What’s on in Malta and Gozo this week: March 16 to 22, 2026
Highlights of events in the coming days
MUSIC
Mużika Mużika 2026
The sixth edition of the music festival dedicated to Maltese song will take place at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali from March 19 to 21.
The 16 finalists will perform their song on March 19 and then again on the grand final, March 21. On March 20, the singers will interpret various Maltese hits with established local singers.
The event, organised by Festivals Malta, will be hosted by Keith Demicoli, Ira and Jacqui Losco and Jamie Cardona, who won last year's edition.
Tickets from showshappening.com. More information on www.muzikamuzika.mt.
An die Musik
The Malta Society of Arts is hosting an evening of German music performed by the students of the Opera Nova Project on March 18 at 7.30pm.
Accompanied by pianist Christine Zerafa, the choir will perform Lieder and staged arias from composers such as Schubert, Strauss and Weber.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
Notes from the Drawing Room: Celebrating Jane Austen
The Barocco Foundation, in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, is marking 250 years since author Jane Austen’s birth with music she admired at Our Lady of Victories church, Valletta, on March 17 at 12.30pm.
Pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa will perform this repertoire while narrator Miriam Agius will complement the music with readings.
Entrance is by a suggested donation of €13, with tickets available at the venue or via e-mail (baroccobookings@gmail.com/baroccomalta@gmail.com) or by calling on 7968 0952.
Crux Redemptoris
On March 18 at 7.30pm at the Qala parish church, the Ite Ad Joseph Band, under the direction of Mark Gauci, will present a sacred music concert featuring a spiritual reflection for the Lenten season.
Through sacred and meditative works, the concert seeks to guide the audience into a deeper spirit of prayer, reflection and contemplation, in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
This musical journey will highlight the themes of sacrifice, hope and redemption that characterise Lent, offering listeners a moment of quiet introspection and spiritual enrichment.
The event is free.
Tenebrae
St Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina, is hosting the sacred music concert Tenebrae on March 20 at 7.30pm.
The St Paul Metropolitan Orchestra, under the direction of Mark Agius, will be accompanied by soprano Rosabelle Bianchi, mezzo-soprano Nicole Vassallo, tenor Joseph Aquilina, baritone James Agius and the Anacrusis Concert Choir.
The repertoire will vary from popular sacred pieces to original compositions by Agius.
Tickets from showshappening.com.
Once Upon a String
The Manoel Theatre’s TOI TOI programme is presenting a concert of string instruments for young audiences on March 21 and 22 at 2pm.
Once Upon a String features live music and movement with a blend of bedtime stories, including music from Stranger Things, Disney, Taylor Swift, opera and Eurovision.
The show is written and directed by Kate Fenech Field, and stars emerging artist Faye Mallia as the theatre’s storyteller-in-chief.
Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.
One Hundred Miles
The Manoel Theatre and NAPA are marking the centenary of one of the most influential figures in jazz history, Miles Davis, on March 22 at 8pm.
One Hundred Miles honours the life and legacy of Miles Davis, trumpeter, composer and musical innovator. At the heart of this project lies Birth of the Cool, the landmark recording that reshaped jazz.
Under the musical direction and arrangements of local trumpet player Alex Bezzina, the concert reimagines this music through fresh interpretations.
Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.
Trumpeter Alex Bezzina. Photo: Manoel TheatreAt the Cross
On March 20, Rebecca and The Passengers, accompanied by the Angel Voices children’s choir, will perform in the fourth edition of the sacred concert At the Cross, blending heartfelt performances with uplifting harmonies in a celebration of faith and devotion.
The concert is being held at the basilica of St Peter and St Paul in Nadur on March 20 at 8pm.
Entrance is free.
Ecce Mater
On March 22 at 7.30pm, the Victoria local council, Fondazzjoni Santa Ċeċilja A.D.2013 and Provinċja Agostinjana Maltija are presenting a concert centred around the theme of femininity, as reflected in the suffering of the Madonna and the contemporary struggles of women and mothers.
The programme features funeral marches and sacred music by a band, soprano Rosabelle Bianchi, and tenor Charles Vincenti, under the musical and artistic direction of Antoine Mercieca.
The event is free.
THEATRE
Sunset Boulevard – The Musical
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush, dramatic musical Sunset Boulevard is being staged at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, from March 20 to 22.
The show is based on Billy Wilder’s legendary 1950 film noir, with book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. It is being staged under the direction by Hermann Bonaci, musical direction by Joe Brown and choreography by Sue Vassallo. The story follows Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star, and Joe Gillis, a down-on-his-luck screenwriter, who are caught in a dangerous web of ambition, delusion and desire.
Featuring a Tony Award-winning score – including songs like With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye and The Perfect Year – Sunset Boulevard is a darkly glamorous tale of fame, obsession and the high cost of dreams.
The cast features Talitha Dimech as Norma Desmond, Cliff Zammit Stevens as Joe Gillis, Neville Refalo as Max Von Mayerling and Eleanor Spiteri as Betty Schaefer, among others.
The show is suitable for an audience aged over 12. Tickets from showshappening.com.
Sunset Boulevard cast members Cliff Zammit Stevens, Talitha Dimech and Eleanor Spiteri.Sa Ma l-Mewt Tifridna
A powerful contemporary drama inspired by the Holy Week is being staged at The Black Studio, the Malta School of Drama and Dance, Pietà, from March 18 to 29.
Written by Karl Schembri and directed by Stefan Galea Debono, the play tells the story of Josue and Mariah, an envied married couple, who are standing on the brink of winning a coveted prize that promises salvation… but salvation from what?
The cast features Mark Mifsud, Alison Abela, Schembri and Karl Harmsworth.
Performances are rated 15+. Tickets from ticketline.com.mt.
Read also this Times2 preview.
Singin’ in the Rain
The Astra Theatre in Victoria is staging an adaptation of the popular musical Singin’ in the Rain from March 19 to 22.
The plot follows Don Lockwood (Francesco Nicodeme), a silent film star caught in the whirlwind of the talkies, as he and his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Dean Ellul) try to rescue their latest film, and their career, from chaos. With the help of aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Clara Sciberras) and the ever-dramatic Lina Lamont (Kyra Lautier), the result is a hilarious and heartwarming journey through showbiz history.
The production is packed with iconic songs like the timeless title number. Tickets from teatruastra.org.mt.
L-Aħħar 13
A powerful Maltese novel by Ivan De Battista is being brought to life at Spazju Kreattiv, in Valletta, from March 20 to 29.
L-Aħħar 13 explores the tragic life of a man, whose entire existence is shaped by the will of others. Despite brief moments of hope, his journey is marked by struggle and resignation to a fate he cannot escape.
With raw and poignant storytelling, the play delves into universal themes of love, loss, broken hearts, abuse, sorrow, mental and physical illness, animal and people cruelty, resilience and an unwavering human spirit through a tragic narrative where the protagonist’s existence is shaped by external forces and relentless hardship.
Produced by Imagin-Arts Productions, the show is written and directed by Ivan De Battista, and stars Ryan De Battista.
The performance is not suitable for an audience under 15 years of age as it contains references to child and animal abuse, suicide and drug abuse.
Tickets from spazjukreattiv.org.
Ryan De Battista (right) in L-Aħħar 13.DANCE
Inspiración/Rojo Carmesi
The Deborah McNamara School of Dance is inviting world-class institutions and renowned artists to share the stage in Inspiración, at the Valletta Campus Theatre on March 19 and 20.
There will be special guest performances by Lilia Gingell, together with ŻfinMalta’s Luke Bugeja, and Flamenco sensation Marta de Troya from Jerez. Also participating will be students from the Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Madrid Fortea.
Then on March 21, the Professional Training Programme in Flamenco Dance of the Andalusian Regional Government will present Rojo Carmesi (Crimson Red), under the direction of de Troya, at the same venue. Also performing are graduate dancers from Deborah McNamara school.
Tickets for both events from showshappening.com.