Connections

60 Years of Australian–Maltese Diplomatic Relations

Concert · Curation · New Music · Malta · 2024

A specially curated concert for the Australian High Commission in Malta, celebrating sixty years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Malta through music, poetry and performance.

David’s role: Concert Curator · Pianist

The Project

On 30 October 2024, the Australian High Commission in Malta presented Connections, a special concert celebrating the 60th anniversary of Australian–Maltese diplomatic relations at Studio B, Spazju Kreattiv – Fondazzjoni Kreattività in Valletta.

Curated by David Alexander Barnard, the programme explored the deep cultural connections between the two countries through Australian and Maltese music, poetry and performance.

Bringing together sacred and secular, traditional and contemporary repertoire, the programme reflected both the history of migration between Malta and Australia and the continuing cultural relationships between the two countries. As David wrote in his programme introduction, the intention was to place the traditional narrative alongside a new generation of music, creating more personal connections between performers and audience.

David’s Role

David was invited to curate Connections for the Australian High Commission in Malta, developing the artistic concept and programme as well as appearing as pianist.

His curatorial approach brought together artists and repertoire with connections to both countries, combining established Maltese and Australian music with contemporary composition, poetry and newly presented works.

The programme included two world premieres and a Maltese premiere, placing new music at the heart of an event celebrating the continuing relationship between the two countries.

Premieres

Jodi O’Regan — Making Wine
World Premiere Performance

Jodi O’Regan — Blanc Dos
World Premiere Performance

Jesmond Grixti — Memories from the Lake
Maltese Premiere Performance

Artists

Karina Bailey — Soprano
Joel Parnis — Tenor
David Alexander Barnard — Piano
Kor Marija Assunta, Mosta — Choir
Bernard Bezzina — Director

The programme also incorporated poetry by Maltese and Australian writers, including Annamaria Weldon’s Connection to Country, written for the 60th anniversary of Maltese–Australian diplomatic relations.