Two weeks of music, culture and heritage in Gozo

The haunting charm of Gozo's majestic Neolithic temples and the exquisite texture of Baroque music played in the splendid environs of St George's Basilica will be among the elements gracing this year's edition of Festival Mediterranea, 17 days of cultural activities aimed at promoting the traditional and historical legacy of Gozo.

The mid-autumn festival is organised by Società Filarmonica La Stella.

Events will kick off on Friday and will come to an end on November 6. The highlight of this year's edition will be the much awaited opera, La Boheme, to be staged on October 27 and 29 and featuring Malta's celebrated tenor Joseph Calleja. The festival will be officially inaugurated with a classical music concert by the Amatørsymfonikerne Orchestra at St George's Basilica.

Other events include classic jazz concerts, on-site talks in various historic venues around Gozo such as Victoria, the Citadel, Borg in-Nadur, the Xaghra Stone Circle and Ggantija, art talks at various Gozitan churches, art exhibitions, an exhibition of prestigious silver artifacts, a Baroque music concert, a Maltese food and wine festival with the participation of local folk artistes and an international conference called Tarxien To Rome led by Prof. David Trump.

The festival comes to an end with La Stella Philharmonic Band's annual concert and High Mass with the participation of the Laudate Pueri Choir at St George's Basilica.

A Bank of Valletta sponsorship was presented by Jack Thewma, manager of BOV's Gozo branch to Dolindo Cassar, president of the Società Filarmonica La Stella during a visit to the Astra Theatre.

Further information and the programme of events is available on www.mediterranea.com.mt