Sustain-Delay, one of the programmes forming part of the Malta Society of Arts’ Performing Arts Programme, returns after its summer break with a bold and adventurous performance on 9 October with Artistic Director Kurt Buttigieg and musician Yasmin Kuymizakis, bringing electronic sounds and archival content into conversation with memory and time. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Grandmaster’s Hall at the Malta Society of Arts (MSA) in Valletta, the event promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar.
Crackle and Memory, will be the fifth in a six-part series. Known for its adventurous music programme, Sustain-Delay continues to push the boundaries of sound exploration in Malta.
Yasmin Kuymizakis, who recently toured with the internationally renowned band Future Islands, is set to return to her experimental roots for this performance. Best known through her electronic pop project JOON, Kuymizakis’ musical prowess extends far beyond playful synth-pop. With a background in sound design and sonic experimentation, she will delve into a soundscape that blends hypnotic beats, textured synths, and evocative layers of vocals.
Kurt Buttigieg, who has been in the experimental music scene for over two decades, will join Kuymizakis for a collaboration that explores the organic versus the inorganic, and the relationship between time and memory. His music often probes deep themes, blurring the boundaries between sound and concept.
In this performance, the two artists will take the audience on an immersive auditory journey, evoking memories of childhood and questioning the fluid nature of time. The sonic textures will resonate deeply with anyone familiar with the Maltese landscape, yet also speak to universal themes of recollection and nostalgia.
Reflecting on the upcoming event, Kurt Buttigieg stated, “Together with the team, we are once again proposing something that invites both reflection and enjoyment, while contributing to the ongoing development of Malta’s sustainable music scene,” he says. “The positive response to our previous events has only reinforced our commitment to bringing new and exciting sound experiences to our audiences.”
“We are thrilled to host such a unique and forward-thinking event,” comments Adrian Mamo, MSA President. “Throughout the year, Sustain-Delay has consistently delivered an innovative fusion of art and sound, and this concert is yet another example of how the Malta Society of Arts supports artists who push creative boundaries. We believe this performance will resonate deeply with audiences, offering them a thought-provoking experience that challenges conventional ideas of music and sound.”
Sustain-Delay is one of the two pillars of the Malta Society of Arts’ 2024 Performing Arts Programme which is done in collaboration with Arts Council Malta, focussing on cutting-edge artistic expression through experimental sound and innovative concepts. ConTempo serves as the other pillar, presenting classical and contemporary music with fresh approaches, creating a well-rounded programme that embraces both tradition and experimentation.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.showshappening.com. For more information on the Malta Society of Arts and its upcoming events, visit www.artsmalta.org/events or www.facebook.com/maltasocietyofarts.
