To mark the International Spring Orchestra Festival’s fifth anniversary at the end of the month, all concerts will be free.

Its artistic director, 31-year-old Paris-based composer Karl Fiorini aims to change the mistaken impression that classical music is only for the bourgeouis.

“Our biggest fight is against such ignorance and laziness,” says Fiorini. “Classical music can be enjoyed by everyone only if one is curious enough to make the first step.”

The opening concert will be held at Piazza Tigné on April 26 at 6 p.m. with a performance of Haydn’s 70th Symphony by the Rotterdam Ensemble.

The orchestra’s conductor Roberto Beltran-Zavala will perform a programme that includes Bartok’s Divertimento for strings and Shostakovich’s Piano concerto No1.

Another concert is being held at the Sant’ Antnin Waste Plant in Marsascala on April 28 at 8 p.m. On April 29, two children’s concerts are taking place at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, at 1 p.m. and 1.45 p.m.

The International Spring Festival Orchestra is also launching a Classical Music Marathonon the final day of the event, aimed at young debutantes at the Sala Isouard, Manoel Theatre.

The marathon will start at 10 a.m. and will include 10 one-hour solo and chamber concerts. Together with the youngsters, 10 established local musicians will also be performing, one every hour.

The marathon will culminate with an orchestral concert at 8 p.m.

Those interested in participating may e-mail kfiorini@rcm.ac.uk or call 7925 6097.

Visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt for the full programme and to book.