Feast of culture in Gozo festival

The Leone Philharmonic Society is once again organising the festival Cittadella - Gozo for Arts and Culture, which will see a number of cultural events being held.

The first is a performance of Verdi's opera Nabucco which will take place on October 16 at the Aurora Theatre at 7.30 p.m.

On October 18 a cultural tour of the Gozo cathedral and the Citadel will take place at 2 p.m. The coordination of these tours has once again been entrusted to historian Joseph Bezzina, a renowned author of various historical guides, including one on the Citadel and the cathedral.

On October 21 a jazz night will be held at the XS Club of the Aurora Complex, at 8.30 p.m. Jazz will impart a different musical shade to this year's festival, being included for the first time. This concert will see the participation of Dominic Galea's Heritage, a highly acclaimed four-piece jazz group.

A Traditional Gozitan Night will be held on October 22 at the foyer of the Aurora Complex at 7.30 p.m. Patrons will have a feast of traditional Gozitan delicacies to choose from. These will be coupled with Gozitan home-made wine and a wide selection of traditional desserts such as nougat, sun-dried figs and an abundance of local fresh fruits.

Patrons will also be entertained to folk songs and band marches. Folk-singers and musicians in traditional costumes will enliven the evening with their traditional ghana whereas the Aurora Folk Group will colour the surroundings with its performances.

Finally, a concert of music from the Archives of the Gozo Cathedral will be held on October 23 at 8 p.m. The concert will feature a revival of a number of works from these archives, the oldest in Gozo, performed by soloists, the Aurora Opera Chorus and an orchestra directed by Colin Attard, who is also the festival's artistic director.

All concerts will be free of charge and a nominal fee of Lm2 will be charged for the cultural tours. Tickets for the Traditional Gozitan Night will be sold for Lm4.50. Tickets for the opera will be available for Lm18 (last six rows) and Lm20. Patrons will be able to purchase tickets either directly from the Aurora Theatre, from Anthony D' Amato (Valletta/Sliema) or from the Mellieha Sub-Post Office. Prior booking is recommended for all events.

Patrons may book for the events or obtain additional information by phoning on 2156 2974 or 2155 9452 between 6 - 8.30 p.m.