High-calibre musicians performing in the unique medieval ambiance of the church of Santa Marija ta’ Bir Miftuħ never fail to enchant the public.
The 16th edition of the Din l-Art Ħelwa International Music Festival features three concerts.
The opening concert takes place on Saturday with the Kalypso Ensemble, comprised of Klara Nazaj and Giulia Tavano, (both on violin), Ina Georgieva (viola), Rahia Angela Awalom (violoncello) and Donata Paduano (double bass).
The highly acclaimed Kalypso Ensemble was formed within the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in 2011. Its repertoire ranges from the baroque to contemporary music.
All its members are musicians with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and have performed internationally with several chamber music groups and prestigious orchestras, under eminent conductors comprising Ennio Morricone, Claudio Abbado, Daniele Gatti , Gabriele Ferro and Riccardo Muti. They will perform works by Rossini, Haydn and Webern.
The second concert on June 1 is a classical guitar recital by Ulrich Rasche. He will delight the audience with works by Bach, Weiss and Reusner. Mr Rasche also plays the electric and acoustic guitar and has a long time experience in performing with rock, soul and jazz bands.
The concert on June 9 will see a string recital by violinist Agnès Pyka and Edouard Sapey-Triomphe on the violoncello.
They will perform fascinating works by Maurice Ravel and Zoltan Kodaly.
All concerts start at 8 p.m.
• Tickets may be obtained from the offices of Din l-Art Ħelwa at 133, Melita Street, Valletta. For more information call 2122 0358/2122 5952, or e-mail: info@dinlarthelwa.org
Visual Arts
Till May 28
A lifelong song of “unsung heroes”
Camilleriparismode, 54, St Catherine Street, Rabat, is showcasing works by Frederick Gingell, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Andrew Borg and Maria Rossella Dalmas.
Till May 31
Exhibition by Giorgio Celiberti
The Italian Cultural Institute is showing the works of this Friulian artist, one of the most important painters on the contemporary art scene . He has exhibited in many cities worldwide and won the “Sulmona award” in 2003.
Till May 31
Aligi Sassu (1912-2006) – Memories on Paper
A collaboration between Heritage Malta’s National Museum of Fine Arts and the Amici dell’Arte Aligi Sassu. This exhibition features 20 works on paper by Sassu. His works are in the futurist and primitivist idiom. Showing at the Contemporary Hall at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Till May 31
George Abdilla photographic works
George Abdilla is showcasing some great moments from past editions of the Malta Jazz Festival at the Palace Hotel, High Street, Sliema. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Till June 30
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, exploring 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.
Till June 30
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
Concerts/Music
Tomorrow
MPO Concert Series
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra concludes its four-concert series at the Manoel Theatre in style with an all-British programme featuring soprano Gillian Zammit singing Britten’s Les Illuminations under the direction of Michael Laus. Leader Marcelline Agius will perform the solo in Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending. The concert starts at 7.30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday
Peking Opera
Highlights of classic repertoire of the Peking Opera Theatre of Hubei Province are being presented at the Manoel Theatre.
The opera presents the audience with an encyclopaedia of Chinese culture, as well as unfolding stories, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and martial arts. Shows start at 8 p.m.
Wednesday
Las Canciones
Soprano Charlene Portelli will be accompanied by pianist Caroline Calleja and clarinettist Jessica Ellul in a recital of Spanish songs and German Lieder, featuring works by Schubert, Villa-Lobos, Grieg and Strauss at Sagrestia Vault. This will be the last concert being presented by Barocco Cultural Events before summer. Recital starts at 8 p.m.
Tomorrow and Sunday;
Performing Arts
June 1 and 2
Ghost Writer
Following the success of the opening performances, DnA Theatre Productions and FM Theatre Productions have extended the run of David Tristram’s Ghost Writer. This comedy thriller stars Alan Montanaro, Edward Mercieca, Denise Mulholland, Marika Fenech, Taryn Butler and Stefan Farrugia. The play is directed by Polly March. Ghost Writer is being staged at St James Cavalier. Performances start at 8 p.m.
Tomorrow and Saturday
Pottery classes for children
Space for Clay is organising pottery classes for children. Tomorrow’s session will be from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. More details may be obtained from Rosella Schembri on 7920 6464 or e-mail: spaceforclay@gmail.com
Other
Sunday
Potato Agrarian Festival
The first Potato Festival is being held in the quiet village of Qrendi. On show will be the different potato varieties, equipment and machinery used in the harvesting and export of potatoes as well as various food stalls serving potato recipes.
There will also be an animated area for kids where potato games will be played.
Entertainment will be provided by several dance schools and singers and popular group Airport Impressions will give an unplugged concert from 6 p.m. onwards.
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