The best parts of Iljieli Mediterranji musicals will be featured in one performance on 29 August following an absence of nine years.

The event was launched at a press conference at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali, yesterday. The concert will serve as a cultural bridge between the memories of the original Iljieli Mediterranji and today.

The performance will feature parts of musicals Ulied in-Nanna Venut fl-Amerika, Spiru Cefai, Zeza tal-flagship, It-tfajla tal-Palazz and Manwel Manwel. These musicals used to be held during the month of August involving many talents in various arts. Over 200 compositions make up the musicals and only 24 will be featured in the concert.

Local talents who interpreted the songs in the original musicals will take part in the concert. They include Mary Spiteri, Mary Rose Mallia, Lawrence Gray, Doreen Galea, Mark Tonna, Marthese Tanti, Olivia Lewis, Leontine and Sarah Harrison.

Annabelle Attard, who also choreographed all the original Iljieli Mediterranji, will be leading the dance troupe throughout the performance. A live eight-piece band will accompany the singers.

The first part of the concert will include cover versions. A tribute to Michael Jackson will be held since his birthday falls on 29 August. A tribute to Mario Ellul, who took part in all Iljieli Mediterranji musicals, will also be held. Mario Ellul, a singer, director and actor, passed away on 31 July, 2004. Love themes and the best of musicals will be featured in the second part of the concert.

Composer maestro Dominic Galea and author Ray Mahoney wrote the musicals. They featured Maltese culture through various artistic media namely music, dance, acting, singing, visual arts and others. The musicals were originally performed at the Argotti Gardens in Floriana.

Iljieli Mediterranji are being revived following the initiative of the women’s section of the Labour Party and the PL’s public relations secretary. An organising committee was set up to oversee the event. It is led by chairman Joe Attard, and includes producer and designer Anthony Degiovanni, organising and public relations secretary Ray Azzopardi, composer Dominic Galea, author Ray Mahoney and members of the PL’s mass activities committee.

The organisers said it was difficult to find a suitable alternative to the gardens to accommodate a large number of persons. Following the concert, they intend to reinstate Iljieli Mediterranji to their original format.

The event will be held at MFCC starting at 7.30pm till 11pm. Tickets can be bought from One Productions complex in Marsa, National Labour Party headquarters in Hamrun, MFCC Ta’Qali, and the village Labour centres. Tickets can also be purchased online on www.ticketline.com.mt, www.mfcc.com.mt, or www.one.com.mt.