The Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival organised by Din l-Art Ħelwa at the mediaeval church of Santa Marija Ta' Bir Miftuħ continues with two concerts on the same evening on Saturday.
The first concert, sponsored by the German Embassy and starting at 7 p.m., is by the Cosmos Wind Ensemble comprised of Rebecca Hall - flute, John McDonough - oboe, Godfrey Mifsud - clarinet, José Garcia Gutiérrez - horn and Ulrike Buhlmann - bassoon.
The ensemble was formed in 2005 and is a woodwind-based group, committed to the performance of original chamber-music compositions. The members' diverse cultures is intertwined through their mutual love of music. All of them have played as soloists and as orchestral musicians with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
Their repertoire ranges from the baroque to the contemporary and features works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Charles Camilleri and Eugène Bozza.. They have played at a variety of venues and events across Malta. Last May, they performed an all-Maltese contemporary programme in Munich as part of the Europamusicale Festival.
The second concert starts at 8.45 p.m. and will consist of a choral recital by the Feldkirchen Folksong Choir from Austria. It is sponsored by Malta International Airport and the Austrian Embassy.
The Austrian choir was founded 54 years ago and has faithfully carried on the tradition of Carinthian choral music. It was set up by Deacon Josef Stotter, who is still closely involved. Led by Anna Wresnik, the present director, they have developed further and under her leadership they have toured Estonia, Germany and China. The choir performs regularly at the annual prestigious Carinthian Summer Festival.
The 24 choristers will present a programme featuring 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.
Tickets sell at €25 per person including refreshments between the two concerts. All funds raised are in aid of Din l-Art Ħelwa's restoration programmes.
For more information contact Din l-Art Ħelwa on 2122 5952/2122 0358 or call at 133, Melita St, Valletta.
The church of Bir Miftuħ is found turning left past the roundabout before Malta International Airport.