Internationally, music has always been a fundamental part of welcoming in the New Year. Concerts, such as Il-Kunċert tal-President għas-Sena l-Ġdida, have become a milestone in the Maltese cultural calendar around this time of year.

On January 9, 2022, the concert returns as a live-streamed audio-visual production. The programme will be led by MPO resident conductor Michael Laus.

Laus has been associated with the orchestra for over 25 years, also regularly leading the orchestra in annual, national celebrations, most recently in Il-Kunċert tal-Indipendenza 2020. In Il-Kunċert tal-President għas-Sena l-Ġdida, the orchestra interprets repertoire featuring works ranging centuries.

The selection of music includes Franz Lehar’s Merry Widow Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Marche Slave, as well as works by John Adams among others. Mesogeios by Maltese composer Christopher Muscat celebrates Maltese music featuring three traditional instruments – żaqq, żummara and flejguta.

The Mediterranean Conference Centre will also host this year's live streamed, audio-visual production. Photo: Darren Agius Photography

From dance to voice, the programme will also maintain tradition in its varied, interdisciplinary format. This includes Czech mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů, one of the participants of Mastering the Voice with José Cura, who will perform arias from Samson et Dalilah by Saint-Saëns, Carmen by Bizet and Bernstein’s West Side Story, celebrating the life of Stephen Sondheim and the upcoming release of Spielberg’s movie. The event will also include energetic performances from Moveo Dance Company, choreographed by Dorian Mallia.

Taking place on January 9, 2022, streamed live on TVM News+ at 9pm, Il-Kunċert tal-President għas-Sena l-Ġdida is presented in collaboration with Festivals Malta under the distinguished patronage of the President of the Republic of Malta.