Kantilena Procession is a site specific electronic music work by Dutch composer Luc Houtkamp. This event will take place on April 7 and 8 at 8pm at the Ta’ Bistra Catacombs in Mosta with the support and collaboration of Heritage Malta. The paleochristian catacombs of Ta’ Bistra date back to the fourth century AD and were originally discovered in 1891. Featuring a length of 90 metres with 57 tombs laid out in 16 chambers, it is the largest catacomb site outside of Rabat.

 Kantilena Procession is an exclusive opportunity for the audience to experience the heritage site as an integral part of a music performance.  Houtkamp adopted the text of Caxaro’s poem, Il-Kantilena, for his music. The electronic sounds will be triggered over a multiple speaker system, placed in the different locations within the catacombs.  Furthermore the audience will be led along a walkway by violinist Brianne Curran. The music is spread throughout the site and the audience will follow the violinist along a music journey accompanied by an electronic soundscape emerging from the catacombs.

Brianne Curran – violin
Luc Houtkamp – composition, sound design
Francesca Aquilima – recorded voice

 This event is being held in collaboration with Heritage Malta.

Modern Music Days is part of the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme. Modern Music Days is organised by Teatru Manoel and the Malta Association for Contemporary Music with the support of the Ministry for Finance.