An encore for Ġensna concert

The promoters of Ġensna In Concert have decided to add a number of additional performances of the Maltese rock opera.

The extra shows will take place on May 2 and 3 in the Republic Hall at the Mediterranean Conference Centre's Republic Hall in Valletta.

Tickets will be on sale from MCC's booking office from tomorrow.

Ġensna In Concert marks the 27th anniversary of the first performance of the rock opera that took place in the early 1980s at the same MCC hall.

Ġensna traces about 8,000 years of Maltese history through the voices of Bayzo, Mary-Rose Mallia, Paul Giordimaina, Renato, Catherine Vigar and Joe Cutajar, putting emphasis on Ġorġ Borg Olivier's courageous fight for Malta's attainment of independence and reaching a climax with Dom Mintoff's triumph for Freedom on March 31, 1979.

Ġensna In Concert's nine successful performances, viewed by more than 12,000 patrons, also included the participation of Mary Spiteri, Georgina, Ralph Mangion and up-and-coming young Maltese talent Ryan Abela.

This would not have been possible without the involvement of a choir consisting of 180 people, a 38-piece orchestra under the direction of Paul Abela and Alison White's choreography and dancers.

Ira Losco and Winter Moods' main singer Ivan Grech starred with a duet, making sure that Ġensna's legacy is carried forward to the younger generation.

The promoters will be launching an updated website at www.gensna.com that will include photos and information about Ġensna In Concert.

A commemorative CD/DVD pack of this production and that of the original performance held 27 years ago is on its way and will be available to the public soon.