The Maltese Tambourine and Percussion Instruments

A presentation which aims to give a historical and musical overview of the design, context and use of percussion instruments in the Maltese folk tradition. These include the tambourine (tambur) and żafżafa (a friction drum) which alongside other wind instruments have been used for social and communal folk traditions. Rarely used, other than in carnival, the workshop aims to raise awareness of the instruments and their playability with the intention of reviving their use in new contemporary contexts. The presentation will be followed by a hands-on workshop for percussionists and musicians, highlighting the playing techniques on the Maltese tambourine (tambur). The workshop will focus on the tambur playing technique still used in carnival revelry, as well as the tambur ‘dance’, which accompanies the playing of the żaqq or Maltese bagpipes, as was documented and passed on by the last traditional tambourine player, Toni Camilleri ‘Tommi”.

Tambourines will be provided. Photo Credit: *Etnika

Workshop Leaders: Benji Cachia & Michael Galea

Workshop Level: All levels.

Price: EUR10

Accessibility: This venue is not accessible to persons using a wheelchair.