The Classique Foundation Celebrates Puccini's Legacy with Grand Anniversary Concert
Teatru Astra to Host PUCCINI 100 – ANNIVERSARY CONCERT on November 16, 2024
The Classique Foundation is set to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of the renowned opera composer Giacomo Puccini with an extraordinary concert at Teatru Astra. Scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 19:30 hrs, the "PUCCINI 100 – ANNIVERSARY CONCERT" will feature a selection of Puccini's most beloved orchestral pieces, arias, and duets.
Puccini, born on December 22, 1858, in Lucca, Italy, and who passed away on November 29, 1924, in Brussels, remains a towering figure in the world of romantic opera. His genius for melody and orchestration, combined with his ability to deeply move audiences, has secured his place as one of the foremost composers of his time. His works transcend barriers of language, age, and fashion, resonating with a broad and diverse audience.
The concert will feature performances by internationally renowned singers, accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. The event will be under the masterful direction of Joseph Debrincat, the artistic and music director of the Classique Foundation. This celebration of Puccini’s enduring legacy promises to be a highlight of the cultural calendar.
The "PUCCINI 100 – ANNIVERSARY CONCERT" is supported by the Social Good Causes Fund, Visit Malta, Teatru Astra, and the Cultural Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. The event is part of a series of significant commemorative events, with more details to be announced soon.
Opera aficionados and music lovers are encouraged to mark their calendars for this exceptional evening, which honors a composer whose work continues to touch hearts and inspire audiences around the globe. For further information and ticket bookings, please visit the Teatru Astra website.
Għaxaq Music Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Five-Day Concert Extravaganza
The Għaxaq Music Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a spectacular five-day concert series featuring a star-studded line-up. Highlights include Grammy Award winner Julian Marley and international superstar Ronan Keating. The festival will also present the world-renowned Pink Floyd tribute show Brit Floyd, with special guest Harry Waters, the acclaimed Bootleg Beatles, and Malta's own Tribali.
The festival opens with a reggae night headlined by 2024 Grammy Award winner Julian Marley & The Uprising on their ‘Colours of Royal’ Tour. Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, will bring authentic reggae vibes to the stage, performing tracks from his latest award-winning album along with his father's classics. The evening will also feature Malta's beloved band Fakawi, DJ Mykill, and a closing party hosted by Malta’s star DJ JJOY.
Pop icon Ronan Keating will headline the second night, offering fans a memorable set list that includes hits like "If Tomorrow Never Comes," and "Life Is a Rollercoaster,". Shaun Farrugia, a rising Maltese star, will provide a special supporting act, followed by a warm-up set from Pierre Cordina while DJ Sue will provide music during the closing party.
For the first time in Malta, the festival will host Brit Floyd, the premier Pink Floyd tribute band, along with Harry Waters. Celebrating 30 years of their P·U·L·S·E production, Brit Floyd will deliver a spectacular show featuring classic Pink Floyd tracks, stunning visuals, and theatrics. Harry Waters, is the son of Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, and adds a personal touch to the tribute.
Tickets for these concerts are available online at www.showshappening.com. Proceeds support the Embrace Diversity Organisation, aiding children and youths with disabilities. Over the past three years, the festival has donated more than €50K to various charitable causes.
The festival's grand finale will take place at the historic Għaxaq Square, with free entrance for the events. On August 7th, the Bootleg Beatles, will headline with their renditions of timeless classics. DJ Steve Agius will set the tone for the evening with a dynamic warm-up set.
On August 8th, Tribali will take the stage, playing tunes from their fifth album, Alka. Known for their vibrant fusion of global sounds, Tribali will deliver an exhilarating performance, enhanced by an ethnic market offering local crafts, foods, and cultural delights. DJ Carlo Gerada will kick off the night.
For daily updates, visit The Għaxaq Music Festival Facebook page.
The festival is organised by St Mary’s Band Club Għaxaq and supported by the Minister of Culture and Malta Tourism Authority.
Documentary Celebrates the Legacy of Tony Carr
For several years, Ġuże Camilleri has been dedicated to documenting the life and contributions of Tony Carr, aiming to preserve his memory through a comprehensive film project. This effort has gradually culminated in a documentary that promises to be both entertaining and inspirational. Tony Carr's remarkable ability to adapt his musical style—from jazz to rock and theatre to film—serves as a powerful testament to resilience and creativity. This narrative extends beyond Carr himself, encompassing the many people and places that have influenced his journey, highlighting the countless other stories worth remembering.
As the campaign to support this documentary approaches its final days, there is a call for the community to come together in celebrating Tony Carr’s legacy. His story exemplifies the profound impact of music and the enduring human spirit, ensuring that his contributions to popular music are recognized and preserved as an essential part of history.
Born George Caruana in 1927 in Valletta, Malta, Tony Carr’s life is one of ambition and resilience. The documentary aims to safeguard his fading legacy while also acknowledging the significant contributions of his peers, who are integral to Malta's cultural history. During World War II in 1942, a young Tony found refuge in underground shelters by day and immersed himself in the vibrant jazz scene of Valletta’s Strait Street by night. Alongside friends Frank Camilleri and Joe Curmi, he formed one of Malta's first jazz trios, guided by stranded African-American jazz musicians who helped him develop his drumming skills and passion for Bebop. Seeking greater opportunities, Tony eventually moved to London to further his musical career.
In London, he faced intense competition and took on various jobs to support himself. His perseverance led to a breakthrough when he joined a European tour with the internationally acclaimed Billy Eckstine, which established him as a sought-after session drummer in London's contemporary music scene. By the 1960s, he had become the preferred session drummer for renowned pianist and conductor John Cameron, adapting to the evolving music landscape and collaborating with legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Sixto Rodriguez, Donovan, Alan Price, and Paul McCartney. Despite these significant contributions, Tony's impact remains largely unrecognized in Malta.
The documentary requires funding to cover various essential aspects, including licensing fees for iconic tracks like Donovan’s "Sunshine Superman," historical footage, animated sequences that authentically depict the 50s, 60s, and 70s, new B-roll footage, voice actors for narration, and comprehensive sound design. Given Tony's age of 96, the urgency of this project is paramount to ensure his remarkable story is properly documented and celebrated.
The dedicated team behind the project includes Ġuže Camilleri, a seasoned drummer and music educator who has devoted years to researching Tony's story; Cedric Vella, a creative filmmaker focused on engaging visual storytelling; and David Vella, a producer at Temple Studios Malta known for his high-quality sound production.
This documentary aims to preserve the contributions of Tony and his peers to music and Maltese identity while inspiring future generations. Supporters are encouraged to spread the word on social media, as each share helps keep Tony Carr's legacy alive. By backing this documentary, individuals contribute to preserving and sharing the rich musical heritage shaped by Tony and his contemporaries. More information about the project can be found on gogetfunding.com.
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