Rockestra's encore on September 11

Rockestra, the innovative concert where classical music meets rock in aid of charity, will return this year.

The concert will be held at the MFCC in Ta' Qali on September 11 in what President George Abela promised would provide three hours of entertainment.

Dr Abela urged patrons to book early as tickets were limited. The first concert last year, held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund, attracted thousands of curious enthusiasts, but had disappointed others when tickets were sold out.

"After the concert, we were encouraged to organise another one. And that is just what we did," Dr Abela, chairman of the MCCF, told a news conference.

The line-up will be announced closer to the date, though Mro Sigmund Mifsud, conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, hinted it would include rock, pop and classical singers.

The concert will also see the participation of foreign acrobats in a display synchronised to music.

Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco commended the concert, saying every euro spent on art and culture was an investment.

"We are trying to move music closer to the people and this is another way we can reach out to them," he said.

The Finance Ministry also announced a donation of €15,000 to aid the concert's cause from the Good Causes Fund.

Tickets, which cost €10 and €15 for the standing and seated areas respectively, are available from the President's Palace and San Anton Palace.