Events – Teatru Astra

Christmas Rocks the Astra

The first live Christmas Rock Concert with Rock Bands and backing orchestra. With the participation of guest singers from Gozo and Malta – a family Christmas concert with a difference.

21 December 2018

In conversation with Joseph Calleja

Lecture

The world's top lyric tenor talks to former Times editor Steve Mallia about his life and a career that has taken him across.

30 November 2018

La Stella Band Soloists Recital

Musical concerto

A recital of classical music featuring pianist Francis Camilleri, clarinetist Mario Galea and euphonium player George Camilleri will be held at the Aula Mgr Farrugia, St. George's Basilica, Victoria Gozo, on Saturday. The recital forms part of the 17th edition of Festival Mediterranea, an almost two-month long celebration of culture organised annually by Teatru Astra. The festival promotes instrumental,...

24 November 2018

Decoration in the churches of Gozo: Stone, Marble Stucco and Silver

Lecture

On-site lecture by Dr Mark Sagona. Meeting place infront of Teatru Astra.

10 November 2018

Ovid... an entertainment

Musical concerto

OVID is a fusion of music from Handel's opera-oratorio Semele (1744) and Britten's Six Metamorphoses After Ovid (1951) for solo oboe, woven together with song and dance to give the audience an insight into the ancient world, half human and half divine, half good and half evil. It was devised by Richard Vendome for the celebration by Oxford Girls' Choir of the 2000th anniversary of the death of Roman...

26 October 2018

In the company of good wine

Leisure

The wine tasting session starts with an explanation on characteristics of the vineyard and the uniqueness of its wines. Information is given about wine appreciation and what to know before buying or drinking wines. This will be followed by tasting of four different award winning wines and a fortified wine together with local nibbles. Wine is free flowing after the actual session. €25 per head and booking...

26 October 2018

Il-Hagar Museum Tour

Lecture

This is a free guided tour of the Il-Hagar Museum by eminent historian Dr Paul George Pisani. This Museum which houses exhibits of historical importance is based in old buildings characterized by a modern stack that unifies the five floors of this Museum. Of particular interest is the presentation of the Joseph Vella Music Archive which documents and mementos were donated to the Museum Foundation by...

26 October 2018

La Traviata

Opera Giuseppe Verdi

Perhaps in no other of his operas as in the magnetic La Traviata does Verdi concentrate the essence of his genius as a supreme interpreter of the human condition in all its strengths and weaknesses. Making full use of his dramatic prowess and intuitive sense of irony, Verdi's immortal score plumbs the depths of waywardness and redemption through love. Yet, there is no escaping the terrible truth that...

25 October – 27 October 2018

Opera for the lady who strayed

Lecture

The "Lady who strayed" is the literal translation of the opera title La Traviata. Opera expert Dr Abraham Borg will lead the audience through the opera libretto explaining the text nuances and their application to music. He will also go through the history of this most performed Verdi opera, giving a solid background that will help one appreciate and enjoy the performance in all its fullness.

25 October – 27 October 2018

Lunchtime concert of Choral Music

Musical concerto

The Oxford Girls Choir was formed in 1984 by Richard Vendome and is the oldest choir of its kind in the United Kingdom. There are now four choirs for boys and girls with ages between 4 and 18. The choirs perform regularly at home and abroad and sing many styles of music, ranging from medieval, through opera through jazz. The lunchtime concert of choral music at St George's Basilica will also incorporate...

24 October 2018

Teatru Astra 50th Anniversary Exhibition

Exhibition

The exhibition celebrates the 50 years of life of Teatru Astra, the island's first commercial theatre which opened its doors to the public in January 1968. The exhibition will remain open daily from the 21 October to the 30 November from 9:00 to 17:00. A commemorative booklet will also be available for sale.

21 October 2018

Music in Liturgy

Liturgy

The resident choir of St George's Basilica will sing the eleven o'clock high mass in repose of the soul of Mro Joseph Vella. During the mass, the choir will sing motets composed by the Maestro himself. The Festival is in the honour of the same Maestro who was its Musical Director since its inception.

21 October 2018

Early Modern Rabat – Continuity and Change

Lecture

Talk by Godwin Vella.

20 October 2018

Jesus Christ Superstar

Musical

Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical started as a rock opera concept album before its Broadway debut in 1971. The musical is sung-through, with no spoken dialogue. The story is loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the last week of Jesus's life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples...

24 March – 1 April 2018