The musical population of Gozo is currently being treated to an extravaganza of the best professional and amateur, instrumental and vocal talent the world has to offer. This, of course, is care of the organising committee of the Victoria International Arts Festival under the watchful eye of their musical director, Maestro Joseph Vella. This annual event, which extends over a six-week period during June and July, is now in its 13th year and goes from strength to strength drawing on the best of Gozo’s and Malta’s talented musicians as well as many of the best from around the world.

This year, privileged audiences have been inspired and entertained by artists from Sicily, Italy, France, England, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Serbia, Austria, Argentina, Czech Republic and South Korea, as well as our own home bred talented musicians and singers.

Oh what a shame it is that more of the local Gozitan musical community, teachers and students alike don’t take advantage of the opportunities offered by the festival to come and learn from the wealth of experience and talent on offer from around the world. On Saturday (3rd July) evening, the audience was uplifted by a stunning performance by the world-renowned husband wife duo, Daniel Veis and Helena Veisová. He was playing a 1754 GB Guadagnini violoncello while Helena accompanied her husband on the piano. They played the Beethoven Sonata in A Major op 69, followed by the B Martinu Sonata No 2 ending with the C Frank Sonate in A Major. One doesn’t have to be a classical music buff to be completely lifted to another plane by the inspired feeling and interpretational skill that these musicians are able to impart to their music.

There is still time for you to learn, be uplifted and enjoy the eight remaining concerts of this year’s Festival in the Aula or St George’s Basilica at 8pm. Visit www.stgeorge.org.mt for further details.

Alan H. Jones

GHAJNSIELEM