Following eight previous successful editions of Opera vs Pop Under the Stars, the Gozo Youth Orchestra presents this year’s edition on August 1 at the Gozo Ministry, Victoria, at 8.30pm.

The concert features soprano Pamela Agius (New York), bass Noel Galea and pop singer Francesco Joseph Nicodeme (Italy), together with Gozitan and Maltese singers and musicians. The first part of the programme consists of classical and operatic songs and arias, followed by an array of lighter pop arrangements from soundtracks and musicals in the second part.

Ever since its inception in 2002, the Gozo Youth Wind Band and Orchestra, consisting of two separate groups of young and promising musicians, have been entertaining the public with a wide range of stylistic repertoire to the enjoyment of all age groups.

Hailing from all over Gozo, and enriched with proficient guest musicians, including foreign residents residing on the island, these young musicians meet regularly to prepare a wide spectrum of musical genre to be performed in various high caliber events held from time to time in Gozo and Malta.

The whole concept behind this project, which originated after a successful tour by The Derbyshire City and County Youth Wind Band and Orchestra in 2001, besides creating the opportunity to young talented musicians perform in the collective manner, is to create a new approach to concert performances by nearly similar ensembles and strives to explore new and innovative aspects of presenting its performances.

Tickets are available by sending an e-mail to gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk or by calling on 9942 1611/7942 1611.