Gaulitana returns between the 8th March and 7th April, with a programme entitled on "Women in Society". Indeed, taking cue from Manon Lescaut - this year's staged opera, the festival shall underline their engagement in the arts and society.
As such, the exciting feast of arts presents key events related to chosen theme: an exhibition by Chinese female artists and talks entitled Women in Music and Women in Society respectively; whilst concerts shall feature works by female composers. Moreover, Clara Schumann's 200th birth anniversary is commemorated with a talk, two recitals and the film screening of "Song of Love"
In addition, Gaulitana celebrates two women - Marcelline Agius on her 25th anniversary as leader of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and Miriam Gauci, the festival's Honorary Patron. Agius takes the solo role in Vaughan William's The Lark Ascending with the MPO in the opening Symphonic Concert - also featuring Schubert's Unfinished Symphony. Gauci shall interpret the title-role in Manon Lescaut, as Puccini's opera returns to the local stage after an absence of 22 years.
"Gozo's main classical music festival" features a number of international and local artists including Warner Classics violinist Davide Alogna, Kazakhstan's Forte Trio, the ControArco Consort and eminent flute player Enzo Caroli. Besides, the Steelwind Chamber Saxophone Quartet will perform at the Ggantija Temples whereas Reggie Clews takes the limelight in "A Trail of Victoria", performing Paganini's 24 Caprices in three chapels.
Alexander Frey is once again the Artist-in-Residence in an edition also hosting the exhibiton "Puccini: The Artist & The Man". The eclectic programme includes the Espresso Series in the historic Cittadella, and the MusicAlive series, aiming to present live music to a wider audience, together with GAULearn, the festival's educational programme.
Gaulitana is supported by the Gozo Cultural Support Programme of Arts Council Malta in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo.
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