Following last year’s success, The National Orchestra will launch the Malta Arts Festival – Summer 2006 with a concert entitled “The National Orchestra Goes Pop with Vodafone”, under the musical direction of Sigmund Mifsud, on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July at 9pm at the Old Opera House, Valletta.

Sigmund Mifsud has carefully selected a programme of popular orchestral works that will bring to life the Old Opera House with the sound of music. Backed by the 40-piece symphony orchestra, which team up with an extra set of saxophones and a whole rhythm section that includes lead and bass guitar, piano, keyboard, drum kit, auxiliary percussions and extra bass, “The National Orchestra Goes Pop with Vodafone” will feature both established and young Maltese talent.

Guest singers will include Chiara who with her sublime voice will interpret songs by Christina Aguilera; Ivan Grech of Winter Moods with songs by the legendary band U2, and actress singer Pia Zammit will perform popular standard numbers from the Swing era.

“The National Orchestra Goes Pop with Vodafone” will also act as a platform for two new artists: singer Tara, a graduate of Musical Theatre and The Arts Educational Schools, London, who is now pursuing a solo career in the UK; and composer Alexander Vella Gregory, fresh from Napier University, Edinburgh, with an original piece specifically written for this occasion.

Early booking is recommended to secure seats for this exciting performance. Tickets are priced at Lm6 and Lm8 and are available from Vodafone retail outlets in Valletta, Paola, Birkirkara Bypass, and Gozo, as well as from Orienta in Paola, Music Link in Birkirkara, and Hotel Kennedy Nova in Sliema. Ticket Hotline 9951 5151

Tickets are also available from the Malta Arts Festival Information Stand, Freedom Square, Valletta. Opening hours are on weekdays from 8.30am to 1pm, and weekends from 10am to 1pm. As from 28 July the opening hours will be: weekdays 8.30am to 1pm and 5 to 9.30pm, and weekends from 10am to 1pm and 5 to 9.30pm. One can also call on the Malta Arts Festival hotline 9999 0145. www.maltaculture.com