Gozo to have a religion-themed Notte Bianca
Shema will feature art, music, literature, light installations, discussion, food and spirituality.
A varied series of activities modelled on Notte Bianca will be held in Victoria, Gozo on May 2, with their common thread being religion.
It will be the second edition of "Shema – A Night Illuminated by the Eucharist” organised by the Diocese of Gozo.
The event will feature art, music, literature, light installations, discussion, food and spirituality.
"Shema" is taken from the Hebrew word meaning “Listen, Israel”, the opening word of a fundamental biblical prayer recited daily by Jews (Deuteronomy 6:4–5).
Visitors will be able to move between attractions using a dedicated map, allowing them to explore and learn more about the Eucharist through different artistic and cultural expressions.
Participating artists will include soprano Dorothy Baldacchino, harpist Jacob Portelli, violinist Pierre Louis Attard, singer Hannah Theuma, choreographer Deborah Agius, the Beta Entertainment Theatre Academy (directed by Jamie Camilleri), the Seguna Folk Group (directed by Michael Curmi), and the Malta Arabic ExpressionArts Association.
Along the historic streets of central Victoria, audiences will be able to enjoy performances by the children’s choirs Madonna tas-Sokkors (Kerċem), Fjur tal-Martri Margerita (Sannat), Ulied il-Battista (Xewkija), Virgo Children’s Choir (Għajnsielem), and Aurora Youth Choir (Victoria). Also performing will be the Levita Laurentius Choir from San Lawrenz and the Diocesan Choir, directed by Dorienne Portelli, which will hold a concert on the main stage at Independence Square, followed by a closing concert by the Gozo Youth Orchestra, conducted by Dr Joseph Grech.
A live public discussion, focusing on the contemporary relevance of Mass will be moderated by Fabian Demicoli and will involve members of the public.
Earlier on Saturday, prior to the main evening programme, the public is being invited to a lecture at 10am in the courtyard of the Episcopal Curia on Republic Street. The talk, titled “Primitive Liturgical Spaces in the Holy Land”, will be delivered by Dr Dennis Mizzi from the University of Malta’s Department of Oriental Studies.
Later in the evening, the same venue will host readings on the Eucharist drawn from Scripture and Church tradition, read by experienced readers.
Among other attractions will be an interactive exhibition tracing the history and development of the Eucharist, hosted in the underground spaces of the Bishop’s Curia. The exhibition will remain open to the public in the weeks following the event.
Eucharistic-themed light installations along Republic Street will also form part of the visual experience. Food stalls will sell food with a biblical link.
For the occasion, the Gozo Cathedral Museum will open its doors free of charge, allowing visitors access to its unique collection of artistic and historical treasures.
Shema – A Night Illuminated by the Eucharist is being organised with the financial support of APS Bank.