The 18th edition presents a multifarious programme of events seeking to enrich Gozo's cultural output in the leaner months of the year. This year's festival celebrates the late Stephen Attard, a pioneering figure in Gozitan artistic circles and a staple presence within the festival.

The annual springtime endeavour runs over five weeks in various localities around Gozo with an exciting line-up of international and local artists. Starring an array of performers from period instrumentalists to contemporary music promoters, the programme reflects the festival ethos of quality as the eclectic mix of musical styles include traditional and folk music as well as art songs alongside major classical oeuvres from around the globe.

The opening concert with soprano Nicola Said and the Gaulitanus Choir features music from four generations of the Vella-Attard family, including the premiere of Attard's final artistic contribution - his revised version of Quddiesa Madonna Ta' Pinu. Other notable events in the month-long cultural bonanza include a complete cycle of Brahms cello sonatas, Spanish and Italian-themed programmes apart from a programme of chamber works composed by Attard.

Gaulitana broadens its multi-dimensionality during Holy Week with the 1903 silent movie La Vie et La Passion de Jésus Christ as Stefano Vagnini performs organ improvisation on Lenten hymns. Additionally, the exhibition 19th Century Music Printing in Malta, launched on 5 April and open throughout the festival, showcases rare music covers printed locally by the Brocktorff family of artists. In parallel, the educational programme GauLearn is presented in schools around Gozo as the festival aspires to kindle creativity among younger audiences and aficionados alike.

Gaulitana is once again highlighted by a full-scale operatic production, as Verdi's Nabucco shall be held at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora on 3 May, after an absence of 10 years from local shores. Acknowledged by the composer himself as "the true beginning of my artistic career", the ever-popular work is directed by Enrico Castiglione under the baton of Colin Attard with a star-studded international cast, the Gaulitanus choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

The opera is held as part of the Opera+ Weekend - three days of quality events bringing this year's story to a fitting conclusion with the Finale featuring the Gaulitanus String Orchestra.

Gaulitana: A Festival of Music, organised by the Gaulitanus choir, is principally supported by the Investment in Cultural Organisations - Gozo of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo & Planning, and partnered by Bank of Valletta, VisitMalta and APS Bank.

Gaulitana runs from 5 April to 4 May. Festival events are free of charge and no reservations are required. Booking for 'Nabucco' is available on www.teatruaurora.com or via the ticket helpline 7904 5779.

For more information visit www.gaulitanus.com