Dr Mario Frendo, a well-known musician and Senior Lecturer within the University of Malta’s Department of Theatre Studies at the School of Performing Arts, is one of four new appointees to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
Together with Maestro Paul Abela and Umberto Nicoletti Altimari, he will form the artistic team, who, in unison with Ms Vanessa Mangion, its new Head Executive, will lead the Orchestra.
In a statement, the Ministry for National Heritage, The Arts and Local Government explained that as a result of these new appointments, the Executive Head will focus on administrative aspects while the artistic team will be responsible for artistic directions.
A number of Dr Frendo’s research papers have been published in international publications. He is also involved in various international festivals and with others created the Malta International Festival for Arts.
He holds a B.A. in music and theatrical studies, and gained a Masters in musical composition under the guidance of composer Charles Camilleri and also holds a PhD from Sussex University.
Minister for National Heritage, The Arts and Local Government, Owen Bonnici augured his best wishes for Ms Mangion, Maestro Abela, Dr Frendo and Umberto Nicoletti Altimari in their new roles and maintained this is a positive step forward for the orchestra to continue strengthening and growing.