Teatru Astra gearing for the eighth edition of Festival Mediterranea

The eighth edition of Festival Mediterranea kicks off on the 23 October with a recital by organist Richard Vendome on the late 18^th century British pipe organ at the Aula Mgr. G. Farrugia, St George’s Basilica.

The biggest event, is undoubtly Verdi's opera Rigoletto, which will be staged at the Astra twice: Thursday 29 and Saturday 31 October. Booking is already open. Bulgarian baritone Peter Danailov will play the leading role, Rigoletto. This will also be his first appearance at the Teatru Astra. Artists in other leading roles include Antonino Interisano, Miriam Cauchi, Emilia Boteva and Franco de Grandis. Artistic direction is once again in the hands of Mario Corradi, while Prof Joseph Vella will conduct the national philharmonic orchestra, led by Marcelline Agius. The Teatru Astra Opera Chorus (Chorus Mistress: Maria Frendo) will be in attendance. The complete cast for this great opera production is as follows:

Il Duca di Mantova: Antonino Interisano
Rigoletto: Peter Danailov
Gilda: Miriam Cauchi
Sparafucile: Franco de Grandis
Maddalena: Emilia Boteva
Giovanna: Arienne Gaerty
Monterone: Kevin Caruana
Marullo: Kenneth Scicluna
Borsa: Frans Mangion
Conte di Ceprano: Lorenzo Ciccioni
Contessa di Ceprano: Dorienne Portelli
Usciere: Bernard Busuttil
Paggio: Antoinette Camilleri

Other events during the 30-day festival include site visits to the Ggantija Temples, Ghejzu’s Cave and the Stone Circle; Salt pans and Agrofarm; Hypogeum in Tarxien and other traditional trades in Gozo; the Archaeology Museums in Valletta and in Victoria led by Dr David Trump; visit to St George’s Basilica, the mother church of Gozo, in the heart of Gozo’s capital, Victoria; a vocal and instrumental recital by Amy Weber (soprano), and Richard Vendome (Piano); a concert by the Schola Pietatis Antonio Vivaldi; a virtuoso concert by the La Stella Soloists; and Unforgettable - a dance show by the Centre Stage Group.

Festival Mediterranea ends in style with the La Stella philharmonic band in concerton Saturday 21 November at the Astra Theatre. Prof. Joseph Vella, the band's musical director for the past 39 years will conduct the band.

For more details please contact us on [email protected] .
Bookings for the main events: [email protected] or (+356)2155 0985