Halel (Folkest 2009 - Slovenia)

The NAFRA folk ensemble is a major international exponent of Malta's music heritage. Composer Ruben Zahra is committed to the revival of traditional Maltese instruments, particularly the Maltese bagpipe: iż-Żaqq. He established the NAFRA folk ensemble portraying a versatile programme of Mediterranean folk-fusion embellished by the unique sonority of Maltese traditional instruments. This innovative approach to Mediterranean music has led NAFRA to perform within major music festivals all over Europe as well as in Egypt, Tunisia, Hong Kong and India. All the members of the NAFRA folk ensemble are classically trained musicians and the compositions of Ruben Zahra often adopt procedures derived from classical-contemporary music. NAFRA also collaborates with larger groups such as chamber ensembles, brass bands and even symphony orchestras portraying a fusion of folk roots and other musical styles. The music of NAFRA explores the sounds of a culture which is uniquely interesting in view of Malta's position as a 'cultural crossroad' of the Mediterranean.

Ruben Zahra: Maltese traditional instruments, Nadine Galea: violin, Andrew Micallef: accordion, Godfrey Mifsud: bass clarinet, Luke Baldacchino: drums

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Nafra
• Ruben Zahra
• Mediterranean music
• Maltese bagpipe
• zaqq
• folk music
• traditional music
• jazz folk
• jazz
• Malta
• Maltese music