Programme Note

This concert takes place inside one of the 17th century underground water cisterns of Valletta. Portuguese percussionist and composer Luís Bittencourt presents his music installation piece entitled “Directionless” for vibraphone, glass tubes and dripping water. This work is part of Bittencourt’s research which aims to overcome the commonly accepted notion of a musical instrument. Bittencourt explores the musical potential of mundane objects manipulated through a variety of techniques to create sonorities that demonstrate the “instrumentality” of these materials. The Malta International Arts Festival invites the audience to this unique concert, enhanced by the evocative setting of the underground site.

Biography

Luís Bittencourt

Percussion

Luís Bittencourt is musician, composer, producer and artist-researcher (PhD). Considered “a master of sound experimentation” (Vision Magazine, Portugal), with performances described as “a torrent of originality” (Casa da Música, Portugal), “the plurality of sounds and instruments presented by Luís Bittencourt elevates his artistry to the alchemical degree. Bittencourt has performed and collaborated with Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth), Jeffrey Ziegler (Kronos Quartet), Phill Niblock, Paola Prestini, Found Sound Nation, Gabriel Prokofiev, David Cossin, Jon Rose, Mina Tindle and Emily Hall, among others. His pioneer academic investigations on the instrumentality of water and “found” instruments have established new insights on artistic experimentation in percussion music performance. Bittencourt holds a Doctorate, Master and Bachelor in music performance, and is a member of the Society of Artistic Research (SAR) and Percussive Arts Society (PAS).8.

Credits: 

Percussion: Luís Bittencourt

In collaboration with Heritage Malta.

Disclaimer

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.