After the suspenseful hype about the Manoel Theatre’s new programme, Education Minister Dolores Cristina, Manoel Theatre chairman Peter Fenech and Judie Farrugia, general manager, yesterday chaired a news conference to launch the season’s events.

The Manoel’s fresh calendar of events was not the only topic on the agenda. Mrs Cristina explained the merging process between the Manoel Theatre and the Mediterranean Conference Centre, which is being discussed, leading to more efficiency and a better use of financial and human resources. The minister also mentioned the theatre’s Back Stage project, an investment which is to be finalised by the end of this year.

The minister spoke about the Manoel’s events, published in a leaflet entitled Highlights of Season 08-09, giving the management the opportunity to add more events in the theatre’s Cultural Calendar throughout the course of the year.

Throughout the theatre season, patrons will be given the opportunity to experience three festivals: The Opera Festival – held in March, during which Mozart’s opera ‘The Magic Flute’ and Vaughan Williams’ opera ‘Riders to the Sea’ will take the limelight; the International String Festival – with concerts by both local and foreign renowned musicians; and the Haydn Festival – celebrating this composer’s bicentenary.

Children will have two productions dedicated to them. Drama in English and Maltese and the ever popular pantomime will be present in this season’s calendar too. There has been extensive expansion in the music programme.

The minister explained that this season’s music programme will include recitals, chamber and orchestral concerts.

Two series have been developed to launch new soloists and new composers. The theatre will open its doors for the first time next Saturday with a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Brian Schembri with the participation of soloist Stefan Cassar. Mrs Cristina wished the best of luck to all artists, crew, and the management committee who have worked hard to prepare the high quality events.

The Manoel’s chairman said that without the support of the media, major Maltese companies and audiences the Manoel Theatre will not be able to function. Dr. Fenech said that the theatre and the media should forge a greater working relationship because as it is cultural events are never given the prominence deemed necessary.

He mentioned the fact that it is very rare, if ever, that cultural events make it to the front page of newspapers. Speaking about corporate support of major companies in Malta, Dr. Fenech stated that these have a social responsibility to relocate a sum to culture and artistic awareness. With their financial support they will not only be helping theatres like the Manoel invite artists of high calibre who ask for a high cachet, but also enhance their brand name.

Dr. Fenech stressed the fact that an evening at the theatre is enjoyable and must become a regular item on people’s agenda. Different shows are presented every weekend and also during the week. The Highlights of Season 08-09 are distributed free of charge and all information and booking may be done online, making it much more convenient for the public to visit the theatre.

The public may obtain more information about the theatre calendar, times, prices and bookings on www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.