Music lovers can look forward to an exceptional year of live entertainment as the Gozo Youth Wind Band & Orchestra announces an exciting programme of three major musical productions taking place between July and November 2026.
Under the artistic direction of founder and Music Director Mro Dr Joseph Grech, the organisation continues to raise the bar for musical excellence, presenting a season that blends opera, pop, symphonic music and iconic chart-topping hits. Audiences are encouraged to book early for what promises to be a memorable celebration of music, creativity and community engagement.
Opera vs Pop Under the Stars
The season opens with the highly anticipated 18th edition of Opera vs Pop Under the Stars on Monday, 27 July, at 8.30pm. A firm summer favourite, the concert combines the grandeur of opera with the energy and appeal of contemporary popular music.
Featuring the Gozo Youth Orchestra under the baton of Mro Dr Joseph Grech, the event will bring together a distinguished line-up of performers led by Pamela Cibrano, Ludwig Galea and Noel Galea. They will be joined by guest artists Graziella DeBattista, Fabian Galea and Rachel Fabri.
Set within the picturesque courtyard of the Ministry for Gozo, the open-air concert promises a magical evening of music beneath the summer sky.
The event is supported by the Ministry for Gozo, Visit Malta, The Duke Boutique Hotel and Paul Stellini Design Studio.
Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected] or calling 7942 1611 / 9942 1611.
Stage and Proms on the Sea
The programme continues on Monday, 14 September, at 8.30pm with the 11th edition of Stage and Proms on the Sea, one of Gozo's most distinctive and popular musical events.
Featuring the Gozo Youth Wind Band together with guest vocalists Neville Refalo and Clara Sciberras, the concert will showcase an entertaining mix of stage favourites, proms classics and well-loved popular melodies in a unique seaside setting.
Standing admission will once again be offered free of charge, ensuring that audiences of all ages can enjoy an evening of quality live music.
A limited VIP seated area will also be available by reservation, including a welcome drink, a tris of pasta and dessert. Reservations may be made via [email protected] or by calling 7942 1611 / 9942 1611.
The Golden Age of ABBA and Boney M
Bringing the season to a spectacular close is The Golden Age of ABBA and Boney M, a large-scale production set to take place at the Aurora Theatre on Saturday, 21 November, at 7.30pm.
Following its successful performance at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta earlier in March 2026, the production returns through a collaboration between the Gozo Youth Orchestra and 7SPP.
The concert will feature a remarkable ensemble comprising a 60-piece orchestra, two rock bands and a 20-member backing choir, recreating the timeless hits that made ABBA and Boney M global music legends.
The stellar cast includes Dorothy Bezzina, Sarah Bonnici, Klinsmann Coleiro, Neville Refalo, Francesco Nicodeme and Amelia Kalabic, alongside guest artists Cassie Gold, Dorothy Borg Bonnici, Natassja Chapman, Jessica Magro and Sean Kamati.
Combining symphonic power with the infectious energy of classic disco and pop anthems, the production promises a nostalgic musical journey for audiences of all generations.
Tickets are available through www.showshappening.com.
With a programme spanning opera, pop, proms, musical theatre and legendary disco classics, the Gozo Youth Wind Band & Orchestra continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Malta's leading cultural organisations, delivering ambitious productions that attract audiences from across the islands.