Rock and classical music merge for charity

Rock music will fuse with classical sounds in September during Rockestra, a concert organised to raise funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The National Philharmonic Orchestra will be taking centre stage at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre in Ta' Qali, playing rock music, including classics from Queen, the Beach Boys, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and Deep Purple. Rock bands like The Rifffs and Scream Daisy's Jotham Saliba will share the stage with classical singers, including sopranos Maria Abela and Claire Caruana.

Ross Ashton, who had projected images outlining the history of Malta on Fort St Angelo when the island joined the EU in 2004, will be staging a light show.

Speaking during a press conference to launch the concert, the President's wife, Margaret Abela, said it was important to work to raise funds for the Community Chest Fund, which helps a number of people in need and organisations. "Through a small effort from everyone we can make great things," she said.

The concert will be held on September 12 under the patronage of the President and Mrs Abela against a €10 donation.

Bookings can be made from tomorrow through the site www.rockestra.org and from the Embassy Shopping Complex.

Children under 12 will be admitted for free.