Musical Based on Trevor Zahra's Book to be Staged This Month
Sempreviva is set to premiere at the Msida Bastion Historical Gardens this month, brought to life by The Kettle Club. Founded in 2019, The Kettle Club aims to make musical theatre accessible to all and serve as a hub for new ideas in the genre.
The club's latest production, Sempreviva l-Musical, marks a significant milestone as their first original show. The director, who has extensive experience in both performing and directing, takes on the dual role of producer-director for this fully-fledged musical. She has embraced a collaborative approach, developing the story and lyrics with the performers, and has found the experience deeply rewarding.
Performed in Maltese, Sempreviva l-Musical is inspired by a book of short stories by the celebrated novelist Trevor Zahra, who received the National Book Prize Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature in 2020. The director was eager to produce an original musical in Maltese and chose Zahra’s Sempreviva, a collection of short stories that explore the role of flowers in Maltese culture. This choice reflects a patriotic desire to celebrate local flora and educate audiences about the beauty of Malta’s countryside.
The book contains over 50 short stories, but only a select few could be included in the musical. After careful selection, four stories were woven into a central narrative based on the story "L-Anġlu tad-dlamijiet," which explores the beauty in both life and death. The musical’s title, Sempreviva, is inspired by a flower that lives forever, symbolizing the theme of eternal life. A recurring motif in the script poses the question, “X’tiswa fjura li ma tmut qatt?” (What is the worth of a flower that lives forever?).
The production encourages audiences to embrace the present, moving beyond past regrets. Clint Chircop stars as Orren, the main protagonist, making his musical theatre debut. He is supported by seasoned performers Karl Bartolo, Charlotte Formosa, Sean Borg, and Lara Agius, who portray multiple characters, including Orren’s deceased wife Cara, the love of his life; gossipy family members Bianca and Albert; and Riza, a girl who reminds Orren of Cara and gives him a renewed sense of purpose. The show also features personified flowers such as a daisy, rose, and sempreviva, who help narrate the story.
ConTempo Honors Late Clarinetist Daniele Galletto in Upcoming Concert
As part of The Malta Society of Arts Performing Arts Programme 2024, ConTempo is set to host a poignant concert dedicated to the memory of clarinetist Daniele Galletto, who passed away earlier this year. The event will feature performances by clarinet virtuoso Godfrey Mifsud and double bass maestro Gjorgji Cincievski.
The concert's carefully curated programme includes:
Miloslav Gajdos | Invocation for solo double bass
Simon Garcia | Transcience of Life for solo double bass
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata K 213 (arranged by Galletto & Cincievski)
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata K 466 (arranged by Galletto & Cincievski)
Gjorgji Cincievski | A Moment.. for clarinet and double bass (world premiere in memoriam Daniele Galletto)
Paul Hindemith | "Musikalisches Blumengärtlein und Leyptziger Allerley" for clarinet and double bass
The highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of A Moment... for clarinet and double bass, composed by Gjorgji Cincievski in memory of Galletto. This piece, along with other arrangements and solo performances, promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the late clarinetist's legacy.
The concert underscores the commitment of The Malta Society of Arts to support and celebrate the performing arts, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists. Through events like these, the society continues to foster a vibrant cultural scene in Malta, honoring the contributions of esteemed musicians like Daniele Galletto.
Join ConTempo and The Malta Society of Arts for an evening of exceptional music, celebrating the life and work of Daniele Galletto, and experiencing the talents of Godfrey Mifsud and Gjorgji Cincievski.
L-Għanja tal-Poplu 2024: Celebrating Maltese Music at Pjazza Teatru Rjal
The 48th edition of L-Għanja tal-Poplu is set to take place on August 3, 2024, at Pjazza Teatru Rjal. This year’s festival promises a night of vibrant Maltese music, featuring the participation of the Malta Concert Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Joe Brown.
The finalists for this year's competition are:
Thea Gauci
Cherylis
Jasmine Farrugia
Dario Bezzina
Laura Bruno
Mark Tonna
Rachel Lowell
Klikka
Dominic Cini
JAMM Band
Kayley Cuschieri Singer
Anna Azzopardi
Florence Aquilina
David Joseph Sammut
Lon Kirkop
Leontine Spiteri
The festival will be hosted by Joseph Galea and Antonella Galea Loffreda, adding their charm and enthusiasm to the evening's celebrations.
Tickets for L-Għanja tal-Poplu 2024 are available for purchase at www.ticketline.com.mt. As a special promotion, those who buy six tickets in one transaction will only pay for five, with tickets priced at either €15 or €20.
Don't miss this opportunity to support local talent and enjoy a night of exceptional Maltese music at Pjazza Teatru Rjal.
Missio Malta and Families For Christ Community Present: An Evening with Fr Rob Galea
Sir Temi Zammit Hall is set to host an unforgettable evening with Fr Rob Galea at his "Praise You" concert. This event, organized by Missio Malta and Families For Christ Community, promises a night of worship, inspiration, and uplifting melodies.
Fr Rob Galea, an ordained Catholic priest from the Sandhurst Diocese in Victoria, Australia, originally hails from Malta. He is the founder and executive director of ICON Ministry, a charity organization that reaches over 2,000,000 people worldwide each year. Fr Rob is also an internationally acclaimed author, singer, and songwriter with eight albums and a debut book titled Breakthrough, accompanied by a companion journal.
Fr Rob has performed at major events, including several World Youth Day celebrations, where he wrote and performed the English and International versions of the official songs for the 2008, 2016, and 2019 events. His performances have drawn live audiences of over 1,200,000 people. He has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, and TV shows globally and was a contestant on Australia's 2015 season of The X Factor.
Beyond his musical talents, Fr Rob is a sought-after speaker, engaging with students, teaching staff, and church congregations across Australia and around the world. Despite his numerous achievements, Fr Rob emphasizes that his primary identity is as a follower of Christ and a priest, before being a speaker, musician, and artist.
Join us at Sir Temi Zammit Hall for a night filled with worship and inspiration led by Fr Rob Galea. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the powerful ministry of a truly gifted individual dedicated to spreading the message of faith and love.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased through the event organizers. Be sure to secure your spot for an evening that promises to be spiritually enriching and musically uplifting.