As part of Notte Bianca – Lejl Imdawwal 2006, the Gukulari Ensemble are presenting a musical programme entitled “In Malta On the Grand Tour”. The concert will take place at Auberge D’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Saturday 14 October, between 8.30 and 9.45pm. Admission is free of charge.

“In Malta On the Grand Tour” will include traditional music from Gukulari’s latest CD, as well as selections from a newly-discovered collection of melodies published by T.G. Smith in the early 19th century, in addition to carnival dances, Maltese airs, ghana melodies, castanet dances, and others.

The Gukulari Ensemble, formed by Anna Borg Cardona in 2002, has established itself as a group that is firmly dedicated to the revival of Maltese music and traditional Maltese instruments. The group performs the music of both upper class Maltese society as well as that of the humbler folk on a combination of flutes, harp, drum, castanets, as well as Maltese instruments such as the rabbaba/zavzafa (friction drum), zaqq (bagpipe), tanbur (frame drum), qarn (horn), zummara (mirliton), cuqlajta (clapper).

The ensemble is made up of Silvio Zammit, Anne Marie Camilleri Podestà, Ramona Zammit Formosa, Anna Borg Cardona, and Bettina Borg Cardona. More information about the Gukulari Ensemble can be obtained from www.musicallegacy.com.

Visitors to the Auberge D’Italie can also admire the exhibition of paintings entitled “Lifelines” by Jeni Caruana. Born in Britain but living in Malta since 1978, Jeni Caruana has continued to develop her artistic talent, becoming one of the foremost exponents of watercolours on the island. Her subjects have always been many and varied, and over the years her techniques have grown to encompass acrylics and mixed media. “Lifelines” is a collection that includes both paintings of posed nudes and of live dancers and musicians, as well as careful studies of flowers, still life and landscapes.

Further details can be obtained on www.nottebiancamalta.com. Enquiries on hotline: 9999 0145 or [email protected]