Programme

M. Arnold (1921 – 2006)                       Sonatina

A. Cassar (b. 1974)                                Tango

L. Bernstein (1918 – 1990)                   Sonata                                                         

A. Piazzolla (1921 – 1992)                   Oblivion

                                                               Fugata

M. Mangani (b. 1966)                           Tre Danze Latine

A. Scott (b. 1966)                                  Paquito

G. Gershwin (1898 – 1937)                  Blues

Godfrey Mifsud started his musical studies in Malta at an early age under Ronnie Debattista and furthered his clarinet studies in UK. After winning various local competitions he made his public debut with the Malta National Orchestra in 1997 performing Charles Camilleri’s Concertino. Since then, Godfrey has performed as soloist locally and internationally with various orchestras including the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Camerata Con Cor(d)e, Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Sochi Symphony Orchestra, Saratov Philharmonic Orchestra and is also featured as a recording artist on Meridian Records and Divine Art (UK).

Godfrey Mifsud graduated in Music Education from the University of Malta and Master of Music from Christchurch University, Canterbury, majoring in clarinet performance under the mentorship of British clarinet virtuoso David Campbell. Being a passionate chamber musician and fluent on most instruments of the clarinet family, Godfrey performs regularly in orchestral and chamber setups and is frequently invited to perform as guest clarinet with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. He is sought after as a versatile musician and performs with various groups and formations. He forms part of the Melika Saxophone Quartet performing on baritone saxophone.

As a keen educator, Godfrey enjoys working with young, talented, and motivated musicians, helping them to further improve their musical skills and educational careers. Godfrey Mifsud holds the post of clarinet tutor and wind ensemble director at the Malta School of Music and is a visiting lecturer at the School of Performing Artsand the Faculty of Education, University of Malta.

Maria-Elena Farrugia started her music studies at a young age, showing a love for the instrument and a deep understanding of music from an early stage. She now holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Royal Northern College of Music, where she studied with Prof. Sally Ann MacLeod, as well as a PGCE, and First Class Honours in her Bachelor of Music from University of Malta, where she was tutored by Prof. Michael Laus. Over the past 15 years, she has participated in and won many local and international competitions, obtaining High Distinction in multiple Diplomas. In 2003, she won the EPTA (Malta) Competition which enabled her to attend lessons at the Liszt Academy in Budapest with one of the jury, Profs. Balazs Szokolay. The following year, she won 1st prize at the 12th Gianluca Campochiaro Competition, Pedara, Sicily. She also took part in the 6th Young Musicians Contest of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce where she placed 1st in her category. In 2011 she was 1st prize winner of the Bice Mizzi Vassallo Music Competition,Malta, resulting in a week of master classes held at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, tutored by acclaimed pianist, Norma Fisher. In Manchester, she performed as a soloist and with several duo and chamber ensembles, including the well-established Philetas Piano Trio. She is highly sought after for engagements in Gozo, Malta and the UK, where she has worked with multiple professional artists such as mezzo soprano Jennifer Larmore. Maria-Elena has also performed in Malta at the Presidential Palace, the Manoel Theatre, and in the Malta International Arts Festival Masterclasses, where she was tutored by internationally acclaimed pianists and professors Yuri Didenko, Vassily Scherbakov, Arkady Zenziper, Christoph Traxler and Alexander Zolotarev.

Maria-Elena continues her work as a professional pianist, accompanying local international artists including tenor Joseph Calleja. She also furthered her ongoing repetiteur training with the late soprano Juliette Bisazza. She is currently a full-time music teacher and staff pianist at the Malta School of Music. Maria-Elena also does freelance work as a session pianist with local bands and ensembles in various genres, namely, musical theatre, contemporary music and jazz.