Feast of musical delights in Gozo

What a gourmet feast of musical delights these islands have been served over the past 27 days.

Many congratulations to the organising committee of the Victoria International Arts Festival 2007: Patron - Archpriest Fr Joseph Farrugia; artistic director Joseph Vella, assistant artistic director George Joseph Frendo; and Maria Frendo for her enlightened and informative composition notes for each concert.

The quality, flavour, variety, artistic texture and quantity of the delights served to us have been literally out of this world.

Gozo, and our sister island Malta, should be proud of having such a wealth of artistic talent, dedicated and committed individuals to mastermind and manage such an event for the enjoyment and inspiration of the citizens of these islands and visiting tourists. Artists from around the world who have heard of the Victoria International Arts Festival seek to attend and contribute to the event.

This year we have had the privilege of being entertained by four choirs: the Primavere Choir from Japan, the Laudate Pueri Choir of St George's Basilica, Gozo, the Edinburgh University Chamber Choir from Scotland, and the King's Junior School and Ely Choristers from England.

We have heard brass bands, a jazz group, an evening of contemporary music by the Oden Ensemble from France and numerous world-renowned soloists of outstanding quality, many having given their time freely to attend and perform at the concerts. We have heard talks about legendary musicians, modern compositions and composers, the list goes on and on and last, but by no means not least, the festival provided the opportunity to a number of highly-talented young musicians, both local and international, to perform to audiences in concert surroundings and wow did they do well!

The only downside of this magnificent festival, which is now in its 10th year, has been the relatively poor support and attendance it received from the islands' citizens. This festival is dependent on donations from attendees for its continuity. The media and tourism authorities appear to fail to see what a great asset this type of event offers the country, not only in attracting quality artists and performers but also by promoting the event further afield, thus encouraging not only tourists, but Maltese and Gozitan citizens, to come and participate.

Plans are already in hand for the 11th Victoria International Arts Festival for 2008. So how about putting the dates in your diary now, mid-June through to July 14, 2008, promoting the event wherever possible, thus helping to attract visitors from abroad to come and enjoy evenings of pure pleasure in the beautiful surroundings of St George's Basilica, Gozo.