Underground Valletta: In Concert | Clarinet - Simon Reitmaier - Performance 1
Malta International Arts Festival 2024
This concert takes place inside one of the 16th century underground water cisterns of Valletta. Austrian virtuoso Simon Reitmaier presents three highlights for the clarinet solo. “Abîme des Oiseaux” is the third movement from “Quatuor pour la Fin de Temps”, considered by many as one of the masterworks of the 20th century. Originally written for solo violin, Bach’s Partita in D minor is an astonishing work for its inventiveness and for the brilliance of its architectural construction. “Prelude for Solo Clarinet” by Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki is notated without bar lines, which transforms the piece into a pseudo-improvisatory composition, leaving the performer great room for expression. The Malta International Arts Festival invites the audience to this unique concert, enhanced by the evocative setting of the underground site.
This event is organised with the support of the Austrian Embassy in Malta implementing the long-term sponsorship programme “The New Austrian Sound of Music” by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.
Programme
Olivier Messiaen
Abîme des Oiseaux
from Quatuor pour la Fin de Temps
Johann Sebastian Bach
Allemande
from Partita No. 2 in D minor
Krzysztof Penderecki
Prelude for Solo Clarinet
Biography
Simon Reitmaier
Born in Tyrol, studied at the University of Mozarteum Salzburg and at the private University Johannesgasse in Vienna with Matthias Schorn from where he graduated with the highest distinction. A prize-winner of numerous national and international competitions. Reitmaier performed all over the world, in 2013 he gave his debut at Carnegie Hall. Famous composers dedicated works especially for Reitmaier such as Kalevi Aho, Johanna Doderer, Kurt Schwertsik. Since 2021 Simon Reitmaier is a faculty member at the Gulda School Vienna. Critics praise Reitmaiers playing for his touching warm and flexibel sound. In 2024 CD Release „Austria?!“ including solo pieces for clarinet and Brahms clarinet quintet.
Website: www.simonreitmaier.at
In collaboration with the Heritage Malta, the Austrian Embassy, and The NewAustrian Sound of Music
17 June 2024
Location
Underground Valletta (Entrance from Great Siege Square, in front of Courts of Justice building)
Time
8pm & 9pm
Interval
NA
Duration
30min
Price
General Admission - €15
Audience Level
Minimum Age: 12 years
Other Dates
18 June at 7pm, 8pm & 9pm
Terms & Conditions
When visiting Underground Valletta, visitors must read and adhere to these specific Underground Valletta terms and conditions.
For your general information please note that:
Seating is on cushions on the floor.
Humidity levels are very high and therefore, some areas are slippery. For your safety, please wear closed, comfortable shoes and hold onto the handrails at all times. Visitors wearing high heels, sandals or flip flops will not be admitted.
Although handrails are in place, we regret that the site remains inaccessible to wheelchairs and persons needing walking aids.
Underground Valletta is a dark subterranean location. By buying a ticket you are warranting that you are in good health and are not subject to panic attacks or loss of balance due to claustrophobia or similar conditions which could put yourself or other visitors at risk of injury.
For their own safety children under 12 years of age cannot be admitted to Underground Valletta.
Failure to arrive on time may result in refusal of entry, and tickets are not refundable and cannot be exchanged.
All prices are inclusive of VAT.
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