Photo credit: Darrin Zammit Lupi The Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) presents the third edition of “Young Creatives in Motion”. MIAF is passionate about bringing young dancers together to create a truly inspirational programme of live performances, encouraging young dancers from a range of dance genres to present their work in a professional environment. This event also aims to discover emerging talent and skills in young dancers and choreographers across the island, raise standards and improve progression in dance on a national scale and support the teachers and leaders who deliver dance both in and out of school settings. MIAF is presenting 2 different programmes for “Young Creatives in Motion”, featuring 4 different dance schools in each programme. In the first lineup the choreographies will be set to a music programme of works for piano and percussion performed live by Tricia Dawn Williams and Daniel Cauchi.

Programme

Giannis Papakrasas Duo (2009)

piano and percussion

Academy of Dance Arts

Choreographer: Sara Bianchi

Clint Mansell Lux Aeterna (2000)

Arr. For piano, saxophone and percussion

Emmanuel Séjourné Avalanche mov II (2012)

piano and vibraphone 

Nicky's Dance Studio

Choreographer: Nicola Fenech

Carl Stalling That’s All Folks (1930)

Arr. For piano, saxophone and percussion

Arvo Pärt Spiegel im Spiegel (1978)

piano and vibraphone 

The Dance Conservatoire 

Choreographer: Johanne Casabene

Steve Harris Phantom of the Opera (1980)

Arr. For piano, saxophone and percussion

John Psathas Atalanta (2020)

piano, vibraphone and audio track

Seed Dance School

Choreographer: Marisha Bonnici

Credits

Tricia Dawn Williams piano

Daniel Cauchi percussion 

Philip Attard saxophone 

Dance Schools Academy of Dance Arts, Nicky's Dance Studio, 

The Dance Conservatoire, Seed Dance School

Choreographers Sara Bianchi, Nicola Fenech, Johanne Casabene, Marisha Bonnici

Programme Note

Giannis Papakrasas - Duo (2009)

piano and percussion

The Duo for piano and percussion by Giannis Papakrasas delves into the dynamic interplay between these two instruments, exemplifying Papakrasas's innovative approach to their combination. This piece features a highly rhythmic introduction and transitions into a slow middle section, where a melody is introduced by the pano. The percussion takes centre stage with a brief improvisational moment, followed by the return of the opening section with subtle alterations. Duo showcases Papakrasas's skill in crafting engaging musical narratives through the dialogue between piano and percussion.

Clint Mansell - Lux Aeterna (2000)

arr. for piano, saxophone and percussion

Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell is a haunting composition originally composed for the 2000 movie Requiem for a Dream. Performed by the Kronos Quartet, this piece serves as a leitmotif, capturing the movie's themes of addiction and despair. The title, meaning "eternal light," contrasts with the dark narrative it underscores. Mansell's score masterfully evokes tension and emotional depth, making Lux Aeterna an iconic piece in modern cinema. The composition's relentless, swirling melody has become synonymous with intense drama and emotional turmoil, cementing its place in popular culture.

Emmanuel Séjourné - Avalanche - mov II (2012)

piano and vibraphone 

Avalanche (mov II) for vibraphone and piano by Emmanuel Sejourne presents tonal melodic themes supported by lush jazz harmony, reminiscent of a cinematic leitmotif. Séjourné, known for his eclectic style influenced by Western classical music, jazz, and rock, crafts a charming dialogue between the two instruments featuring an intricate interplay, with the vibraphone's resonant tones complemented by the piano's subtle harmonic richness. Séjourné's mastery of mallet percussion is evident in the way he explores the vibraphone's timbral possibilities, creating a work that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging.

Carl Stalling - That’s All Folks (1930)

arr. for piano, saxophone and percussion

Carl Stalling's music for Looney Tunes is iconic and enduring, defining the sound of Warner Bros.' beloved animated series. Stalling composed scores for over 600 cartoons, including those featuring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the Road Runner. His style was characterised by rapid shifts in mood and musical style, often incorporating popular songs and classical pieces to add humour and depth to the action on screen. The clever musical puns and precise synchronisation with the animation has been coined into the technique known as "Mickey Mousing," which he helped pioneer during his time at Disney. Stalling's work not only enhanced the comedic impact of the cartoons but also contributed significantly to their timeless appeal.

Arvo Pärt - Spiegel im Spiegel (1978)

piano and vibraphone 

Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel is a serene and meditative composition, written in 1978, representative of his signature tintinnabuli style. The title, which translates to "mirror in the mirror," evokes the idea of infinite reflections, represented by the piano's repetitive triads and the solo instrument's slow, ascending and descending scales. Originally composed for violin and piano, the piece has been adapted for various instruments, maintaining its core essence. Pärt's use of simple triads and unembellished notes creates a hypnotic atmosphere, inviting listeners into a world of contemplation and introspection. The composition's structure, with its endless pattern of rising and falling melodies, mirrors the infinite reflections suggested by its title. This work is a testament to Pärt's mastery of minimalist music, offering a deeply moving and spiritual listening experience.

Steve Harris - Phantom of the Opera (1980)

arr. for piano, saxophone and percussion

Phantom of the Opera written by Steve Harris is the last track on Iron Maiden’s is debut album, released in 1980. This epic song showcases the band's early mastery of complex song structures, featuring multiple mood and tempo changes. The track begins with a haunting intro, gradually building into a driving rhythm punctuated by two iconic guitar solos. Paul Di'Anno's powerful vocals bring depth to the narrative, while Steve Harris's bass line underscores the song's progressive elements.

John Psathas - Atalanta (2020)

piano, vibraphone and audio track

Atalanta by John Psathas  weaves together the piano and vibraphone with modern electronic elements, creating a rich sonic tapestry. The title "Atalanta" references the mythological figure known for her speed and agility, reflecting the dynamic interplay between the vibraphone's resonant tones and the piano's harmonic depth. The digital audio components add a layer of complexity, enhancing the overall texture and atmosphere. Psathas's work often explores themes of movement and energy, and Atalanta is no exception, with its rhythmic patterns and melodic motifs evoking a sense of fluid motion. This composition showcases Psathas's innovative approach to blending acoustic and electronic music, resulting in a compelling and immersive listening experience.

Biographies

Tricia Dawn Williams - piano

Tricia Dawn Williams is a Maltese pianist of Irish and Welsh descent who is known for applying multimedia innovation and experimental technologies to contemporary music. She creates immersive performances blending video art, electronic soundscapes and extended piano techniques that include motion-capture technology via the MYO band. Her international career features landmark performances at venues including Les Invalides (Paris), Kennedy Center of Performing Arts (Washington)  Montreal’s Satosphère. A champion of new music, she has commissioned and premiered the work of various composers and earned international recognition for per project Transition, selected for the Classical:Next live showcase in 2019 among 11 major innovative projects. Williams has also developed an international following among toy piano enthusiasts. Recent highlights include the Kinderklavier Concerto with the Brno Contemporary Orchestra and the ToyPiano+ project, involving 13 composers and video artists.

Daniel Cauchi - percussion

Daniel Cauchi is a freelance musician, producer, composer and music director. He is the founder of Big Band Brothers and The Box – a creative arts space. Daniel served as Artistic Director for Region of Culture 2024 and has produced and directed numerous projects including Ftakar, Kelma Kelma Nota Nota and Kuraġġ. He was commissioned to compose music for various events, including the Malta Special Olympics Opening Ceremony (2022) and the Malta Arts Awards. As a percussionist, Daniel was principal percussionist with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and has collaborated with various orchestras and ensembles from around the world. He has recorded numerous works by contemporary composers and leads several educational initiatives, including MPOkids and L-Investigaturi tal-Mużika.

Philip Attard - saxophone

Philip Attard has performed as a soloist in prestigious venues across Europe and the USA including Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall. He has appeared in notable festivals like the Embassy Series in Washington DC and the Park Lane Group Series in London. Attard holds a Master of Music and an Artist Diploma from the Royal College of Music (RCM), where he won several competitions, including the Edward and Helen Hague Senior Woodwind Prize and the Royal Over-Seas League Competition. Based in Malta, he maintains an active performance career as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with local bands like the Big Band Brothers and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Attard is also a dedicated educator, holding a Master in Education from the RCM and regularly teaches saxophone and clarinet, offering masterclasses at various institutions.

In collaboration with Teatru Manoel