3rd Malta Festival of Ideas Opening Concert

Myths, Legends & Stories celebrates how narratives captivate audiences worldwide across time. Bernstein's West Side Story Suite adapts Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet into a compelling contemporary urban narrative, while Ignacy Zalewski's Mono no Aware channels the Japanese concept of appreciating transient beauty. Grieg's refined Holberg Suite draws inspiration from historical dance forms and musical styles of bygone periods, followed by Shuhei Tamura's The Night of Prometheus, which captures the legendary titan credited with gifting fire to mankind. The concert finale presents Gavin Whitlock's vibrant Celtic Suite, offering an immersive experience spanning moody evening imagery, poignant melodies and the spirited dynamism of a traditional ceilidh celebration. Melika Saxophone Quartet Philip Attard, soprano saxophone Joseph Vella, alto saxophone Samuel Mallia, tenor saxophone Godfrey Mifsud, baritone saxophone Leonard Bernstein – West Side Story Suite Ignacy Zalewski – Mono no Aware Edward Grieg – Holberg Suite Shuhei Tamura – The Night of Prometheus Gavin Whitlock – Celtic Suite