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Malta

The orchestra was founded in April 1968, when musicians from the defunct “Commander-in-Chief” (C-in-C) orchestra of the Malta-based British Mediterranean Fleet regrouped as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra. It continued to serve as the theatre’s resident orchestra until September 1997 when it became an independent orchestra, taking up the name National Orchestra of Malta. The orchestra became the MPO in 2008 when it expanded into a full-size symphony orchestra bringing together musicians from Malta, Europe and beyond.

Joseph Sammut, the C-in-C’s last conductor, was the orchestra’s first conductor, remaining at the helm until 1992. Since then the orchestra has also been under the direction of Joseph Vella, John Galea, Michael Laus, and Brian Schembri. In 2019, the MPO appointed Sergey Smbatyan as Principal Conductor, joining Resident Conductor Michael Laus as part of the orchestra’s Artistic Team. The MPO also works with local artists including Joseph Calleja, Simon Schembri, Carmine Lauri and Miriam Gauci, as well as international guest artists including Ray Chen, Diana Damrau, José Cura, Mikhail Pletnev, Camille Thomas, Gautier Capuçon, Daniel Lozakovich and Enrico Dindo.

As Malta’s leading musical ensemble, the MPO averages more than one performance a week including symphonic concerts, opera productions in Malta and Gozo, community outreach and educational initiatives, as well as various concerts of a lighter nature. During the past seasons, the MPO embarked on a digital transformation reaching over 32 million people worldwide through its Online Programme in 2021.

The orchestra has performed in leading venues across the globe, including in the United States, Russia, Dubai, Germany, Austria, China, Italy, and Belgium, and presently embarks on at least one international tour each concert season.

The MPO is a keen exponent of Maltese composers, regularly performing their works in Malta and overseas, as well as frequently premiering and commissioning new compositions.

Through the MPO Academy and the Malta Youth Orchestra, which regularly give concerts across Malta, the MPO is also responsible for the training and professional development of the next generation of Maltese musicians.

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

Orchestra

Approved

Teatru Manoel

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2018

2017

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Organization contributor ID

include virtual contributors

Pianist

Instrumentalist

Violinist

Cellist

Music arranger

Violist

Clarinettist

Flautist

Hornist

Oboist

Contrabassist

Organist

Bassoonist

Trumpetist

Percussionist

Harpist

Guitarist

Saxophonist

Trombonist

Harpsichordist

Accordionist

Tuba Player

Double Bass Player

Bassist

Recorder Player

Lutenist

Timpani

Harmonium Player

Bandoneón Player

Vibraphonist

Tenor Violinist

Theorbist

Mandoline Player

Ondes Martenot Player

Baroque Flutist

Cornettist

Baroque Oboist

Baroque Trumpetist

Mandolin Player

Violino Piccolo Player

Chalumeau Player

Guzheng Player

Pipa Player

Sitar Player

Oud player

Musette de cour Player

Viola Pomposa Player

Archlutenist

Bagpipe Player

Cuatro Player

Continuo

Sheng Player

Bass Clarinettist

Tabla Player

Viola d’amore Player

Hurdy-gurdy Player

Claves Player

Handpan Player

Bayan Player

Birbynė Player

Bombard Player

Dizi Player

Ney Player

Tárogató Player

Whistle Player

Haegeum Player

Kamancha Player

Kantele Player

Kora Player

Qanun Player

Euphonium Player

Synthesist

Gayageum Player

Suona Player

Composer

Conductor

Stage director

Librettist

Set designer

Costume designer

Choreographer

Dancer

Actor

Lighting designer

Chorus master

Video

Dramaturge

Translator

Sound designer

Répétiteur

Makeup artist

Executive producer

Musical Theater performer

Stage combat master

Stage manager

Hairstylist

Other

Narrator

Chorus

Puppeteer

Music Director

Stage technician

Vocal coach

Writer

Photographer

Illustrator

Teacher

Wig & Makeup Designer

Broadcasting

Chorus Director

Film director

Playwright

Writing and performance

Executive Production

Orchestra Operations

Grip

Stage Design

Extra

Stage musical director

Contralto

Singer

Tenor

Soprano

Baritone

Bass

Mezzo-soprano

Bass-baritone

Countertenor

Child vocalist

Spoken

Silent

Alto

Poet

Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky  
Romeo and Juliet  

Orchestra Resounds commences with Tchaikovsky’s Overture-Fantasy, based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A popular concert piece, the composer conveys an array of contrasting characters and moods.  

Romeo and Juliet, Orchestra Resounds – 14 December, 2020 

The project is part of the MPO Online Programme as the orchestra seeks to diversify its music-making.

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

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