The haunting charm of Gozo’s majestic Neolithic Temples, the exquisite texture of Baroque music played in the splendid environs of St George’s basilica, the vibrant melodies of a Beethoven sonata or the lyrical opulence of Puccini’s La Boheme will grace this year’s Festival Mediterranea, 17 days of cultural activities aimed at promoting the traditional and historical legacy of Gozo.
Bank of Valletta is a main sponsor of the mid-autumn festival, organised by Gozo’s Societa Filarmonica La Stella. Events will kick off today and will come to an end on Sunday, 6 November. The highlight of this year’s festival will be the much awaited opera La Boheme, to be staged on 27 and 29 October and featuring Malta’s celebrity tenor Joseph Calleja.
The bank’s sponsorship was presented by BOV Gozo branch manager Jack Thewma to Societa Filarmonica La Stella president Dolindo Cassar during a visit to the Astra Theatre.
Presenting the sponsorship, Mr Thewma reiterated Bank of Valletta’s commitment to be a leading patron of arts and culture. “Our support of cultural events in Gozo underlines BOV’s resolve to be an integral part of the communities in which it operates.
It also demonstrates the focus BOV continues to place on its active involvement in the Gozitan community, supporting initiatives that enhance the cultural, educational and social life on the island of Gozo,” said Mr Thewma.
He praised the management committee of the Astra Theatre for the restoration work which is being carried out at the theatre following the extensive damage caused by a fire that broke out almost two years ago.
Thanking Bank of Valletta for its support, Mr Cassar said: “This year’s festival features another rich cultural programme that is not only intended to promote Gozo as a cultural destination but also aims to foster a greater appreciation of the arts and heritage locally. The efforts of the theatre’s management are directed towards bringing together elements of Gozo’s heritage, arts, and traditions through a festival of culture.”
The festival will officially open with a classical music concert by the Amatørsym-
fonikerne Orchestra at St George’s Basilica.
Other events include classic jazz concerts, on-site talks at various historic places round Gozo such as Victoria, the Citadel, Borg in-Nadur and the cart ruts, the Xaghra Stone Circle and Ggantija, art talks at various Gozitan churches, art exhibitions, an exhibition of prestigious silver artifacts, a Baroque music concert, a Maltese food and wine festival, with the participation of local folk artistes featuring traditional music and dance, and an international conference Tarxien to Rome led by Professor David Trump.
The festival comes to an end with La Stella Philharmonic Band’s annual concert and High Mass with the participation of the Laudate Pueri Choir at St George’s Basilica.
Further information and the full programme of events may can be obtained by visiting the festival website on www.mediterranea.com.mt