A harp and vocal recital by harpist Elena Trovato and tenor Gianfranco Cerreto raises the curtain on the Bir Miftuħ 14th International Music Festival tomorrow.

The performance, at the mediaeval church of Santa Marija of Bir Miftuh, will include pieces ranging from a selection of arie da camera and extracts from Bellini, Donizetti, Giordani, Verdi, Paisiello, Tosti to soundtracks from renowned and Oscar-winning films, jazz and world famous songs.

Ms Trovato studied and graduated as a harpist at the Conservatorio di Brescia, perfecting her studies in Torino and at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole. She won 11 prizes in national and international chamber music competitions and performed over 1,000 concerts in various parts of Europe, China, Saudi Arabia and the USA.

A graduate of the Conservatorio A. Vivaldi of Alessandria, Mr Cerreto performs intensely both as a soloist and with chamber music ensembles, with a repertoire ranging from opera to musicals and from sacred to chamber music. He is very much present both on the national and international scenes and was awarded several prizes. He teaches vocal technique at the Mozart 2000 Association in Acqui Terme and at the Progetto Musica in San Rocco in Alessandria.

The concert, made possible by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Centre, starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost €20 per person including refreshments. All funds raised are in aid of Din l-Art Ħelwa restoration programmes.

For more information contact Din l-Art Ħelwa between 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on 2122 0358/2122 5952 or call at 133, Melita Street, Valletta.