MUSIC
Mezzotono Christmas concert
The five-piece Mezzotono, the ‘small Italian orchestra without instruments’, is performing at the portico of the National Library of Malta in Valletta, today from 11am to 1pm.
Their repertoire, performed entirely a cappella, features Italian and English songs ranging from jazz to pop, from bossa nova to mambo, tango, folklore, big-band style and classic music. Audience participation is encouraged.
After the concert, attendees are invited to a glass of Prosecco and a slice of Pandoro or panettone at the Valletta Local Council Hall.
The event, organised by the Italian Cultural Institute, is free but one has to book via evenbrite.com.
Christmas Carol Weekend
Vox Dulcis Chorale and its Open Choir, directed by John Anthony Fsadni, is presenting a second evening of Christmas music at St Andrew's Scots church in Valletta today.
The concert starts at 8pm. Entrance is free. For more information, visit the Vox Dulcis Chorale Facebook page.
Members of the Vox Dulcis Chorale during a past performance. Photo: Mario MintoffChristmas concert in Santa Luċija
The Santa Luċija local council is organising a Christmas concert at the locality's parish church today at 8pm.
Taking part will be the St Paul Metropolitan Orchestra featuring the Anacrusis Concert Choir and sopranos Karen Darmenia and Christine Dalli, tenor Charles Vincenti and baritone Louis Andrem Choir.
The event is free, but for reservations, e-mail santalucija.lc@gov.mt or call 2166 6600.
Deus Dilexit Mundum
The Mosta Rotunda Foundation is this evening holding its Christmas concert titled Deus Dilexit Mundum (God So Loved the World).
Maltese soprano Nicola Said, Shalom Choir, St Cecilia Choir and organist Robert Buhagiar will perform.
Entrance is free but entry tickets must be collected from the Mosta Dome reception.
Bells of Christmas
The St Monica Vocal Ensemble is today presenting its annual Christmas concert titled Bells of Christmas at St John of the Cross church in Ta’ Xbiex.
The choir, under the direction of Jean Paul Attard, will be accompanied by assistant director and pianist Roanna Vella. Kacey Wadge will be the guest soloist during the concert, which will feature various festive songs and carols.
The concert starts at 7pm and entrance is free. No reservation is required, however, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a seat. A retiring collection will be held at the end of the concert.
For more information, visit the St Monica Vocal Ensemble Facebook page.
The St Monica Vocal Ensemble. Photo: FacebookTHEATRE
Bla Kondixin: All I Want For Christmas is Flus
The popular satirical show is on for one last time this evening at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali.
Taking part are some of the most well-known, regular characters. Other guests who making an appearance include ALS Malta founder Bjorn Formosa.
The show is being staged today at 8.30pm. For tickets, log on to showshappening.com.
Kwijns
Spazju Kreattiv is producing a Maltese-style drag show until December 30.
Written by Simon Bartolo and directed by Ray Calleja, the cast features Peter Carbonaro, Nicky Gambin, Aiden Abela, Antoine Cauchi and Nick Ebejer.
The event, certified 15+, is taking place today and tomorrow, and on December 22, 23 and 29 and 30. For tickets, log on to kreattivita.org.
Cast members of Kwijns. Photo: Facebook/Spazju KreattivARTS
Amora
Cirque du Soleil's acrobatic show is ending its run at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta tomorrow.
The story centres around a clumsy but lovable character, Bruno, who, while gazing up to the skies of Valletta, sets eyes on a mysterious woman, Loulou. Captivated, he tries to climb up to her balcony to reach her… but she flies away and vanishes out of sight. He, thus, sets out on a quest to find her, meeting colourful new friends with extraordinary powers along the way.
Two performances are taking place today and tomorrow at 4.30pm and 8pm. For tickets, visit showshappening.com. For more information, check cirquedusoleil/amora.
Performers in an act from Amora. Photo: Marie-Andrée LemireCHRISTMAS EVENTS
Christmas in the Capital
Valletta is hosting a programme of Christmas-related activities until the end of December.
There are Christmas trees in Freedom Square, Republic Street and Merchants Street, Christmas lights in Republic and Merchants streets, an artistic light installation in South Street and a crib next to St John's Co-Cathedral.
The programme, organised by the Valletta Cultural Agency, includes various music and artistic performances throughout the coming weeks, and will culminate with the New Year's Eve concert in St George's Square on December 31.
For details of the programme, visit vca.gov.mt.
The Magical Illuminated Trail
Verdala Palace in Buskett is once again hosting the Magical Illuminated Trail, featuring new and bigger attractions, light installations, projections and a new Christmas village.
The magical after-dark adventure for all the family runs until January 7. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Malta Community Chest Fund.
For tickets, click here.
Illuminated structures at the Magical Illuminated Trail. Photo: Facebook/Illuminated Trail MaltaOther Christmas villages and attractions
Triton Square, in Valletta, is hosting Fairyland − Santa’s City, featuring favourite attractions such as Rudolph’s Wheel, an ice-skating rink and a Christmas market, as well as a World Cup Village. Santa’s City runs until January 6.
The Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali has turned into Santa’s World Malta until January 1. Activities include an elf school and cinema, Santa’s House, live shows and entertainment by Danusan.
Other Christmas villages are taking place at the Artisan Village in Ta’ Qali (until December 24), the Salina National Park in St Paul's Bay (until tomorrow, December 18), Popeye Village in Mellieħa (until January 8) and the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra (until January 8).
A jam-packed programme of activities is planned for the whole month at the Valletta Waterfront, and the Christmas Village Malta runs at the Ta' Xbiex Marina until January 6.
Christmas Under the Bridge is being held once again in Labour Road, Marsa, until December 23. For tickets, click here.
Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria is home to another market until tomorrow, December 18 and the Magro Brothers are hosting The Magro Christmas Family Fest at the Savina Artisan Centre, Xewkija, until the end of the month.
This weekend, Gudja is going back in time in Milied ta' Dari and Marsaskala is having its own festive celebrations in Milied Skaliż.
For more information, click on the links above.
The Malta National Aquarium is decked out for Christmas at the Aquarium. Photo: Facebook/Malta National AquariumCribs
Mechanical crib in Żejtun
The mechanical crib at the Jesus of Nazareth Institute in Żejtun, which has been operating since 1947, will be open to the public again this year until Janury 8 from 9.30am to noon and from 4.30 to 7pm. There will also be a bazaar in the adjacent hall during the same opening hours.
Mgr Bishop Emmanuel Galea had envisioned the creation of this crib, which was the first of its kind in Malta, while Paul Pavia handled the mechanical work. At present, Pavia's nephew Joseph, takes care of the crib's upkeep.
The clothes of the figurines (pasturi) were the handwork of the Sisters of the Missionary Congregation of Jesus of Nazareth of the time.
Il-Qala tissaħħar bil-presepji
A crib exhibition is being held at the Qala parish centre until January 8. It is open Monday to Saturday from 5 to 7pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to noon and from 5 to 9pm. On Boxing Day, doors will be open from 10am to 9pm.
Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju Malta exhibition
The Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju Malta is holding its annual exhibition of cribs at Palazzo Ferreria (in front of Pjazza Teatru Rjal) in Valletta, until December 30. Opening hours are from 9.30am to 7pm. Entrance is free.
Cribs and more at Mosta cultural centre
The Razzett tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone is hosting the 24th edition of its Christmas exhibition, featuring various cribs and other Christmas-related artworks until January 1. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5.30 to 8.30pm and Saturday and Sunday also from 9.30am to noon. Entrance is free.
A crib on display at the Mosta cultural centre. Photo: FacebookBethlehem f’Għajnsielem
The 13th edition of the popular Nativity Village is open until January 8. Opening days: today from 4 to 7.30pm; tomorrow, from 11am to 2pm (morning, children’s edition); Christmas Day, 4 to 7pm; December 26, from 2.30 to 7pm; December 27 from 4 to 7pm and December 30, from 4 to 7pm.
It will then be open on New Year's Day from 3 to 7pm and on January 8, from 2.30 to 7pm for the re-enactment of the Adoration of the Magi.
For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS
Christmas bonsai exhibition in aid of Puttinu Cares
The Bonsai Culture Group Malta, a registered voluntary organisation, is again holding its annual Christmas bonsai exhibition for charity, with proceeds going to Puttinu Cares.
The exhibition is being held indoors at the clubhouse in Notre Dame Arch Street, Floriana. It will be open for the public today from 9am till 6pm and tomorrow from 9am to 2pm.
Bonsai trees in a previous exhibition held by the Bonsai Culture Group Malta. Photo: FacebookKids Dig Science
The ŻiguŻajg team is today holding a Kids Dig Science event titled 'Boosting Santa's Sleigh' which involves a puppet show and some hands-on science activities for children between the ages of seven and 11.
Among others, Sean Briffa and Jeremy Grech will embark on a quest to save Christmas by engineering the fastest sleigh ever and the children will get the chance to do crafts which they can take home.
The event, taking place at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta at 3pm, is organised by the Malta Chamber of Scientists and is supported by the Art Council Malta’s Programme Support Fund.
VISUAL ARTS
Mediterranean Dreams 2
Following his exhibition titled Mediterranean Dreams, Kenneth Zammit Tabona presents the second chapter in his idyllic depictions of our country’s way of life.
The over 30 watercolour works are 'fuoridentros' in which gardens, pockets of landscapes, chapels, watchtowers and Montgolfiers are observed through open windows, thus bringing the outside in.
Mediterranean Dreams 2, curated by Charlene Vella, Mdina, is on display at Xara Palace in Mdina until December 22. Part of the proceeds from sales will be donated to Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
Consult the artist’s Facebook page for more information.
On the Passing of Elizabeth by Kenneth Zammit TabonaThe Malta Photographic Society Annual Exhibition
The 57th edition of the National Competition and Exhibition of Photography, organised annually by the Malta Photographic Society, opens today at Palazzo de La Salle in Valletta, the seat of the Malta Society of Arts (MSA).
This year, 74 photographers submitted around 700 photos for the competition. From these, the jury chose more than 100 works that are being exhibited as printed and framed photographs, as well as over 110 digital photos to be displayed on a monitor. The jury was made up of eight experts in the field of photography.
The competition honoured photographs in the four categories of colour prints, monochrome prints, colour projected images and monochrome projected images.
The exibition will be open until December 22; Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Entrance is free. Anyone who would like a guide should contact the MPS on info@mpsmalta.com. For more details about the exhibition visit www.artsmalta.org/events or www.facebook.com/maltasocietyofarts.
Nuances
An exhibition by Carmel Bonello and Peter Seychell is open at Gemelli Framing in Ta' Qali.
The title of the exhibition essentially defines a spectrum of inspirational sources, especially so when the whole enterprise is that between two artists who have an identifiable and very personalised style of expression.
Bonello is a veteran of the local art scene; with expressionism finding its way very earlier on into his oeuvre. He explores the world around him in full colour, black lines delineating the composition.
Seychell is a relative newcomer to the local art scene. However, his impressive intricate paintings have captured the attention of the art-loving public.
Nuances runs until December 23. Consult this Facebook group for opening hours and more information.
Frost by Peter SeychellExperiments in Entropy
The second law of thermodynamics states that as energy is transformed, it incrementally dissipates and tends towards loss, decay and waste. This is the process of entropy; a process of mutual construction and demolition. It applies to societies and to systems, as it does to the natural environment, and has generated curiosity since its peak in art production in the 1960s.
Ten architects, who collectively started architecture school a decade ago, have been asked to investigate trajectories of this narrative in their daily grind and the result is on show at the Valletta Contemporary in Valletta until December 24 and from January 11 to February 18. It is curated by Andrew Borg Wirth.
Look up the Valletta Contemporary Facebook page for more information.
[attach id="1263604" size="large" align="left" type="image"]Works on display at the exhibition Experiments in Entropy.[/attach]
Versatility
Veteran artist Joseph Barbara is exhibiting an array of his works, dating back to 2000, at Wignacourt Museum in Rabat.
The artist is renowned for recycling plastic mineral bottles to construct sculptures that deliver an environmental message. This exhibition, however, also includes his paintings which range from ones that have a strong pop-art imagery, featuring mostly ballroom dancers, to others having an oriental theme and on to multi-thematic collages.
Versatility runs until December 28. The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.15pm.
Artsy Christmas
Christmas-related artworks and more by a number of artists are on show at the Art by the Seaside gallery in Senglea until the end of the month, following an extension.
The collective exhibition, as the name indicates, is linked to the Christmas season, having a wide range of hand-made arts, from candles, to jewellery to Christmas decorations and obviously wall hanging works.
Participating artists include Kevin Attard, Dave Calleja, David Debono, Rebecca Ranieri, Thomas Scerri and Kevin Sciberras, among many others.
Refer to the venue’s Facebook page for more information.
An artwork by Dave Calleja on display at the Artsy Christmas exhibition.Don Heywood: Artist in Residence at the Phoenicia
Don Heywood, a distinguished British painter specialising in portraits and wildlife studies, is currently exhibiting at the Palm Court Lounge of the Phoenicia Hotel.
The artist is presenting paintings related to the seven important migratory birds that are found on the Maltese islands, these being the hawfinch, the goldfinch, the linnet, the greenfinch, the siskin, the serin and the chaffinch.
Also included in this exhibition are three large paintings of two endangered species of wild animals, the snow leopard and the polar bear.
The exhibition, curated by Louis Laganà, runs at Phoenicia Malta until January 1.
Art at the Corinthia Palace
The Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard is hosting a collective exhibition of contemporary artworks by 13 local and international artists.
The paintings are from the Allura Art collection and range from landscapes and seascapes to florals and abstracts. They include new and previously unseen work.
The artists taking part are Andrew Borg, Christine Porter Lofaro, Jo Dounis, Kevin Sciberras, Debbie Bonello and Rosette Bonello from Malta and Christopher Saliba and Bob Cardona from Gozo. Foreign locals include British-Maltese painter Andrew Smith, Bulgarians Vania Goshe and Bogdan Dyulgerov, Natasha Dadush from Russia and Marianne Ogden from the US.
The exhibition runs until January 8. More information about the exhibition is available here.
Catch a Glimpse by Christine Porter Lofaro100 years – Commemorating Frank Portelli’s Art and Life
A small retrospective exhibition dedicated to artist Frank Portelli, one of the pioneers of Maltese modernism, is on at the Camerone, MUŻA, Valletta until January 8.
The oeuvre of Portelli, who was born 100 years ago, is at times very personal, like in his masterpiece La Vie, while at others he experiments with his version of cubism, which he termed as ‘crystallised cubism’.
100 years – Commemorating Frank Portelli’s Art and Life is a collaboration between MUŻA (Heritage Malta) and Frank Portelli’s family.
'The tree is saying things, in words before words'
Catherine Cavallo, a contemporary painter who lives and works in Malta, is presenting her latest collection at Il-Kamra ta' Fuq in Mqabba.
Her work is rooted in observations of the everyday, and looks to both the pockets of serenity and the upheavals that life presents for her inspiration. This is evident in her evocative figure compositions which are influenced both by daily life and by current world situations.
The exhibition runs until January 8. For more information and opening hours, visit the gallery's Facebook page.
Redheads and Oranges by Catherine CavalloI Landed. Malta
Spazju Kreattiv and the Marlands Project have collaborated on a new exhibition featuring works by French artists Edgar Sarin, Lucy Orta and Max Fouchy and Maltese counterpart Sheldon Saliba.
Guest artist Sarin explored the island during his art residency in Malta as part of the Marlands project. His immersive, multilayered art project is the result of productive dialogues with islanders specialising in craft, culture and science.
During this exhibition, one can also take a trip to other Mediterranean islands through the artists’ work: Orta will take visitors to the Balearic Islands, and Max Fouchy to Sicily.
I Landed. Malta is curated by Elena Posokhova and Vince Briffa.
After the exhibition closes on January 8, it will move on to Catania, Sicily; Palma, Mallorca; Nicosia, Cyprus and Mallorca, Spain. For more information, click here.
Expressions
An exhibition by Rachel Galea at Il-Ħaġar - Heart of Gozo Museum features 31 of her latest works inspired by Gozo’s landscape.
The exhibition runs until January 10. The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Entrance is free.
For more information, click here.
Sights and sites
A new exhibition by Silvio John Camilleri at the King’s Own Band Club in Valletta investigates contemporary reality in which the ugliness of roads and pristine countryside have to co-exist as a dichotomy in Malta’s way of life.
Yet, the artist deciphers beauty even in the most inauspicious of locations, such as in the geometry of the road network and its juxtaposition with trees, streetlights and general urban elements.
Sights and Sites, curated by Fleur-Marie Ebejer, is on until January 11. Refer to the artist’s Facebook profile for more information.
Aldo Moro Road Marsa, No. 5 by Silvio John CamilleriOTHER EXHIBITIONS
Sunetti: Minn Fomm u Qalb il-Poplu
Malta Libraries is holding an exhibition on Maltese sonnets at the National Library of Malta in Valletta.
It is open to the public, free of charge, until the end of December. One may visit between Monday and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
The exhibition catalogue and a sonnet written specifically for the occasion and printed on silk (limited edition of 100) are available for sale from the Reading Room.
Duminkani fil-Palazz: Home & Temple
An artefact on display at the Dumnikani fil-Palazz: Home & Temple exhibition. Photo: DOI/Jason BorgAn exhibition at the Inquisitor's Palace in Vittoriosa tells of the special relationship between the palace and the neighbouring Dominican Order, especially in the post-war years.
Enemy war bombing in 1941 had left the Dominican community without a convent and a church, and they found temporary refuge beyond Vittoriosa. But they were called back by the need to fulfil their spiritual and educational mission among their people.
Eighty years ago, in August 1942, the Dominicans asked for temporary shelter at the Inquisitor’s Palace and, for almost two decades, the palace became the community’s home and temple.
The exhibition runs until January 8. The Inquisitor's Palace is open weekly from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4.30pm.
Honor Frost’s Malta: A Pioneer in the Centre of the Mediterranean
An exhibition highlighting underwater archaeologist Honor Frost’s connection to Malta is open at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Besides honouring Frost’s considerable legacy, the exhibition aims to offer a snapshot of Frost’s work in Malta through illustrations, artefacts and even some of her diving equipment.
The exhibition runs until January 15. Entrance is free of charge. One may visit the museum daily from 9am to 4.30pm.
She Said Darling with a 'K': Reimagining Katya Saunders
Spazju Kreattiv is dedicating an exhibition to the life of Katya Saunders, three years after her death.
The exhibition, which features a catalogue of photos, clothes and memorabilia, highlights the different facets of one of the first transgender women who broke boundaries in terms of sexual diversity and inclusion in Malta.
The exhibition, curated by Charlie Cauchi and Romeo Roxman Gatt, is also complemented by the launch of Saunders's official biography, penned by Ramona Depares, Kayta: Easy on the Tonic, which will take place on January 6.
The exhibition features a catalogue of photos, clothes and memorabilia of Katya Saunders. Photo: Facebook/Spazju KreattivUnseen and Unheard: Stories of Women Under Fire
The Storm Petrel Foundation is presenting an archival exhibition that sheds light on overlooked or previously unrecorded war narratives and microhistories from Malta and elsewhere.
It brings together items and artefacts drawn from different collections, with a primary focus on wartime experiences of women and girls.
The exhibition was inspired by a series of conversations between the NGO and Robert Attard, who had found a collection of letters written by a young German woman during World War II, some of which will be on display in the exhibition.
The exhibition is organised across five different rooms at the Storm Petrel Foundation’s premises in Attard, with each room representing a different era or focus.
The Storm Petrel Foundation has collaborated with Simon Cusens, Kim Dalli, Sharp Shoot Media, Media Coop, Tayar Foundation for Jewish Heritage in Malta, Sarah Chircop and Giuliana Fenech, Heritage Malta, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Palazzo Falson.
The exhibition runs until April 14. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 5 to 8pm and on Saturdays from 10.30am to 1pm. For more information, visit the foundation's Facebook page.