This year’s edition includes 30 concerts over five weeks, featuring 284 musicians from 21 different countries. Audiences can expect 170 compositions by 118 composers, ranging from Medieval music to contemporary works. The line-up includes orchestras, choirs, chamber groups, wind and brass ensembles and soloists. As has been the case since the beginning, all concerts are free of charge.
The 2025 festival will open with two orchestral concerts. The first, on June 13 at the Astra Theatre, features Carmine Lauri and Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of resident conductor Philip Walsh. The second, on June 14 at 11.30am, takes place at the Oratory Don Bosco Concert Hall, and features the King’s College London Symphony Orchestra under Daniel Hogan.
Among this year’s special features is the Leo Gasso Tango Project, set for July 10 at the Aula Mgr Farrugia within the St George’s Basilica complex. This performance will showcase the work of internationally recognised tango musician Gasso and his quartet.
Another key focus this year is the centenary of Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia (1852-1925), a Victoria-born composer best known for his sacred music.
The closing concert, on July 14 at St George’s Basilica, will feature his Missa pei Defunti, originally composed in 1891 for the Jesuit Order on the death of Superior General Fr Antonio Anderledy. The work will be performed by Antonino Interisano (tenor), Louis Andrew Cassar (baritone), the Chorus Sanctae Catharinae, the Laudate Pueri Choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Walsh.
An exhibition of works by Carmelo Mangion will also be mounted at Il-Ħaġar Museum, accompanied by a new publication in the museum’s Gems series.
A festival of friendship
Launched in 1997, the festival was originally conceived as a new artistic initiative linked to the feast of St George, held annually in Victoria during the third week of July.
According to the festival’s artistic director Fr George Frendo, the idea was to create a “high-level cultural package” that would serve as a lead-up to the week of the St George feast. He says the aim was to integrate the arts more directly into local celebrations through a curated programme of concerts and events, highlighting the value of artistic expression as a core part of the community experience.
“The idea was to present a ‘golden pathway’, as Pope Benedict XVI was wont to describe the fascination and beauty of the arts – something which brought together various artistic disciplines in a unified programme,” the artistic director explains.
One of the most striking aspects of the VIAF’s formation is that the festival’s international element preceded its local one. In the early years, musicians from abroad were invited to perform in Gozo, largely through the organisers’ personal and professional networks.
“It was entirely based on friendships and collaborations with conservatories, musical academies, choir and individual artists,” says the director. “Friendship is the core reason our festival came into being.”
The festival’s structure has remained largely consistent over the years, with an emphasis on providing exposure to high-quality performances across a wide range of genres and historical periods. Local up-and-coming musicians have benefitted in particular from the festival’s educational initiatives, including masterclasses and performance opportunities.
The Debutantes Concert Series, introduced by the late Mro Joseph Vella – the festival’s first artistic director – has become a central part of the programme, offering younger performers a valuable platform.
Visiting musicians often remark on the unique environment the festival provides: a blend of professional presentation and relaxed atmosphere that has led many to return year after year.
Frendo describes how keeping the festival free of charge is fundamental, saying that the policy of not charging any gate money reflects the ethos of the festival.
“No one is excluded on any grounds, not least the financial one,” he says.
“In this age where money rules the roost, the sheer gratuitousness which the festival embodies is in itself a unique selling point.
“This seemingly unworkable formula has brought together an ever-growing number of top people of the arts with professional volunteers creating the mesmerising feeling of camarderie which is truly unique. That’s the magic of it all. Friendship is the name of the game.”
All events are free of charge. For more information, visit viaf.org.mt, contact info@viaf.org.mt or call 7970 2613
