It was a packed house at Joseph Calleja’s annual summer concert on Monday, which continued late into the night, with the audience wanting more even after a few encores.

The performance, at Luxol Grounds in Pembroke, opened with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s rendition of the Star Wars theme, which, along with Steve Mercurio’s energetic conducting, set the riveting mood for the evening.

The mix of musical styles provided something for everyone.

The night’s guest performers included Maltese tenors Niccolo Darmanin and Cliff Zammit Stevens, soprano Miriam Cauchi, mezzo soprano Marvic Monreal and the Joseph Calleja BOV Children’s Choir.

Maltese tenors Cliff Zammit Stevens (L) and Niccolo Darmanin (R).

Members of the orchestra.

Local band Red Electrick’s performance delighted the audience, though the real guest star of the show was American singer Anastacia, whose powerful voice and stage presence wowed the crowds and left them crying for more of her lively repertoire. She obliged, even challenging the audience not to rest because she would rock them some more.

Calleja again was the main event and his rendition of the Italian hit song Volare had the whole crowd singing along, as did Red Electrick’s hit song Young Again.

He also covered Il Volo’s Grande Amore with Darmanin and Zammit Stevens, and sang I Belong To You with Anastacia, in both instances bringing the whole audience to its feet, swaying to the music.

A moving moment came as visibly emotional Anastacia sang Heavy on My Heart, which she wrote after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.

And it was with a heavy heart that Calleja’s seventh annual summer concert came to an end.

He now travels to Denmark to appear at a tribute concert for Luciano Pavarotti.

Calleja sings, accompanied by Maestro Steve Mercurio.

Calleja sang I Belong to You with American powerhouse Anastacia.