The Malta Tourism Authority supported by the Ministry for Tourism will be organising another edition of the Malta International Choir Festival, between 29 October and 1 November. The festival will consist of various choral events that shall be held in numerous locations. The festival opens on Thursday, 29 October with a Singing and Praying for Peace ceremony in Malta's historic landmark, St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
The Secular and Sacred Choral music competitions will be held simultaneously at the Catholic Institute Theatre and St Publius Parish Church in Floriana, on Friday 30 October in the afternoon and evening and in the same venues on Saturday, 31 October during the morning.
Addressing the media during the launch of the Festival the Malta Tourism Authority CEO Paul Bugeja said: "This year's festival should prove to be a great experience to all choir singing enthusiasts, where 26 choirs from 15 European countries will be participating together with choirs from Malta."
Mr Bugeja added that "this prestigious festival of choirs brings together people from different nations who are bound together by singing which does not recognise borders. Singing is an international language which transmits joy and happiness. The Malta International Choir Festival is a great contributor towards the promotion of Malta's culture, not only because music forms an important part of our culture but also because the events are being organised in some of our major historic places such as St John's Co-Cathedral and several baroque churches".
Mr Bugeja continued by saying that "high profile events such as this Choir Festival, have also the very important international dimension, something that strongly complements our marketing and promotional efforts. The Festival is just one of around 40 events organised throughout the calendar year which further promotes our islands' rich culture and heritage, both of which form part of our core values which are a perfect model of Brand Malta".
"This international festival also adds more value to the stay of those who choose to visit our Islands during the shoulder months and it is expected that around 700 choristers together with over 100 accompanying guests will arrive in the coming weeks. I would like to thank the Organising Committee for their tireless efforts, wish all the choirs the best of luck, and I augur our foreign particpants and guests a pleasant stay and that they will find the time to visit our world-renowned historic and cultural sites."
Dun Gwann Galea, one of the artistic directors gave a brief resume of all the happenings during the festival.
On Saturday, 31 October, an exclusive one-hour concert by the world-renowned National Youth Chamber Choir of Great Britain shall be held in Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta. On Friday, 30 and Saturday, 31 October, from noon until 2pm numerous choirs shall be performing in various locations in Valletta. The concerts shall be held in sequence at Pjazza Jean de Valette, Upper Barrakka Garden and Piano Steps (Valletta entrance).
On Sunday morning, various choirs shall be singing during Sunday masses in different parishes.
The choirs will all meet together on Sunday evening, 1 November so that they will participate in the Grand Prix Competition which together with other competitions held during the festival, will be judged by a panel of international experts. During the same soirée winners of each category will be presented with trophies and diplomas.
Tied to this festival the Organizing Committee also organised a Composition Competition, open for young composers from all over the world. The winner of this international competition is David James Allen from the United Kingdom.
This festival is a unique opportunity not to be missed by all lovers of this musical genre. Moira Pisani, chairperson of the Organising Committee was also present for the launch.
For further information visit: www.maltachoirfest.com or phone on 2291 5440.