manages to sing in a language that is completely new to her. I'm amazed how she manages to do that," Mro Camilleri said.

"The songs express a wide range of feelings and ideas. Sophia Grech has this ability to move with great ease from a meditative to a festive mood, from prayer to protest, from the jovial to the purely lyrical," Prof. Friggieri noted. "She establishes a warm rapport with the audience from the moment she takes the stage and manages to sustain it throughout the performance."

Ms Grech was accompanied by pianist John Galea, violinist Sarah Spiteri, bassist Joe Vella, percussionist Joe (Bibi) Camilleri and cellist Simon Abdilla Joslin.

The first part of the programme offered an aperitif of jazz music in different styles, with Charles Camilleri at the keyboards, Joe Vella at the double-bass, Joe Camilleri on drums and special guest artist Sammy Murgo on saxophone.

The recording of the CD album Mal-Kant tal-Bahar was made by David Vella at Temple Studios.

The live performance was sponsored by St James Cavalier, Air Malta and HSBC Bank Malta plc.