Festival Mediterranea

The seventh Festival Mediterranea kicks off on October 20 with a visit to St George's Basilica, Victoria. Works of art worth viewing include the painting of the dome and ceiling by Gian Battista Conti and other paintings by Mattia Preti.

Puccini's opera Turandot will be staged at the Astra Theatre on October 23 and 25. Artistic direction is by Mario Corradi, while Mro. Joseph Vella will conduct the National Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Marcelline Agius. The Astra Theatre Opera Chorus will also take part.

A concert by Italian singer Amadeo Minghi will be held on November 1. Other events include visits to Ta' Mena Agrofarm (October 21); Hypogeum, Tarxien Temples, Tas-Silġ, Ġgantija Temples and other traditional trades (October 27-30); jazz concert by La Stella Clarinet Quartet (October 24); vocal and instrumental recital by soprano Miriam Cauchi, Simon Abdilla (cello) and Maria Frendo (piano) - October 26; Cinderella, by the Dance Conservatoire of Johane Casabene (November 8); and Uniting Diversity, by the Naupaca Dance Factory (November 15).

The festival ends with a concert by La Stella Band on November 22. For more details e-mail info@ mediterranea.com.mt. For bookings e-mail bookings@mediterranea.com.mt or call 2155 0985.