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Classical Guitar Concert at Paris Cathedral

Posted on February 13th, 2012

The temperature levels were way below normal in Paris last Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. Louis des Invalides. Nonetheless, over four hundred music lovers braved the inclement weather to attend a concert of guitar and orchestra music by renowned Maltese classical guitarist Simon Schembri and the Republican Guard Orchestra under the expert direction of Sebastian Billard.

The programme included Airs de Danses Antiques of Ottorino Respighi, Concerto en re majeur pour guitar et orchestre of Antonio Vivaldi, Nazca, of contemporary French composer Erik Marchelie and Musique Argentine pour Cordes by Gerardo Di Giusto. The works were beautifully interpreted by soloist and the orchestra alike and were very much appreciated by the physically cold but enchanted audience

Introducing the concert, Christine Helfrich, artistic director and head of the cultural division at the Musée des Invalides thanked Ambasssador Miggiani and expressed her pleasure at being able to host another cultural event held under the patronage of the Maltese Embassy in France. Ms Helfrich underlined the good cooperation that has existed for some time now between the Musée des Invalides and Malta. This last concert was in fact the fourth classical musical to be held at Les Invalides over the last five years. Ms. Helfrich also reminded the audience of the memorable Exhibition Masterpieces from Armoury of Malta organized by former Ambassador of Malta to France, Vicki-Anne Cremona.

Ambassador Miggiani thanked all who contributed towards making this evening a success, and congratulated Simon Schembri for his polished and sensitive performance.