The second event of the 2006 Cayman Arts Festival took place last Saturday night, showcasing the Micallef-Inanga Piano Duo, pianist, organist and conductor Wayne Marshall and local pianist Vilma Garrigia.
Glen Inanga (foreground) and Wayne Marshall perform improvisations on a theme by Paganini. Photo: Alan Markoff |
The concert, held at the First Baptist Church, opened with the award-winning Micallef-Inanga Piano Duo playing a wide repertoire on two pianos, including Leonard Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Dmitri Shostakovich concertino.
Their obvious enthusiasm and their sheer love of music shone through in their outstanding performance, leaving many in no doubt of their technical brilliance.
Not a note was out of place, nor a piece of sheet music in sight, as the un-flappable duo left the audience captivated throughout.
Wayne Marshall and Vilma Garrigia joined the duo to perform Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance in a version for eight hands, an obvious crowd pleaser.
Next followed a spectacular performance by Wayne Marshall, including improvisations on the works of Gershwin and Bernstein, for which he received standing ovations.
Created on the spur of the moment and unrehearsed the themes were based loosely round a piece of chosen music.
His performance also included an improvisation on Happy Birthday, especially for one young audience member.
To close, Wayne, who will conduct the final event of the arts festival on Saturday night, was joined by Glen Inanga, of the Micallef-Inanga Piano Duo, for an improvisation on a theme by Paganini, a performance which was obviously thoroughly enjoyed by both musicians and audience members.
Prior to the concert starting, Jennifer Micallef, one of the festival’s artistic directors, thanked the anonymous donor who had kindly donated the second piano, allowing the concert to take place.
She explained that the festival, a not-for-profit organisation, hoped to raise sufficient funds to buy a concert grand piano, enabling the Cayman Islands to more easily attract high calibre pianists.
For further information on the festival visit www.caymanartsfestival.com.
Related Videos
