The second edition of the week-long The Three Palaces festival is back with a high-calibre programme featuring international artists and local musicians. It will be held in the surroundings of the three presidential palaces.

Running from November 3 to 9, the festival will feature over 10 events, seven international artists and eight of Malta’s top acts.

International names will include Evelyn Glennie, Tasmin Little, one of today’s leading international violinists, John Lenehan, whose performances and recordings have been acclaimed throughout the world, Barry Douglas, Inge Rosar, Jonathan Bloxham and Omri Epstein.

Local artists will include Gisele Grima, Erica Gialanze, Sarah Spiteri, Cliff Zammit Stevens, Nicola Said, Charlene Farrugia, Godfrey Mifsud and Paul Borg and Versatile Brass.

The programme will feature music by Bach and contemporary composers. One theme will include music from before, during and after World War I.

The closing concert will feature the arrival of jazz.

The festival was launched at San Anton Palace in the presence of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, Arts Council Malta chairman Albert Marshall and festival director Annabelle Attard. Playing for the occasion was 11-year-old pianist Amy Borg, who will also be taking part in the festival’s Family Day.

The festival will also include a workshop on Understanding the structure of Bach by Inge Rosar as well as a Family Day at San Anton Palace.

The artistic committee of The Three Palaces is composed of Cynthia Turner, Albert Storace and Lucia Micallef.

For booking call Arts Council Malta on 2339 7000. Invitations will be issued on a first-come first-served basis. Entrance is against a €5 donation.