Catching up on his busy schedule I managed to book a slot in Maestro Sigmund Mifsud's diary. I met the mind behind the National Orchestra Goes Pop and Rockestra in order to get to know what he is up to at the moment as it came to my ears that he is currently working on a Swing Concert which is due to be held on the 20th of March at Hilton Malta in Portomaso.

Synonymous with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Dean Martin amongst others, many including myself believe that Swing only appeals to particular age groups. I challenge Sigmund to prove me wrong. He believes that although this music genre is usually popular with older generations, popular artists like Michael Buble`, Diana Krall and Robbie Williams have all helped this genre to regain popularity in fact the latter's latest album featured various swing numbers and sold millions of copies world wide.

I delve into the origins of this upcoming production. Mifsud admits that Maltese do love this type of music. Proof of this is the fact that two years ago he directed and produced Manoel Theatre Swings which rendered three sold out performances. Since then, people were constantly bugging him to produce something similar. And here it is again. This time it will be slightly different as a modern touch will cherish this much awaited night.

Sigmund will be directing a sixteen instrument band which will feature Daniel Cauchi. Mifsud who himself handpicked Daniel claims that the latter is a very talented singer with singing similarities with Michael Buble`. He is the leader of the Big Band Brothers. This band had the opportunity to play abroad namely in Hong Kong, Portugal, Italy Germany, Sicily, Spain and Tunisia.

In the next upcoming concert standard swing numbers such as Smile, My Way, Fly Me to the Moon and Night and Day will be played, but other numbers that are not usually associated with swing such as the immortal Beatles Can't Buy Me Love will be given a swing arrangement and will feature on the night. Guest singers will be Francesca and Moira. Moira? Moira Delia? Yes. Surprised by that, I ask Sigmund about any other surprises that we can expect on the night.

However, that proved to be futile as Maestro Mifsud did not want to reveal anything except that surprises will be free flowing during the night just like drinks during an art exhibition prior to the event. This art exhibition will showcase Rupert Cefai's works of art. All this and the above make this unusual event, one which should not be missed.

Well, time was up and Sigmund and I had to part ways as rehearsals were waiting for the Maestro as he swiftly faded away into his other commitments.

For more info on this event click here.