If you think about it, you probably don’t know that much about 20th century music. 21st century music, sure… and maybe even music from the 18th or 19th. But the 20th century? Well… we just haven’t been that well exposed to it.

Tackling that in Malta is composer and artistic director Ruben Zahra, who created the Modern Music Days programme specifically to promote 20th century and contemporary music while reaching out to different audiences. His concept has been a success and, this year alone, music lovers have flocked to everything from concerts in the beautiful Teatru Manoel, to events held al fresco in historic heritage surroundings. Now, Ruben and his team are giving you the chance to revisit some of the most popular highlights from these events in a special performance on 15th September called Modern Music Days. And among the many aspects to look forward to will be a four-handed arrangement played by well-known local pianists Gisele Grima and Tricia Dawn Williams.

Gisele – who has been performing since childhood – is a fan of the Modern Music Days format. “I like the fact that it presents audiences with a fresh outlook to live music, where additional disciplines crossover to create wonderful effects,” she says. “It includes a contemporary reworking of the historical ballet Parade, and highlights the music of Erik Satie. With the addition of dancers, a new choreography, stop-motion animation, puppetry and Picasso-inspired costumes, audiences are in for a unique experience that explores a modern take on presenting music in performance. For those audiences who aren’t keen on attending music in concert because they fear it may put them to sleep, this will certainly keep them entertained.”

While there will be a number of facets to the Modern Music Days concert – including an exciting selection of works incorporating percussion and video-art – Gisele believes Satie’s Parade will be a definite highlight on the night, not least because of the inclusion of ‘noise-making’ instruments such as a typewriter, bottles and pistol sounds made by means of a percussion section. “The music is vivacious and very often tongue-in-cheek,” she smiles. “It is a remarkable example of Satie's more light-hearted style of writing. Each movement requires the musicians to think imaginatively, as every new scene takes us to Parisian music halls that reveal specific characters.”

Gisele believes that Modern Music Days is a good example of what she calls ‘Malta’s thriving music scene’. “The main cities and towns on the island are always buzzing with live music and classical music events,” she continues. “Malta's national theatre, Teatru Manoel, usually has excellent mid-week concerts and recitals. If the weather is good, Teatru Rjal, an open-air theatre in Valletta, also hosts some events throughout the year. An up-and-coming theatre in Sliema, Teatru Salesjan, will be hosting monthly lunchtime recitals by students and emerging professionals once the autumn season gets going. Beyond that, there are also many music festivals taking place throughout the year in different parts of Malta. If you’re visiting the island and you love music, I highly recommend browsing the what’s-on sites and magazines to give you a feel for what’s happening this week.”

Finally, Gisele shares her advice for the ideal day in Malta – although she admits she rarely has time for much of it. “Start off early with a coffee or breakfast in Valletta, then roam through the quaint streets and appreciate the wonderful architecture before stopping in one of the gardens to admire the views. At lunchtime, hop on a ferry to Birgu (The Three Cities) to enjoy the view from the other side, and enjoy a late lunch in the sun there with friends. Finally, cross back to Valletta for some pre-concert drinks and book in for an evening at the theatre or an event… I highly recommend Modern Music Days if you’re in town tomorrow!”

The Modern Music Days concert will take place tomorrow, 15th September, at Valletta Campus Theatre, Valletta, as part of the Evenings on Campus programme. More information can be found on their website.