The sixth edition of the free series of concerts which form part of the Gaulitana festival opens in Gozo next Sunday.
‘Gaulitana: A festival of music’ features a mix of international and local artists, ensembles and choirs, artistically directed by the choir’s founder-director Colin Attard.
Foreign performers hail from the US, Canada, the UK, Russia, Germany, Italy and Hungary.
This Eastertime festival opens and ends with performances by the Gaulitanus Choir – a non-affiliated Gozitan choir formed in 1990 – with a sacred concert and a contrasting concluding concert from the musical theatre.
In between, other recitals featuring choirs, solo singers, string and brass chamber ensembles and a number of pianists will be held.
The events range from the typical concert-fare to a quasi-reflective spiritual event during Holy Week and to an open-air busking session.
Typically, the festival not only presents established performers but also gives space to up-and-coming talent.
The festival is held in various localities throughout Gozo.
Besides the enhancement of Gozo’s cultural milieu and its promotion on an international scale, the festival aims to boost Gozo’s touristic appeal.
This year’s edition opens next Sunday with a concert at St Augustine church, Victoria, at 7.30 p.m. During the concert, entitled ‘A Sacred Choral Opening’, the Gaulitanus Choir and its soloists will present a number of sacred works in English.
Pride of place is given to the cantata Easter Trilogy by American composer Benjamin Harlan. Other works, including a number of medleys and arrangements specifically made up for the occasion, will comprise the rest of the programme. Stephen Attard will be the accompanist with Attard at the helm.
The festival ends on April 30.
For the full programme, visit www.gaulitanus.com.