‘Karba’, the latest album by composer Dominic Galea containing 12 poems by dermatologist and poet Rużar Briffa (1906-1963), was presented yesterday to H.E. The President of Malta Dr George Abela during an event held at San Anton Palace commemorating Ruzar Briffa’s 50th anniversary of his death.
The musico-literary evening, under the distinguished patronage of the President Dr George Abela, was jointly organised by the Office of the President, Akkademja tal-Malti, the Department of Maltese of the University of Malta and Għaqda tal-Malti – Università. The latter student organisation was founded by Briffa and his literary friend Ġużè Bonnici in 1931.
The launch of “Karba’ coincides with Briffa’s 50th anniversary of his death on 22 February 1963 and with the 10th anniversary of Heritage Records label. The album includes a 16-page booklet with an introduction by Professor Oliver Friggieri, who in 1984 released Rużar Briffa’s biography.
‘Karba’ was recorded ‘live’ at Manolito Galea’s Lito’s Place in Floriana by various musicians including a string quartet led by Tatjana Chircop. The album was produced by Dominic and Manolito Galea together with researcher Steve Borg.
Supported by the Malta Arts Fund, “Il-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti”, and “L-Akkademja tal-Malti” the album includes 12 songs performed by Paul Giordimaina, Dorothy Bezzina, Ludwig Galea, Doreen Galea and tenor Joseph Aquilina.
‘Karba’, Dun Karm’s ‘Għanja’ and Karmenu Vassallo’s ‘Nirien’ albums are available from leading record shops. An earlier album called “Ommi”, including lyrics by various poets performed by singer Doreen Galea, was launched in 2009.
