GOZO’S FAVOURITE AUTUMN FESTIVAL IS BACK
Autumn in Gozo is an attractive proposition, but the jewel in its crown is certainly Festival Mediterranea, the cultural apotheosis that every year – pandemics excluded – enthrals locals and visitors alike with its events of an international standard. The festival showcases both local and foreign artistes and brings together a wide assortment of skills and talents that provide refined entertainment over a period of six weeks starting on October 6th and ending with a concert by the La Stella Philharmonic on November 13th.
This year, Bizet’s celebrated Carmen will grace Teatru Astra with a new and original production by Enrico Stinchelli, under the musical direction of Mro Dr John Galea, on the 27th and 29th October. The renowned Astra stage crew, who by now have built an international reputation for their unique creations, will once again charm the audience with their seminal sets that will undoubtedly bring out the best of the belle epoque.
This Saturday 22nd October, George Camilleri (Euphonium), and Francis Camilleri (Pianoforte), will perform in a chamber music recital at the Ministry for Gozo hall at 20:00hrs. Of special note in this edition is a fashion show which will be held in Astra’s newly refurbished foyer. The show will be accompanied by live music and other forms of entertainment.
On Friday 28th October, the Coro Lirico Siciliano will entertain patrons who will be in Gozo for opera weekend during a lunchtime concert featuring classic and contemporary Italian songs at the newly refurbished Teatru Astra Cultural hub. That evening, those who would like to dig a little deeper into opera can attend the talk Love is a gypsy’s child that none can tame led by Dr Abraham Borg, featuring contributions by the conductor, Mro Dr John Galea and Dr Jeremy Coleman at 20.00hrs.
This year, the concluding concert of the festival by the La Stella Philharmonic Band will entertain its patrons to some of the best compositions by Ennio Morricone. Certainly, one of the events that shall not be missed. All events, except for the opera Carmen, are free of charge.
This edition of Festival Mediterranea will be the first to be held in the refurbished premises of the Teatru Astra complex, foreshadowing an even more overwhelming experience.
For more details visit www.teatruastra.org.mt. Online booking for the opera can be done on the same site. Reservations for other events can be done on [email protected]. More information is available on +356 21550985.
The opera Carmen and Festival Mediterranea are supported by the Gozo Cultural Support Programme managed by the Arts Council Malta, the Ministry for Gozo, Victoria Local Council, Citadel Insurance, General Soft Drinks Ltd, and The Astra – cafe-bistro-lounge.
