Festivals Malta has launched its cultural programme for the summer months. Four festivals were/are are planned for May, June and July.
Festgħana, the Malta International Arts Festival of Maltese-style folk singing, the Malta Jazz Festival and Dance Festival Malta are programmes packed with creativity and local and international talent.
The cultural bonanza kicked off in May, with the Festgħana activity under the artistic direction of Toni Sant, and provided a platform for various folk singers, folk songs and Maltese folklore.
In June, the programme will include the Malta international Arts Festival under the direction of Reuben Zahrs, with the festival showcasing various artistic disciplines by local and international artists, as well as a contemporary arts programme.
July will host two different festivals: the Malta Jazz Festival and Dance Festival Malta.
Festivals Malta Chief Executive Frans Agius explained these summer events as golden opportunities for local artists with different artistic disciplines to showcase their efforts and be given an opportunity to share the stage with various foreign artists.
Festivals Malta Chairman, Aaron Zahra said the cultural events attract considerable numbers of Maltese and tourists.
He said the locations are synonymous with the summer season and urged everyone to attend one or more of these festivals. “Festivals Malta is not just activities in the Spring, Autumn and Winter”, he said, “as it also offers quality festivals in Summer to the Maltese public.”
Zahra added that Summer festivals offer an opportunity for Festivals Malta to work hand in hand with various sectors and entities for the events to offer the best experience to visitors.
The Malta International Arts Festival will return between 12 and 21 June with various artistic genres such as visual arts, theatre, contemporary and classical music, as well as dance.
The programme includes various performances by local and international artists, as well as collaborative elements from members who are part of various artistic communities.
Artistic Director Ruben Zahra explained, “The Malta International Arts Festival transforms local heritage sites into a vibrant backdrop for impactful and innovative performances.”
The Malta Jazz Festival, under the artistic direction of Sandro Zerafa, is considered an authentic jazz festival that offers an artistic variety of this genre of music.
The Malta Jazz Festival strikes a perfect balance between popular elements of jazz music and more eclectic ones by offering a programme with top-level musicians.
Zerafa said, “This year the programme includes different colours that shape the universe of jazz: swing, groove, energy, interplay, leading music, and even the more tranquil. The line-up includes Kurt Rosenwinkel, Toninho Horta, and Ghost-Note, as well as local participation, jam sessions and concerts for children, among many others.”
Dance Festival Malta, under the artistic direction of Francesca Tranter will be held between 23 and 26 July. The four-day festival will feature performances and masterclasses from local artists as well as artists from Greece, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Belgium and more, with the aim of bringing together the local and international dance community in artistic dialogue.
“Dance Festival Malta offers a platform where movement sparks a dialogue that connects generations and cultures through powerful expression and inclusive human experience. The programme highlights diverse voices and performances that inspire and resonate deeply with both our audiences and artists,” concluded Tranter.
For more information on these festivals and other events by Festivals Malta’s summer festivals, visit www.festivals.mt.
ALBERT FENECH
salina46@gmail.com
