What’s on in Malta and Gozo this week: June 22 to 28, 2026

MUSIC

Radio Hits… In Concert

Leading Maltese singers and the Malta Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Matthew Bugeja, will perform popular radio hits in the first summer outing for Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta, on June 26 at 8.30pm.

These include number by chart-toppers Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Adele and Olivia Rodrigo, among others.

Tickets from ticketline.com.mt.

Opera in the Capital

The Valletta Cultural Agency is organising another edition of Opera in the Capital in St George’s Square, Valletta, on June 27 at 9pm.

Performing this year are mezzo-soprano Marvic Monreal, Alan Sciberras and Cliff Zammit Stevens, together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Ryan Paul Abela.

Last remaining tickets from showshappening.com.

Dock Music 2026

The annual music event returns to Dock 1 in Cospicua on June 28, featuring Kurt Calleja, Kersten Graham, Jasmine Abela, Diana Dragos, Mike Spiteri and headliner Ira Losco.

The evening will be hosted by Geordie Schembri and Matthew Raggio. 

The event starts at 8.30pm. Entrance is free.

Francesco Cavestri Solo & Trio Jazz Concert

The Manoel Theatre, together with the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Embassy in Malta, are presenting an evening of contemporary jazz featuring up-and-coming Italian pianist and composer Francesco Cavestri on June 28 at 8pm.

The Steinway artist will present a dynamic repertoire alternating between intimate solo piano moments in the first set and energy-driven trio sounds in the second.

The concert will showcase original tracks from his latest album Noè (2026, Universal Music Italia), which features contemporary jazz, hip-hop, electronic music and cinematic influences. 

The evening will also pay tribute to the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, whose birth anniversary is being celebrated this year.

Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.

ARTS

Victoria International Arts Festival

The 29th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival continues today with a piano recital by Julia Miller at the Aula Mgr G. Farrugia, followed by a retical featuring Luis Fernández-Castelló on clarinet and Francesc Llop-Álvaro on piano at the same venue on June 23.

June 24 will see the Cordia String Quartet at St Francis church, which will also host the Pro Arte Trio Prague on June 25.

A pianoforte trio, made up of Jože Kotar (clarinet), Zoran Mitev (bassoon) and Luca Ferrini (piano) will perform at the Aula Mgr G. Farrugia on June 26. Also performing at this hall will be musicians Alon Sariel (mandolin) and Keiko Shichijo (piano) on June 27.

All concerts are free and start at 8pm.

More information on viaf.org.mt.

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DANCE

Annalise Dance Studio − Dance Showcase ’26

Annalise Dance Studio is presenting its annual theatre production, bringing together more than 500 students in a showcase of talent, hard work and creativity, at the Mediterrean Conference Centre, in Valletta, on June 28 at 5pm.

Directed and choreographed by Annalise Ellul, the show is set to music from different eras and genres. 

Tickets from showshappening.com.

Carmen

Moveo Dance Company strips Bizet’s Carmen to its essence in a sultry contemporary dance reimagining, unleashing passion, freedom and temptation to the timeless music of Georges Bizet.

The show is being held at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, on June 26 and 27 at 8pm. 

Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.

Mediterrane Film Festival

The Mediterrane Film Festival kicked off on June 21. Organised by the Malta Film Commission, the week-long event features public film screenings, industry masterclasses, and an official competition spanning five strands, including ‘Big Screen; and ‘Mediterranean Competition’, with winners announced at the Golden Bee Awards on June 28.

For all the details, visit mediterrane.com. Also read this Times2 preview.

NT Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Spazju Kreattiv is screening Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons), a new staging of Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of the classic novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos filmed live on stage at London’s National Theatre.

Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, with the battle between them threatening to destroy everyone in their path.

Directed by Marianne Elliott, the play stars BAFTA award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) and Aidan Turner (Rivals).

The 210-minute screening, certified 15+, with English subtitles, is being screened on June 25 at 7pm. Tickets from spazjukreattiv.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

Aurora International Folk Festival

The Aurora Folk Group and guests folk groups from Gozo, Lithuania, Latvia, Turkey, Greece, Poland and Croatia will take part in three days of dance shows in Victoria this week.

The festival is being held at the Ċittadella on June 26 at 8pm and at Independence Square, Victoria, on June 27 at 8pm. On June 28, there will be a parade at 10am from the Ċittadella to Independence Square with shows starting at 11am. 

More details are available on the group’s Facebook page.

Mnarja 2026

This year’s Mnajra festivities start on June 25 to 27 with a number of animal displays. 

On June 28 at 5pm, a parade of historical carts, cabs and carriages from Saqqajja in Rabat to Buskett will kick off the official celebrations. From 6.30pm onwards, visitors to Buskett will enjoy fruit and vegetable and animal displays, besides traditional games, folk singing and dancing. 

On June 29, mass will be celebrated at Buskett at 6am, followed by displays, folk celebrations and competitions. Celebrations end at 1pm.

For more information, visit the Facebook page Agrikoltura.

whatson@timesofmalta.com