“Melody of the Orient” Premieres at San Anton Palace
On November 23, the elegant halls of San Anton Palace—the official residence of the President of Malta—were filled with the sounds of East and West as the concert Melody of the Orient made its Maltese premiere. The musical event marked a significant cultural highlight in the country’s artistic calendar.
At the heart of the evening was a specially composed piano concerto by Belgian pop artist Jean-François Maljean, also titled Melody of the Orient. His original composition set the tone for a harmonious blend of European and Chinese musical elements. Accompanying him was the BELART Female String Quartet, a chamber ensemble known for their refined performance style.
The setting of San Anton Palace lent a regal and intimate ambiance to the concert, underscoring the importance of the event not only artistically, but also diplomatically. Attendees included key figures such as Peng Yijun, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Malta; Mario Cutajar, chairman of Heritage Malta; and Reno Calleja, former Maltese Minister of Tourism.
A Bridge of Cultures Through Music and Collaboration
The concert was more than a performance—it was a powerful expression of international cultural exchange. Counselor Peng Yijun spoke of the importance of cultural dialogue, emphasizing that cooperation, rather than conflict, should define the relationship between nations in the realm of culture.
Reno Calleja, known for his longstanding support of China-Malta relations, praised the efforts of the China Cultural Center in Malta. He expressed a deep personal connection to Chinese culture and voiced hope that the concert would mark the beginning of a new chapter in cultural communication between the two nations.
Director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, Yuan Yuan, highlighted the collaborative nature of the event. She noted that the concert was the result of close cooperation among the China International Culture Association, the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, and local Maltese partners. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when art and diplomacy work hand in hand.
