Undoubtedly, one of the largest events during this time of year for art and classical music lovers, and for those who want to explore it in their local communities, is the Malta International Organ Festival. The festival, which runs on three weeks, will be host to 17 concerts by world-renowned musicians in the cathedrals, basilicas and churches across the Maltese Islands.
The festival brings together world-renowned, top-notch musicians with some of the greatest music written for the King of Instruments, performed in temples that showcase some of the Maltese Islands' most stunning architectural and artistic heritage.
The organ is one of the most valuable musical instruments in the world. It works especially well with the excellent acoustics of our churches, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It leaves a great impression on listeners, enchanting and attracting musical connoisseurs from around the world.
The festival finishes with a grand finale on 9 December, with major baroque works for solo organ, and organ and orchestra, under the direction of the highly acclaimed baroque conductor and organist Elena Sartori.
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Brass ensemble under the direction of Geoffrey Alvarez will give a programme of organ and brass on 30 November at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, which for sure will be a concert not to be missed.
Joseph Lia, the artistic director said the "the eclectic programme of this year showcases the versatility of this instrument as a solo instrument, as an accompanist to several instruments like clarinet, violin, cello, pan-pipes, voice, and choir, as part of an ensemble, and also as a basso continuo for various sonatas".
Tickets can be purchased from http://ticketline.com.mt/bookings/Shows.aspx?ProductionId=358 or from the Embassy Cinema Box Office, Level 3, Embassy Shopping, Sta Lucia Street, Valletta.
Full programme can be found at www.MaltaInternationalOrganFestival.com
Programme of concerts
Today, 27 November
Improvisations on Sacred Themes
Dion Buhagiar (Malta) - Organ
St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta - 10.15am (Free)
Tuesday, 29 November
Organ Music by German composers
Christian Schmitt (Germany) - Organ
St Augustine Parish Church, Valletta - 8pm (Free)
Wednesday, 30 November
Organ & Brass
Daniel Zaretsky (Russia) - Organ, Geoffrey Alvarez (UK) - Conductor, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Ensemble
St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Valletta - 7.30pm (Price: €15)
Thursday, 1 December
Strada Stretta Concept Concert
Daniel Zaretsky (Russia) - Organ, Reggie Clews (Malta) - Violin & Yaroslav Mikulkho
(Ukraine) - Cello
Loop Bar, Strait Street, Valletta - 8.30pm (Free)
Friday, 2 December
Solo Organ Recital
Diego Cannizzaro (Sicily) - Organ
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church, Balluta - 7.30pm (Free)
Saturday, 3 December
Theme & Variations on Maltese Feast Antiphons
Roberta Bugeja (Malta) - Organ
St. Julian's Parish Church, St Julian's - 8.30pm (Free)
Sunday, 4 December
Solo Organ Recital
Piret Aidulo (Estonia) - Organ
St. John of the Cross Parish Church, Ta' Xbiex - 7.15pm (Free)
Wednesday, 7 December
Bach's Organ Masterpieces
Heribert Breuer (Germany) - Organ
St Augustine Parish Church, Valletta - 8pm (Free)
Friday, 9 December
Grand Finale - Corelli's Christmas Concerto & Handel's Organ Concerto op. 4 No. 5 in F Major
Elena Sartori (Italy) - Conductor/Organ and Valletta Chamber Orchestra
St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Valletta - 7.30pm (Price: €15)