What’s on in Malta and Gozo this week: July 7 to 13, 2025

Malta Jazz Festival

This year’s edition of the annual jazz extravaganza is taking place between July 7 and 12, with the main action happening at Ta’ Liesse (Quarry Wharf), Valletta.

Programme highlights include performances by Cuban artist Lukmil Pérez and his Quartet on July 8; French-American musician Franck Amallem with his trio on July 9; and bassist Larry Grenadier, accompanied by songwriter Rebecca Martin and saxophonist Bill McHenry, on July 10. The above will be performing at the City Theatre.

The main event at Ta' Liesse will see local act Sfera, renowned guitarist Peter Bernstein and his quartet, and vocal innovator Michael Mayo at Ta’ Liesse on July 11; and the Glen Montanaro Trio, drummer and Blue Note recording artist Jonathan Blake, and Knower, a high-energy duo combining electronic jazz, funk and humour, on July 12.

Beyond the main concerts, one can enjoy late-night jam sessions, artist talks and workshops all over the capital city.

For all the details and tickets, visit festivals.mt/mjf.

Young Soloists with the MYO

In their final concert of the season, the Malta Youth Orchestra will showcase three talented young soloists – pianist Luke Muscat, soprano Gabrielle Portelli and guitarist Karol Aquilina – all under the direction of the orchestra’s music director, Michael Laus, at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, on July 9 at 8pm.

The concert will begin with selections from Grieg’s Peer Gynt, followed by Mozart’s Rondo for Piano, Villa Lobos’s Guitar Concerto, and a medley of operatic arias. The evening will culminate with Britten’s Soirées musicales.

Tickets from teatrumanoel.mt.

Ħamrun Music Fest

DSL Dire Straits Legacy will headline the inaugural edition of the Ħamrun Music Fest – formerly known as Summer Vibes  –  being held on July 9 at the School of Music grounds, Ħamrun.

The tribute act features various musicians who actually played and toured with the legendary British rock band: Alan Clark, Phil Palmer, Danny Cummings and Mel Collins.

These musicians, alongside other seasoned performers, will bring the Dire Straits catalogue to the stage, including timeless classics such as Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Money for Nothing and Brothers in Arms.

Doors open at 8pm, with a warm-up set by Family 3, featuring Italian guitarist Fabrizio Fedele.

Tickets from ticketline.com.mt. For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page.

Baroque Fantasy

The Malta Concert Orchestra, under the direction Maurizio Colasanti, will blend baroque melodies with a rock rhythm at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta, on July 11 at 8.30pm.

Tickets from ticketline.com.mt.

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ARTS

Victoria International Arts Festival

The month-long festival enters its last phase with a recital featuring Italian pianist Giulia Mandruzzato and German saxophonist Stephanie Winzen at the Aula Mgr G. Farrugia on July 7 and a recital by Norwegian pianist Mikkel Berg-Eriksen, at the same hall on July 8.

Renowned local harpist Jacob Borg will give a solo recital at the chapel of the Don Bosco Oratory on July 9, while the Leo Gasso Tango Project will present original works by Leonel Gasso with fresh interpretations of tango classics at the Aula Mgr G. Farrugia on July 10.

The Auric Saxophone Quartet, formed of past students from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, will then  perform at the Bishop’s Curia Courtyard on July 11.

All the above concerts start at 8pm.

On July 12, there will be a Debutants’ Concert, featuring Nikolai Matvei Mifsud, Thiago J. Said and Kristina Mifsud, at the Aula Mgr G. Farrugia at 11.30am and a concert celebrating Mgr Giuseppe Farrugia on the first centenary of his demise at St George Square at 8pm. The La Stella Philharmonic Society, under the direction of John Galea, will perform.

The festival's final concert will be held on July 14.

For more information, visit viaf.org.mt.

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THEATRE

Boċċi: Il-Musical

Teatru Malta and Give and Take Productions’ production continues its run at the Għaxaq Boċċi Club on July 12 and 13.

Set against the backdrop of a struggling boċċi club on the brink of closure, the musical follows an eccentric group of characters who come together in a last-ditch effort to save the club. Written by Malcolm Galea, the production stars Joseph Zammit, Rebecca Camilleri, Philip Vella, Adam Ryan, Michela Farrugia, Sandie von Brockdorff, Christian Scicluna and Bertha Farrugia.

Boċċi: Il-Musical is next being held in Żabbar. For more information and tickets, visit teatrumalta.org.mt.

DANCE

Rooftop Series Summer Festival: Puerto Flamenco

Puerto Flamenco directors Francesca Grima ‘La Chica’ and Andrej Vujicic are opening the Rooftop Series Summer Festival at Floriana’s Catholic Institute with a tribute to Seville’s flamenco scene on July 10.

Joining them will be performers from the Spanish city: Ruben Romero, Tremendo Hijo and  Antonio Castro ‘El Antoñete’, the powerhouse artistic director of Seville’s legendary show Tablao El Arenal. Antoñete, known for his raw strength and deep artistic maturity, will lead a hand-picked crew of Arenal’s finest performers.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with the event starting at 8pm. Drinks will be served after the show. The event is sold out.

The Kinetic Grand Circus

Kinetic Dance Academy is presenting its 11th annual dance show production at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, on July 11 at 7.30pm and on July 13 at 4.30pm.

Inspired by the magic and wonder of the circus, the show will see over 500 talented dancers of all ages, performing across a dynamic range of styles including classical ballet, modern jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and aerial arts.

Tickets from showshappening.com.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Malta Fashion Week and Fashion Awards

Maltese designers are presenting their latest creations during Malta Fashion Week 2025, being held at Biskuttin Gardens, Valletta, between July 7 and 12.

The participatints are Gagliardi, Captain’s Cut and Ivory & Co on July 7; RAD, Vanusia Hair Design and Parascandalo on July 8; MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts, Oana Queen’s Lane and Yana’s Jewellery on July 9; and Gabrielle Fenech, Isaac Fenech and Charles & Ron on July 10.

The Malta Fashion Awards will be held on July 12. Awards will be given in various categories, such as best female and male models, best photo model, best content creator, best stylist and best hair stylist and best make-up artist.

For all the details and tickets, visit fashionweek.com.mt.

Farsons Beer Festival

The popular festival is back for 10 days of beer, food and fun at the National Park Ta’ Qali, until July 12.

As in previous editions, besides the wide variety of beers and food trucks available, the event will host some of the most popular local artists, who will perform on different stages.

Among the headliners on the main stage this week are Klinsmann, Kevin Paul & Band, Tribali, and Aidan. The rock stage will host Loathe, BNI, Fakawi and Beangrowers, among many others. Ziggy, Pocci, Panelli, J Joy, Miss Roberta and Joseph Armani and his son Denzel (Like Father Like Son) are among the popular deejays playing on the Casa Electronica stage.

This year will also see a number of tribute acts: Abba Revival, Bon Giovi and a Black Sabbath tribute act.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page and https://farsonsbeerfestival.com/.

Gozo Food Festival

Xewkija will once again host the Gozo Food Festival on July 11 and 12 from 6pm onwards.

The two-day celebration brings together a mix of local and international food stalls, artisan markets and live music. Among the participating artists are Krista Sujak, Maria Cini, Klinsmann, Thea Gauci, Natassja Chapman and Sarah Bonnici.

Entrance is free.

Eco Festival − Part 2

The Eco Festival, organised by Eco Market Malta, continues between July 10 and 13 at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta.

Besides a thoughtfully curated collection of handmade artisan products, sustainable fashion, one-of-a-kind home décor, and unique souvenirs, the festival is hosting a variety of eco-friendly activities in collaboration with Project Green.

These include a plant potting station and fun games for children such as jenga, wordsearch, sensory boxes, and VR experiences − all completely free.

For bookings and queries, e-mail info@ecomarketmalta.com or WhatsApp 9925 7337. More information is available on the Eco Market Malta Facebook page.

whatson@timesofmalta.com