Gozo festival of arts and heritage

Preparations for Mediterranea, the Astra Theatre's colourful festival of arts and heritage being held in Gozo between October 30 and November 8, are well under way and booking is open.

The theatre is organising the festival for the second consecutive year to showcase Gozo's cultural gems with events that include opera, classical music, ethnic, choral and band music, arts, crafts and history of Gozo.

This year's festival is being held over a span of 10 days, including two weekends, making it easier for patrons to cross over to Gozo and attend more than one event.

The programme kicks off on October 30 with a guided tour of Victoria and its Gran Castello in the morning and an evening of Mediterranean gastronomic delights at the Kempinski San Lawrenz Resort & Spa.

The next day will feature a guided tour of Gozo's museums and an evening concert of Maltese baroque music at St George's basilica.

On November 1 there will be a grand presentation of Giuseppe Verdi's Otello at the Astra and a feast of Maltese food and wine at Hotel Ta' Cenc the following night.

Events include a tour of the Ggantija Temples with a lecture by Dr David Trump, a concert of Maltese ethnic music by Etnika and another concert by the La Stella Philharmonic Band at the Astra.

Carmine Lauri will be giving a concert at St George's Basilica, while a gala concert will be held at the Astra on the last night featuring Gozo's soprano Miriam Cauchi and the Malta National Orchestra.

The Astra is extending an invitation for local artists and performers to participate in the festival's MED Fringe 2003. Those interested should contact the organisers at their earliest to avoid disappointment.

Special ticket packages for the festival, organised in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority and Air Malta, are available.

For more information contact Astra's information office on 2155 0985 or send an

e-mail to info@mediterranea.com.mt.