The Malta Arts Festival, organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, kicks off on Sunday for three weeks of artistic events.
The extensive programme, which sees the participation of local and foreign artists, includes music, theatre, dance and a visual arts exhibition.
Covering an array of styles and genres, the programme should appeal to audiences of all demographics.
Since debuting on the local cultural calendar back in 2006, the festival has each year sought to expand and evolve to offer its audience a programme of artistic excellence, which is fresh, exciting and innovative.
And this year’s edition continues in this fashion by introducing two brand new initiatives: Theatre Week and the Emerging Artists Series.
Featuring an extensive assortment of workshops, talks, demonstrations and performances, Theatre Week will be offering theatre practitioners and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of today’s most distinguished thespian visionaries.
A string of world-renowned artists and ensembles performing in this year’s edition continues to make the Malta Arts Festival one of the most sought-after events in the Maltese cultural calendar.
Returning to the festival for his seventh consecutive appearance, acclaimed Italian cellist Enrico Dindo will open the festival with an intimate performance of three of the six Bach Cello Suites at the majestic St Lawrence Basilica in Vittoriosa.
• Further details and events calendar may be obtained online: www.maltaartsfestival.org
Visual Arts
Till Saturday
Peasant Costumes: Insights Into Rural Life and Society
An exhibition of popular attire and their pictorial representations in late 18th, 19th and early 20th century Gozo, which explores the historical context and production processes and materials for peasants’ dress. Showing at the Ministry for Gozo, St Francis Square, Victoria. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Cross-Section of My Art Life 2
Mary Clare Albanozzo is holding an art exhibition at her studio at 51A, Tigné Street, Sliema. Open every day. For private viewing call on 2137 1345/9988 1197 or e-mail clarealbanozzo@gmail.com
The Biblioteca Melitensis – A Passage Through Time
An exhibition at the National Library of Malta on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the inauguration of the building (1812-2012). Open during office hours.
Till July 7
Tra mare e terra
Paola Failla, a refined artist endowed with deep aesthetic sensibility, is showing her works at the Italian Cultural Institute, St George Square, Valletta. Her basic element is colour, which goes from stronger shades to very faint patinas barely hinted at. The exhibition is being held under the patronage of the Comune della Città di Padova and Regione Veneto. Opening hours: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Till July 29
Metal Magic: Spanish Treasures from the Khalili Collections
A selection of works from the Khalili Collections is showing at the Grand Salon of the National Museum of Archaeology.
Till July 31
S Come sono, e come sarò
An art exhibition by Luciano Schifano organised by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce as part of the celebrations to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the society. At Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Entrance is free.
Concerts/Music
Tomorrow
MPO/MYO concert
British conductor Philip Walsh will be directing the Malta Philharmonic and Malta Youth Orchestras in an evening of well-loved classics. This promises to be a unique event, certainly a first in Malta, with the leading musicians of the MPO and the young energetic musicians of the MYO joining forces at one of the most spectacular open-air venues on the island, St George Square, Valletta.
Other
Today and tomorrow
L-Imnarja
A programme of activities to commemorate the traditional feast of St Peter and St Paul, including folk singing and village band music today at 7.30 p.m. and the traditional horse races at Racecourse Street, Rabat, tomorrow at 1 p.m. This is a National Folklore Commission event in collaboration with the Agrarian Society and the Rabat and Mdina local councils.
Tomorrow
Can Acupuncture Help Obesity?
A talk by Ronglian Ma, director of the Mediterranean Regional Acupuncture Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Paola. The talk is being held at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Melita Street, Valletta.
Tomorrow
Pottery classes for children
Space for Clay is organising pottery classes for children from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. More details may be obtained from Rosella Schembri on 7920 6464 or e-mail: spaceforclay@gmail.com
Saturday
Arts in the Open Air
The Marsascala local council is organising this cultural activity as part of its annual calendar of events. More than 20 different types of handmade crafts will be on show in an open-air exhibition. Exhibitors will be showing their works of art and those attending will be given the opportunity to try their hands at the making of the various crafts. Children will also be allotted a corner where they can try to master the art of painting, collage making and drawing. This event is being held along the promenade at Marina Street from 6 p.m. onwards.
Tuesday
In Guardia
The In Guardia Parade is a re-enactment that portrays an authentic event that took place regularly inside Fort St Elmo. The show begins at 11 a.m. and lasts for 40 minutes.
Feasts
Tomorrow
St Peter and St Paul, Mdina, Nadur
Sunday
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Sliema; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Fleur-De-Lys; St Andrew, Luqa; Our Lady of Lourdes, Qrendi; The Visitation of Our Lady, Għarb; St Paul, Rabat
Useful contacts
St James Cavalier
Tel: 2122 3200
E-mail: info@sjcav.org
www.sjcav.org
Manoel Theatre
Tel: 2124 6389
bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt
www.manoeltheatre.com.mt
To submit a cultural event e-mail: arts@timesofmalta.com