Pino Daniele, Al Jarreau for Malta Christmas concert

Pino Daniele, Skunk Anansie and Al Jarreau will be among the stars performing at the popular Concerto di Natale, the Rai Due Christmas Eve concert, which will be held in Malta this year.

Other artists include Gigi d’Alessio, Cesaria Evora from Cape Verde, Antonella Ruggiero, Lighea, Max Gazze’ and the New York State Gospel Choir.

The concert will be recorded on December 4 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

The local artists taking part in the concert are the National Philharmonic Orchestra, a group from the popular choir Voices, the children’s choir led by soprano Gillian Zammit, and Maltese soprano Maria Abela.

The concert will once again be led by Mro Renato Serio. Past notable artists participating in the concert included Andrea Bocelli, Riccardo Cocciante, Enya, Claudio Baglioni and Gigi d’Alessio.

Speaking at a news conference, Culture Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco said the event showcased local and foreign talent but also promoted solidarity since a donation from the proceeds will go towards the people of Haiti, still reeling from the catastrophic earthquake.

Dr de Marco thanked the organisers for choosing Malta for this year’s concert, saying the promotion of the event and the screening of the concert would promote Malta, particularly with Italian tourists.

The concert has been increasing in viewership with the latest edition viewed by almost three million people in Italy alone.

Dr de Marco said that after the event the rights of the concert would be sold to Rai International, which would then transmit the concert or parts of the event on television stations around the world.

The concert was held in the Vatican for the first 13 editions before being transferred to Monte Carlo in 2006, Verona in 2007 and 2008, and Catania in 2009.

Mro Serio said the concert in Malta would include popular artists and a blend of musical styles varying from classical to rock.

Fr Donato Lacedonio from the Salesian society said this year’s Christmas project, called Haiti Calling, will restore the roof of the elementary school in Cap Haitien, consolidating the building and supporting the work of education and formation of the school.

The concert will be compered by popular Italian presenter Mara Venier.