Updated: Notte Bianca, bigger and better

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 3^rd 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 17^th to the 19^th 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 19^th 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 4^th October –

11.00hrs to 18.00hrs The Armed Forces will be celebrating its 39^th 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