The 29th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival kicks (VIAF) off this week, with around 30 concerts and cultural events taking place practically daily from June 12 to July 13.
Big bands, choirs and chamber ensembles of every conceivable formation will be performing in different venues across Gozo’s capital city. Musicians from 22 countries, including Malta, will take part, ensuring that VIAF once again delivers “a programme of excellence and beauty”, the festival’s artistic director George Frendo said.
The opening concert at the Astra Theatre on June 12 will feature an all-Spanish/Latin American repertoire by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of British conductor Philip Walsh. Taking centre stage will be star soloist Simon Schembri, who will perform Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez.
One of the most awaited concerts of the festival is the al fresco performance by the prestigious Royal Conservatoire Brass of Scotland, which will be held on the rooftop of Il-Ħaġar Museum on June 18.
The Victoria International Arts Festival is the Maltese islands’ longest-running festival of its kind. All concerts and events are free of charge – which is why critic Albert Storace dubbed the festival ‘The Gozo Miracle’.
The full programme may be viewed at https://viaf.org.mt/programme. To reserve seats, send an e-mail to info@viaf.org.mt.
