The First Malta International Organ Festival will take place between Thursday, August 28 and Friday, September 12, boasting a 14-day programme of events that will be staged in various churches and cathedrals around Malta and Gozo. Under the patronage of H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, and the artistic direction of Joseph Lia this event will feature some of the best-known local and international organ players. The musical performances will undoubtedly be further enhanced as much by the beautiful surroundings as by the ambiance that our Maltese churches and cathedrals have an abundance of, the end result bringing to the fore yet another aspect of what our island's cultural heritage has to offer. All the performances are free of charge but donations will be collected to support Fondazzjoni Nazareth and the restoration of the St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral Organ. The festival is sponsored primarily by the Lions Club Sliema, Vivaldi Hotel and the Parliament Secretary for the Rights of Disabled Persons and Active Ageing and is endorsed by the Valletta 18 Foundation.
The venues for the programmed performances are St. Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral, St. Johns Co-Cathedral, St. John's Co-Cathedral Oratory, St. Augustine Church (Valletta), St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral (Mdina), Annunciation of Our Lady Parish Church (Balzan), St. Cajetan Parish Church (Hamrun) and Our Lady of Ta' Pinu Sanctuary in Gozo.
Free organ masterclasses for students are being held in Valletta on Monday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 3. Those interested should apply as soon as possible by filling the form here.
The full festival programme is available here.
For more information, visit www.maltainternationalorganfestival.com.