Hotel Phoenicia, a work of art in itself, showcases the art of Edward Caruana Dingli in a permanent exhibition featuring the world’s largest collection by this gifted Maltese painter. Guests are also in for a special treat during the Jazz on the Fringe with an eye-catching visual display and art installation by renowned artist and musician Charles ‘City’ Gatt. Recognising Phoenicia’s legendary role as an architectural and cultural icon, Mr. Gatt wanted that emotional connection to be a special touchstone for guests and to set the stage for a distinctly Maltese-inspired jazz experience.
The hotel hosts Jazz on the Fringe on the 16th of July as part of the Malta Jazz Festival founded by Mr. Gatt. In that spirit, the installation incorporates a dynamic mix of materials and savvy design lending a decidedly contemporary twist to the classical architectural ambiance of the hotel.
Walking from the front door, visitors will be immediately struck by the grand entrance hall and Palm Court Lounge, which will contain Mr. Gatt’s impressive installation that brings a modern visual language into a traditional space. The installation entitled ‘Freedom Fighters’ will be on show throughout the week commencing the 14th of July. Mr. Gatt states that this particular installation has been modified for the elegant surroundings of the iconic hotel but its message is unchanged and immediate. In his words, “Freedom Fighters alludes to a world in which information technology has turned mankind into passive observers of all the political and economic crimes that are being committed. The arts can potentially protect all of us against the manipulation of a subversive and subliminal controlling media and help each of us find universal reference points which can also be useful to the life of each individual by provoking new perspectives and highlighting our shared humanity.”
On Wednesday 16th July, the Hotel’s ‘Rotunda’ set within the delightful 7.5 acre garden, will host Jazz on the Fringe with trio Sandro Zerafa on guitar, Matyas Szandai playing doublebass and Lionel Boccara tapping out on the drums. Entrance is free to the general public and the performance will commence at 8:00pm.
Jazz on the Fringe, a packed programme of local jazz music, will bring together some of Malta’s renowned jazz musicians and international performers to play in various music venues, restaurants and bars around the island. In the days preceding and following the main Malta Jazz Festival, a number of events, including masterclasses and open-air concerts like the one at Phoenicia’s ‘Rotunda’ will also be held. The Fringe is a very relaxed way for people to enjoy jazz music, have a drink and a change of pace.
Sandro Zerafa is one of the most active guitarists on the Paris jazz scene. Graduate of the Lyons Conservatory he is a winner of several awards at La Defense jazz contest and a founding member of the Parisian based jazz musicians’ collective, Paris Jazz Underground. He has recorded 2 award-winning albums and has toured extensively in France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Brazil, South Korea, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Morocco. He has been the artistic director of the Malta Jazz Festival and Jazz on the Fringe since 2009.
For this Jazz on the Fringe event, Sandro will be accompanied by a rhythm section composed of Matyas Szandai on bass and Lionel Boccara on drums. Mr. Zerafa says, “We played at this venue last year and it was a delightful evening of jazz under the stars. We are looking forward to returning and we’re very glad that this special place is now an annual home to some of the best jazz music on offer.”
For further information see www.phoeniciamalta.com or www.facebook.com/phoeniciahotel, or call 2122 5241 to make arrangements to view the art installation or book your place at Jazz on the Fringe.
