Din l-Art Ħelwa launches its 14th edition of the Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival on May 21 with a series of concerts with a difference.
There will be performances from high-calibre artistes from Italy, Germany, Malta, Austria and France with the church of Santa Marija of Bir Miftuħ, dating to 1450, as an exceptional backdrop with its mediaeval architecture, frescoes and its perfect acoustics.
The first concert on May 21 at 8 p.m., will be a harp and vocal recital by prize-winning harpist Elena Trovata and tenor Gianfranco Cerreto. The performance, made possible with the support of the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute, will vary from a selection of arie da camera and opera to soundtracks from renowned and Oscar-winning films, jazz and world-famous songs.
Music lovers will be given a unique opportunity to enjoy two different recitals on the evening of May 29.
The first performance at 7 p.m. will be by the Cosmos Wind Ensemble comprised of Rebecca Hall - flute, John McDonough - oboe, Godfrey Mifsud - clarinet, José Garcia Gutiérrez - horn and Ulrike Buhlmann - bassoon. This concert, made possible by the German Embassy, will feature works by Beethoven, Charles Camilleri and Eugène Bozza.
The second performance on the same evening starts at 8.45 and will consist of a choral recital by the Feldkirchen Folksong Choir from Austria, courtesy of Malta International Airport and the Austrian Embassy.
It will feature a varied programme consisting of traditional songs from Carinthia, a cappella music and a few surprises, delivered with the unique sound of southern Austrian voices and accompanied by saxophone and accordion.
The last concert, on June 18 at 7 p.m., will represent an unusual departure in venue for the Bir Miftuħ music festival. An organ recital by French organist Pierre Méa, made possible through the support of the French Embassy and the Alliance Francaise, the event will be held at St John's Co-Cathedral, in Valletta by courtesy of the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation.
For booking forms, further information and for invitations to the organ recital at St John's Co-Cathedral, one should contact Din l-Art Ħelwa on 2122 0358/2122 5952, Monday to Friday between 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m.
All funds raised will be in aid of Din l-Art Ħelwa restoration projects.