The evening’s program, composed by Carlo Muscat:

Totoro; Cleopatra; Holler; The Body Is Only Light; Lisovyk; Arrietty; Everyone Looks Happy; Lyra’s Sonnet

Recognised as one of the most promising voices on the European jazz scene, Carlo Muscat’s reputation as a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader has flourished through collaborations with numerous outstanding European musicians including Tony Tixier, Philippe Maniez, Mátyás Szandai, Mauro Gargano and Sandro Zerafa. His sixth album, Hymns, received critical acclaim, with a four-star rating from Downbeat Magazine and a spot on their list of Best Albums of 2023. This acknowledgement signaled his development as an artist and his emerging role in contemporary jazz. An inventive improviser overtly embracing freedom of interpretation and a willingness to explore new musical territories, Muscat’s discography now includes seven albums as a leader and numerous contributions as a sideman. Beginning with his 2014 debut release, The Sound Catalogues, each album has probed a different aspect of his sound and experimented with compositional and stylistic approaches, reflecting his dedication to an ongoing pursuit of his musical vision. Originally from Malta, Carlo is currently based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and has been the co-owner and director of the music venue and bar Storeroom, located in Ta’ Xbiex (Malta), since 2019. His 7th album, The Body Is Only Light, was recorded in Kyiv in March 2024, and is set to be released on October 25th 2024 on the American label ears&eyes Records.

also featuring Brandon University Music faculty:

Diogo Peixoto – guitar; Marika Galea – bass; Eric Platz – drums

Starting his guitar journey at a young age, Diogo Peixoto quickly immersed himself in various musical environments, becoming a sought-after sideman across different genres. His involvement with the ‘Coletivo Orquestral’ alongside renowned musicians like Hermeto Pascoal, Brandford Marsalis, Arrigo Barnabé, and Vinícius Dorin, not only showcased his talent but also provided invaluable experiences. Diogo is also a proficient songwriter and singer, with his compositions receiving recognition in several Brazilian song festivals. Characterised by spontaneity and intensity, his guitar playing reflects a unique blend of influences, showcasing a melodic sense and composition style enriched by Brazilian rhythmic nuances. Holding degrees in Popular Music, Financial Management, and a Master’s in Jazz Performance and Literature, his academic background complements his practical expertise. Currently teaching at Brandon University in Canada, Diogo continues to inspire and educate a new generation of musicians, embodying a commitment to fostering creativity and musical excellence.

Marika Galea (she/her) is an award-winning performer, composer and writer from Toronto. Best known as a bassist, her work explores the space between improvised jazz, narrative songwriting, and hypnotic soundscapes. She has supported artists across jazz, pop, rock, indie, hip hop, new music and experimental genres including Terence Blanchard, Cyrus Chestnut, Ralph Peterson Jr., Rachel Therrien, Jason Palmer, L’Orchestre national du jazz de Montréal, Basia Bulat, Tim Kingsbury (Arcade Fire), Jake Clemons (E Street Band), U.S. Girls, Geneviève Racette and Laura Niquay. Her collaborations have garnered nominations and wins for JUNO, Golden Globe, Academy, Polaris, Iris, RIDM and HotDocs Awards. In 2017, she earned a spot as one of CBC Music’s 35 best Canadian jazz artists under 35. She has taught at McGill University & Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, McGill Executive Institute, Malta Jazz Festival, Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, Prince Edward County Jazz Festival, McGill University School of Continuing Studies and the University of Manitoba – and is currently on faculty at Brandon University.

Eric Platz is a drummer whose creative work intersects with Jazz, Americana, North African, and Contemporary Improvised music. As a member of singer Carrie Rodriguez’s band, Eric toured extensively throughout North America, appeared on “Austin City Limits”, performed with Bill Frisell and Lucinda Williams, and collaborated with producer Lee Townsend on the recording Love and Circumstance. Life After Life, a recording featuring Eric’s compositions for clarinet, cello, bass, and percussion, was called “an extraordinary debut” by DOWN BEAT Magazine. Eric is an Associate Professor at Brandon University where he teaches drumset, Jazz & Contemporary Popular Music, and non-Western music traditions.

We recognize the support of Arts Council Malta in presenting this program.

Tickets are $20 for adults (no admission fee for BU and Conservatory students) and are available at the door.