Adds programme
This year's edition of Notte Bianca will see 170 events held in 80 venues across Valletta on the night of October 3, the organisers said today.
The events will broadly follow the pattern established in the three editions held so far. There will be dancing, music and drama in all the main squares and all museums will remain open late into the night, without charge. They will include the War Museum in lower Fort St Elmo, which reopened recently after extensive refurbishment.
Director Peter Busuttil said arrangements are being made for Valletta to better cater for the crowds. A new park and ride service will operate from the car park of St Luke's Hospital in Guardamangia and a trackless train will operate from Valletta Waterfront to Victoria Gate and the Auberge de Baviere.
All of Valletta will feature festa decorations and churches and chapels will be open for religious activities, exhibitions and concerts.
Also open will be the Palace and all ministries. The Auberge de Castille will be devoted to exhibitions and performances by Gozitan artists.
The events, which kick off at 6 p.m. will include animation for children, historical re-enactments, a fashion show, tours around the city, a parade by the police precision drill team and even a crib-making display.
The Museum of Fine Arts will feature several rare exhibits, including proposals made in 1914 by Antonio Sciortino for a Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
Notte Bianca will be followed up on October 4 with an AFM Open Day at Valletta Waterfront, where the focus will be on the Maritime Squadron and several patrol boats will be open for viewing.
THE DRAFT PROGRAMME
1 St James Bastion (Central Bank Car Park)
Display of vintage and classic cars from the Old Motors Club (Malta)
2 St James Cavalier – Centre for Creativity
Exhibitions:
Cartoons for Diversity and Against Discrimination
Pornolitics
the 3rd Malta – Cyprus ceramics exhibition
Activities for all children including creativity sessions in drama, music, cartoon drawing and storytelling
3 Freedom Square
Concerts by:
Saving Alexis
Scar
2injoy
Eleanor Cassar
Footprints
Bletchely Park
The Rifffs
Airport Impressions
Red Electrick
4 Our Lady of Victories Church – Victory Street
19.00 hrs Mass and vigil
Exhibition and guided tours of the Church, its past users and present services in this first Church of the Capital
5 Old Opera House
Medieval re-enactments, including sword fighting, juggling, fire eating and falconers
Games based on the history of Malta
6 Guided tours around Valletta (meeting place: Ordinance Street)
19.00 to 20.30 hrs Children’s tour (every 30 minutes)
21.00 to 21.45 hrs A walk with the Knights (every 15 minutes)
22:00 to 23:00 hrs VIP Houses of Valletta (every 15 minutes)
23.15 to 01.45 hrs Haunted Streets of Valletta (every 30 minutes)
23.30 to 02.00 hrs Sins and scandals in the City (every 30 minutes)
20.30 / 22.00 / 23.30 hrs Musical journey exploring music in various venues of Valletta
Sunday morning:
09.30 / 11.00 hrs Children’s tour
10.00 hrs A walk with the Knights
10.30 hrs VIP Houses of Valletta
11.30 hrs Sins and Scandals in the City
12.00 hrs Haunted Houses of Valletta
6 Cavalier Street
American themed events with the courtesy of the U.S. embassy in Malta
7 Palazzo Ferreria (Ministry for Social Policy) – Republic Street
Collective paintings exhibition by Matthew Kassar and Saviour Baldacchino
Instincts duo
Quicksand duo
8 Maestro e’ Fresco
Art Exhibition by Ed Schembri
Music by Pete & Paps
9 Castille Place (opposite Auberge de Castille)
Display by Malta the Police Force Precision Drill team
10 Auberge de Castille
All state and official rooms will be open for viewing
Gozo - exhibitions, performances and crafts
11 Castille Place (in front of Malta Stock Exchange)
Fashion show by Charles and Ron
12 Upper Barrakka Gardens
Notte Bianca Raw –unplugged sessions by bands and singers:
Chasing Pandora
Mutley
Ozzy Lino
Indigo
Ben and Phil
Eve Ransom
Klinsmann
Dance performances by Urban Echo, Artemocion Dance and Leisure Studio
12.45 hrs Dance performances by Moving Bodies in collaboration with No Bling
Firing of the Saluting Battery by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna
Wishing Tree – an installation by Sue Mifsud
13 Palazzo Parisio (Ministry for Foreign Affairs) – Merchants Street
Photographic exhibition by the Malta Photographic Society
Neopolitan songs, popular operatic arias, operetta favourites and classical songs from Vox Lirica
Commedia dell’Arte
14 Auberge d’Italie – Merchants Street
Bejn IV Ħitan - a play by George Peresso, performed by SurReal
Musical performances by Sassofoni
Fireworks of words
Dream is Reality – an exhibition by Salvatore Montanucci about the aspects of various cultures brought together
15 St Barbara Church – Republic Street
20:15 / 21:30 / 22:45 hrs Choral concerts by the Joy Gospel Singers
16 St Francis Church – Republic Street
‘Give Peace a Chance’
Mass to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis
17 St Francis Hall – Melita Street
La Bottega del Presepio
Members of Ghaqda Hbieb tal-Prespju will give a live demonstration of the various stages involved in building a crib and its accessories
18 St Andrew’s Scots Church – South Street
Photographs and pictures showing the early days of the building and an indication of what it is used for now
19 City Theatre – Old Bakery Street
Magic after Dark – spectacular magic and illusion show by the Malta Magicians’ Society
Mano Libera – an innovative animated theatrical performance
20 Workers’ Memorial Building – South Street
Museum Egalite’ – exhibition
Gallarija Liberte’ – exhibition
Fireworks of words
Concerts in the Courtyard by SALT
21 Hastings Garden
Children’s Fun and Fantasy Garden
Animation, crafts, hands-on experience, puppets, dance, theatre, popular characters
Dance performances by Urban Echo, Artemocion dance, Leisure Studio, Annette's Mystic Dancers and Dance Council (children improvisation)
Children’s performances by Frank O'Neil
Songs by Alessia
21.30 hrs Alegria Dance Company
01.45 hrs Dance performances by Moving Bodies in collaboration with No Bling
Ghanjet il-Malti - A night with local singers and songwriters
Concert of Maltese epic songs by the legendary New Cuorey
The Sea Adventure - collage by San Anton Students
22 National Museum of Fine Arts – South Street
Animated tours
Exhibition of rarely seen drawings of the project for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier proposed in 1914 by sculptor Antonio Sciortino.
Behind the scenes tour, as well as access to the museum’s library and other areas that are not usually accessible by the general public.
23 Din l-Art Ħelwa premises – Melita Street
Marine underwater photographic exhibition
24 Dance Hall Avenue - Strait Street between St John’s and Melita
Ballroom and latin dancing by the Sway Dance Company
25 National Museum of Archeology – Republic Street
Viewing and exhibition on Renzo Piano’s plans of Valletta
26 St James Church – Merchants’ Street
Official launch of artist and restorer Sac Charles Vella’s website
Exhibition of restoration works in progress by the artist himself
27 Palazzo Castellania (Department for Health) – Merchants’ Street
Paintings by Alex Dalli – exhibition
Dramatised scenes from the Knights era
Commedia dell’Arte
28 St John’s Square
Concert by the band of the Armed Forces of Malta under the direction of Captain Ivan Borg
Concert by the Police Band with popular singers under the direction of Senior Inspector Anthony Cassar
20.45 hrs Alegria Dance Company
22.15 hrs & 23.00 hrs Dance performances by Moving Bodies, in collaboration with No Bling
29 King’s Own Band Club – Republic Street
King Edward VII Hall - exhibition of the band’s treasures
30 St Augustine Youth Centre – St John Street
The History of Mandraggio – multimedia presentation including scaled models and various traditions, with the participation of the Capital’s inhabitants
30 St Augustine Parish Church – Old Bakery Street
18:00 hrs Pilgrimage / procession of our Lady of Consolation (taċ-Ċintura) followed by a solemn mass
21:00 hrs Animated youth Mass by the group Lift
31 Kantina Café
Kyra Zammit - Fire Dancer
32 St John’s Co-Cathedral – St John’s Square
Viewing of the Co-Cathedral, oratory and museum
33 Great Siege Square
Concert by
Mykill Cini and Fish
Simon Vella
Astra Folk Group
20.00 hrs Alegria Dance Company
11.45 hrs Dance performances by Moving Bodies in collaboration with No Bling
34 St Mary of Jesus (Ta’ Giezu) Church – St John’s Street
18.15 Mass and transitus of St Francis
35 Bridge Bar
Music from Mark Galea and songs from Christabelle Curmi, among others
35 Bridge Area
Fireworks of words
36 Rodex Arts and Crafts – Old Bakery Street
Noah’s Ark - exhibition of hand-knitted set figures
Oil paintings – Valletta views
37 Il-Bottegin ta’ San Martin Art Studio – Old Bakery Street
Art Alive – art exhibition and hands-on experience, including wood carving
38 Mattia Preti Square
Choral performance by Għaxaq Folk Ensemble
Concert by
The Myth
Skimmed
39 Old Bakery Street
Triq ir-Rittmu: percussion performances by Tetraktis and Daniel Cauchi Percussion Ensembles
40 Valletta Football Club – St Lucy Street
Viewing of the premises and exhibition of trophies and other awards
41 Chiaro Scuro
Me, Myself and Rita – A tribute show to the glamorous Rita Hayworth by Almog Pail
41 Embassy Complex
Concerts by
Jessica Muscat
Wayne Micallef
Chris & Moira
42 Trabixxu
Photographic Exhibition by Joe Fenech Soler
Music by Ben & Phil
43 Casino Maltese – Republic Street
Chamber Concerts by Veronique Vella
Reflections, between reality and thought: - photographic exhibition by Reuben Chircop
44 Republic Square (The Café Premiere Concerts)
Freddie Mizzi & his Big Band
George Curmi (Pusé)
George Micallef & Band
The Schunke Ensemble
45 Arches in Republic Street (between St Lucy and Old Theatre Street)
Exhibition: The Barroco Roll Series - A set of six black & white fine art prints
46 National Library – Republic Square
Viewing of the premises
47 Dimitri Café
Live country music by Midnight Cowboy
Sunday: Live Acoustic Set by Colourblind
48 Collegiate Church of St Paul Shipwrecked – St Paul’s Street
Concerts of sacred music for mezzo soprano and harp by Claire Massa and Caroline Muscat
49 Domus Pauli Museum – St Paul’s Street
Sacred Art Exhibits and other precious belongings of the Collegiate Church of St Paul Shipwrecked
50 Old Marketplace
Short scenes depicting episodes during the time of the Knights of St John
Fireworks of words
Commedia dell’Arte
Maltese crafts with the participation of members from the Malta Crafts Council
50 Market Square
Valletta through the Ages – multi media show including historic animators and a food court full of delights from all over the old empires
51 Dar l-Ewropa – St Paul Street
20.30 hrs Cinedigest - Screening of short films
52 Sac. Charles Vella Art Studio – 211E St Ursola Street
Exhibition of sculptures and painting restorations
53 The President’s Palace - St Georges Square
The Palace Armoury, State Rooms and Houses of Parliament will be open for visitors
53 The President’s Palace Courtyard - St Georges Square
Fireworks of words
Concert by
Cosmos Wind Ensemble
Muzzle
Netnakisum
54 Malata
Marco’s Jazz Quartet
55 Omerta’ – Old Bakery Street
La Capitale in Chiaro e Scuro – photographic and oil painting exhibition
Robert and Corazon duo playing blues and jazz
56 Manoel Theatre – Old Theatre Street
A Night at the Opera – performances by various singers, actors and musicians
56 Sala Isouard, Teatru Manoel – Old Theatre Street
Pianist Clifford Borg will perform a selection of his original works
57 Johann Strauss School of Music
Concerts and viewing
58 Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Old Theatre Street
Exhibition of Marian paintings from the 17th to the 19th century
59 St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral – Independence Square
20.00 hrs Choral concert by the St Paul Choral Society
21.00 hrs Organ recital by Elisabeth Conrad and Dr. Hugo Agius Muscat
60 Independence Square
Għana – traditional folk singing (spirtu pront, fil-gholi, makjetti, prejjem etc)
Astra Folk Group
Aurora Folk Group
Accordion Duo
Victory kitchen reenactment
Corto Maltese – Itinerary theatrical production researched by Pino Scicluna
61 Auberge d’Aragon – Independence Square
Fantasy & Reality – An Exhibition of works by Joseph Casha
From Classic to Jazz - concerts by Victor Borg’s ensemble
Commedia dell’Arte
62 Tal-Pilar Church – West Street
Exhibition commemorating one of Malta’s leading artists in statue-making Karlu Darmanin, including some of his works, information panels and lectures
63 Societa’ Dante Alighieri – Old Bakery Street
Il Mondo in Italiano - promotion of the year’s activities and of Italian Culture.
64 Jesuits Church
Viewing of the Church and its artifacts
65 Heritage Malta Head Office – Merchants’ Street
Exhibition entitled ‘Let There be Light’ by Carmel Bonello and Jeremy Ellul. The artists will be present in order to discuss their work
66 MITP – St Christopher Street
Interactive theatre and exhibition for all the family
67 Messina Palace (German Maltese Circle) – St Christopher Street
The former Casa Rocca Grande will be open for viewing
German gastronomy with a brass band playing Bavarian Oktoberfest marches and polkas
Islands of Dreams – paintings exhibition by Francis Xavier Alosio
69 Santa Croce private chapel – 96 St Ursola Street
Viewing of private chapel owned by a priest dating back to 19th Century
70 Lower Barrakka Gardens
Dance performances by Urban Echo and Artemocion Dance and Leisure Studio
Concerts by
Rooftop
Claudia Faniello & band
Explicit
Mike Spiteri & Friends
71 Our Lady of Porto Salvo and St Dominic’s Parish Church – Merchants’ Street
17.45 hrs Pilgrimage / procession of our Lady of the Holy Rosary followed by a solemn mass
72 Palazzo De La Salle – Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce – Republic Street
Eighth National Arts Competition and Exhibition
Artists at work
20.00 hrs Recital by the Valletta Clarinet Quartet
73 Malta School of Art – Old Bakery Street
Exhibition of art works from the school’s collection, including works by Maltese artists who attended the school, dating from the 1920’s
Hands-on demonstration from the School of Art students
Exhibition of sculptures and ceramic works by Ganni Bonnici
74 Auberge de Baviere – St Sebastian Street
24 hours Valletta - ’A City built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen’ photographic exhibition by Stephen Busuttil
Recitals by Enkor Choir
Concert by the Junior College Orchestra under the direction of Mro. Manuel Pirotta
Astra Folk Group
75 Mediterranean Conference Centre
Guided tours
Re-enactment of the Sacra Infermeria during the time of the Knights of St. John
76 National War Museum
Viewing of this newly-refurbished museum and the war relics on display
Merchant’s Street
Percussions performance by Tama Tanbur
Valletta Waterfront
Joe Camilleri (Bibi) and his seven-piece band will perform a series of pop, jazz and latin music
Sunday 4th October –
11.00hrs to 18.00hrs The Armed Forces will be celebrating its 39th Anniversary with an Open day highlighting the maritime role of the Force. AFM vessels will be open for public and demonstrations from different units will set up on the hour. Performance by AFM Band under the direction of Captain Ivan Borg and a flag down ceremony.
Sagrestia Vault – Valletta Waterfront
Highlights from musicals – with the participation of soprano Marita Bezzina, tenor Frans Mangion and pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa
Festa Street Decorations
Various streets decorated will be for the occasion. Decorations by the four main feasts of Valletta - St Augustine, St Dominic, St Paul and Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Parades and marches in various streets of Valletta
Armed Forces of Malta
Malta Police Band
The Traditional festa bands of
San Girgor, Kerċem Gozo
San Girgor, Sliema
Sant Anna, Wied il-Ghajn
Madonna ta' Pompei, M'Xlokk
Sagra Familja, Kalkara
Madonna tal-Karmnu, Balluta
Karnivalata parade
Trinity Brass Band
In Guardia – Knights of Malta parade
Fireworks of words
Dramatised extracts from 200 years of Maltese literature:
Auberge d’Italie
1881-1890: Anton Manwel Caruana, INEZ FARRUG
1921-1930: Dun Karm, XENQET IR-RABA
1941-1950: Anton Buttigieg, IL-BIDLA TA' NARCIS
1951-1960: Ruzar Briffa, BALLATA TAL-FUNTANA
1961-1970: Albert Marshall, TURIHA 'L HADD DIL-POEZIJA
Old Marketplace
1891-1900: Dwardu Cachia, KATRIN TAL-IMDINA
1981-1990: Oliver Friggieri, FIL-PARLAMENT MA JIKBRUX FJURI
1991-2000: Maria Grech Ganado, STILLA TAL-BAHAR
2001-2009: Clare Azzopardi, IL-LINJA L-HADRA
Mużew Egalite’ in GWU premises
1871-1880: Guze' Muscat Azzopardi, TONI BAJJADA
1931-1940: Gwann Mamo, ULIED IN-NANNA VENUT
1971-1980: Alfred Sant, FID-DELL TAL-KATIDRAL
Bridges in East Street
1800-1810: Anon, L-GHARUSA TAL-MOSTA
1831-1840: Luigi Rosato, KATARINA
1841- 1850: Gan Anton Vassallo, IL-GIFEN TORK
1901-1910: Manwel Magri, TIFEL JEQRED DISA' GGANTI
Palazzo Castellania (Department of Health)
1851-1860: Pietru Pawl Castagna, IL-KUNGRESS TAS-SEFTURI
1861-1870: Carmelo Camilleri, IL-KUGIN
1911-1920: Manwel Dimech, INNU TAL-MALTIN
President’s Palace Courtyard
1913: Nini Cremona, IL-FIDWA TAL-BDIEWA
These performances will be repeated and alternate with others
Love Potion for Arlecchino
An original Commedia dell’Arte farce by Narcy Calamatta in:
Palazzo Parisio (Ministry for Foreign Affairs) in Merchants’ Street
Palazzo Castellania (Department for Health) in Merchants’ Street
Old Marketplace in Merchants’ Street
Auberge d’Aragon in Independence Square