Venus Harp Trio – Dr Lydia Buttigieg

Our mission is to provide your special occasion with great music delivered by reliable professional musicians

The Venus Harp Trio is an exciting young chamber ensemble which is quickly developing a fast reputation. Since its conception in 2008, the Venus Harp Trio has been performing regularly at ceremonies, receptions, corporate and special events, concerts and funerals. The Trio has performed extensively, such as San Anton Palace, the President’s Palace, Imdina Metropolitan Cathedral and St. John’s Co-Cathedral

The classically-trained string trio consists of a harp, violin and cello, and their versatility has taken them to explore various genres of music, from classical to modern music, with a vast repertoire that attracts various tastes. The additional instrument makes the Trio a more rousing, profound sound compared to our delicate Harp Duo or majestic Harp Quartet. The Trio arrangement is still able to perform in smaller spaces and retains the flexibility of a string duo which is ideal for that special occasion.

Alex Abela started violin lessons at the age of 7 and has continued his studies in advanced technique and interpretation. He has participated in various master classes both locally and abroad, by distinguished violinists. Alex has also achieved various Diplomas, including the Licentiate and Fellowship Diplomas by the London College of Music (LLCM and FLCM).

Alex has participated in various concerts, both locally and abroad. He had several experiences playing in various events, concerts and orchestras, and has a vast experience playing as a soloist as well as in chamber ensembles and orchestras.

He performed recitals as a soloist in St James Cavallier and other events held within the Malta Cultural Institute. He has also played with an intercultural youth orchestra in England “BISYOC’ and Amadeus. In addition, Alex has also done various orchestral arrangements, and composed different pieces of orchestral music.

Gilmour Peplow started studying violoncello at the age of eight years under the tutorship of Mr. Ivan De Gabriele. Continued to further studies under Mr. Mario Psaila and Mr. Simon Abdilla Joslin. Also attended and participated in various locally-held master classes by foreign tutors.

Vast experience playing in various events, concerts and orchestras. Also, playing both as a soloist as well as in chamber ensembles and orchestras in Malta and Gozo. Formed part of various orchestras in several concerts and currently a part-time Cellist with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra as well as Principal Cellist with Malta Concert Orchestra.

With the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, he has performed in numerous concerts under several world known directors as well as concerts featuring top world musicians. With the orchestra, in 2014, he also had the opportunity to visit China for a two-week tour, performing in nine concerts in prestigious theatres in cities such as Shangai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. In 2015, he also played with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra at the Milan Expo.

Throughout his musical career, Gilmour performed under the baton of several local and foreign directors. Performed under the baton of Mro Wayne Marshall, Mro Steven Mercurio, Mro Brian Schembri, Mro Michael Laus, Mro Joseph Vella and various others. Also had the opportunity to perform under the baton of Mro Karl Jenkins.

Gilmour also played alongside world famous English cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber in a concert performed by the musician himself in Malta. Also performed alongside Maltese Tenor Joseph Calleja, Andrea Bocelli, Soprano Hayley Westenra, Italian singers Lucio Dalla, Gigi D’Alessio and Zucchero, Ronan Keating as well as several other operatic artists from foreign Opera Houses. He also played as a trio with Hungarian violin soloist Edvin Marton, who performs on an authentic Stradivarius.

Glmour also took part in various musicals, held locally, with the most recent being The Phantom of the Opera in 2017 and My Fair Lady in 2018.