Il-Ħaġar Museum in Victoria is holding a week of events to mark its 13th anniversary and to commemorate the eighth death anniversary of Gozo’s foremost contemporary composer, Joseph Vella.
Today at 7.30pm, the Byron Consort of Harrow School Choir of London, directed by Michael Evans, will present a vocal recital of sacred music by Palestrina, Bach, Bruckner and Vella, among others. This event will be held at St George’s Basilica.
On Thursday, February 19, at 8pm, Francis Camilleri will give a piano recital at the Aula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia, located at the back of St George’s Basilica. Camilleri will perform Schubert’s Sonata in G major D. 894, Vella’s Sonatina Op. 30, and Beethoven’s Sonata in F minor No. 23, Op. 57 (Appassionata).
On Friday, February 20, events will shift to Il-Ħaġar Museum where, at 7.30pm, Alex Vella Gregory will deliver the 8th Joseph Vella Memorial Lecture titled ‘Una Consuetudine Anticha’: Sacred Music in Dusina’s Report of 1575’. The lecture will be followed by the inauguration of a documentary exhibition on the piano concertos of Joseph Vella.
The following day, on Saturday, February 21 at 11am, the museum will host a free hands-on workshop for children and students with Gozitan artist Clara Azzopardi. In the evening, at 8pm, by Joseph Vella and Alex Vella Gregory will give a recital of art songs at the Aula Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia. The performers will be Miriam Cauchi (soprano), Simon Abdilla Joslin (violoncello), and Maria Frendo and Alex Vella Gregory (pianoforte).
On Sunday, February 22 at 11am, St George’s Basilica will hold a thanksgiving high mass celebrated by the museum’s founder and curator, Mgr Joseph Farrugia. The Laudate Pueri Choir will perform Joseph Vella’s Missa Brevis and other sacred motets.
Following mass, festivities will continue with a four-course anniversary celebratory luncheon at Ta’ Frenċ Restaurant at 12.30pm.Reservations for this event will be accepted until Friday, February 20.
Except for the anniversary luncheon, all events are free of charge. For seat reservations or any queries, contact events@heartofgozo.org.mt or call +356 7956 1540.