Voices focus on the family

The theme of the Voices 2006 concert, scheduled for October, is One Family, the organising committee said yesterday.

Apart from the musical and philanthropic aspects - the concert raises funds for those in need - Voices has an ulterior aim and, this year, the focus is the family in an ever-individualistic society.

The theme does not refer to the immediate family, but had a much wider concept, Adrian Mamo, from the organising committee, said at the launch at the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort yesterday.

He was backed by Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina, who also stressed the importance of the family unit in society.

Even though values have diminished, the family still has its importance in Malta and should be safeguarded and cherished, she said, praising the work of Voices.

Fifteen years after the first Voices concert, which is held every two years, a total of Lm320,000 have been raised for those in need, Ms Cristina pointed out, adding that the initiative gave a voice to those who did not have one and implemented the value of solidarity.

The concert, put up by volunteers, will be spread over 10 nights from October 4 to 15. Its main sponsor is the Vodafone Foundation.

A roving exhibition by photographer Uwe Ommer, who toured the world taking photos of 1,000 families, will be mounted during the concert. It includes 60 large and impressive images, Mr Mamo said.