Top Maltese guitarist feels unwelcome

One of Malta's finest exports, classical guitarist Simon Schembri, is to enthral his audience at a recital in the inspiring gardens of Verdala Palace in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund tomorrow.

Mr Schembri left for France 23 years ago, having won a top-class competition and furthering his studies - the only Maltese ever - at the prestigious Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. At the age of 14, he was one of four to be chosen out of 70 students and has since made a name for himself in international music circles.

The leading classical guitarist has garnered over 600 international concerts under his belt but laments the fact that, for some reason, his performances in his native Malta have become few and far between.

"For some reason," he told The Times, with a hint of sadness, "I do not feel welcome anymore as invitations to perform at the Manoel Theatre and with the national orchestra are no longer forthcoming."

Mr Schembri expressed disappointment at the fact that a long time has passed since he was invited to perform at the national theatre and with the orchestra. The last time he gave a concert at the Manoel was in 1989 and his last performance with the orchestra was in 1996. Both were sold out.

"I think it is normal that people like myself, who have made a career out of music, are invited regularly by the highest musical institutions in Malta."

The public demand is there but not the opportunities to perform, particularly since the Malta Arts Festival at Vilhena Palace, which Mr Schembri used to be invited to participate in annually, came to an end.

"I think a more important place should be given to Maltese artistes in the national theatre.

"My links with Malta have diminished and are limited to performances of a private nature, which is a pity", he said, attributing the situation to a possible increase in demand for and easier exchanges with foreign musicians.

"I would also appreciate more interest in organising, for example, teaching activities for the Maltese," he said.

Mr Schembri's life has always revolved around the classical guitar and he has been told he even moves his fingers in his sleep as though he is playing the instrument. It is not surprising when considering that he began his guitar studies at six, was giving concerts by nine and can spend from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on his guitar with his students.

Despite the fact that everyone seems to be able to pick up a guitar - a sociable, portable instrument - and strum a couple of chords, Mr Schembri takes guitar playing to another level and is renowned for the exceptional quality of sound, technical prowess and immense sensitivity in his interpretations.

He has been working intensely on a technique that offers a superior volume. As a result, he rarely ever uses a microphone. "I have noticed a formidable silence in my concerts as the audiences concentrate, enter into the spirit and are transported by the music."

Indeed, Mr Schembri is also known for his capacity to establish direct emotional contact with his audiences. When he plays his guitar, he wants to "forget the instrument and communicate an emotion through a musical dialogue..."

Local audiences have, with time, acquired a better understanding of the guitar, a relatively modern instrument, and Mr Schembri has witnessed a major evolution over the last two decades.

"They know the guitar better, are more appreciative and aware of the technique involved and what the guitar demands out of its player.

"Malta offers a quality audience and I have always enjoyed an important following."

Despite his string of accolades, Mr Schembri derives most satisfaction from performing for his "attentive" Maltese audiences, who participate wholeheartedly and understand more and more what he is trying to communicate.

"Before, they were in awe of the music, but now they have an understanding of it."

As regards aspiring Maltese artistes, he believes leaving Malta is inevitable. "Experience is gained from performing and Malta is limited on that front, so they are obliged to do so.

"My own experience came from different performances in different countries, with different atmospheres. It is difficult to give more than a couple of concerts a year in Malta due to the limited public."

Mr Schembri is pleased to be playing for charity at tomorrow's cultural event, organised by the MCCF and being held under the patronage of the President and Mrs Eddie Fenech Adami.

Tomorrow's programme revolves around South American music and the repertoire includes two French compositions, inspired by Latin music, and other South American composers.

As regards future plans, Mr Schembri would love to give a concert of the renowned, early-19th-century, Italian guitarist and composer Mauro Giuliani, with Malta's national orchestra.