19th Malta Spring Festival: A Radiant Future Unfolds in Valletta
- Melodija Team
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
The much-anticipated 19th edition of the Malta Spring Festival is set to captivate audiences with an inspiring programme that blends classical music, contemporary dance, and jazz. Curated by Artistic Director Karl Fiorini, the festival carries the thought-provoking theme "A Radiant Future," reflecting on humanity’s destiny in uncertain times.
As part of this year's festival, the Malta Spring Festival Academy will be launched, offering masterclasses by world-class artists for both national and international students.
Opening Concert: A Profound Musical Journey
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Venue:St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Valletta
Time: 20:00
Tickets: €20 (50% discount for students and senior citizens, free for children 15 and under)
The festival commences with a powerful performance by the Quíron Quartet, featuring Edgar Gomes (violin I), Barbara Udovcic (violin II), José Azevedo (viola), and Maria Nabeiro (cello). The quartet will perform two emotive works by Dmitri Shostakovich—String Quartet No. 8 and String Quartet No. 15—offering an introspective musical experience filled with profound emotion and contemplation.
Contemporary Dance and Live Music: Fragments in Flux
Date: Thursday, April 24
Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta
Time: 20:00
Tickets: €30 & €20 (50% discount for students and senior citizens, free for children 15 and under)
Merging avant-garde music with movement, "Fragments in Flux" will bring together the artistry of choreographer Dorian Mallia and the acclaimed Moveo Dance Company. Accompanied by musicians Kristina Besman (violin), Philip Attard (saxophone), Gjorgji Cincievski (double bass), and Christine Zerafa (piano), the performance will interpret Berio’s Sequenzas and Boulez’s 12 Notations, exploring the dynamic relationship between sound and physicality.
Sandro Zerafa Quartet: A Jazz Fusion
Date: Friday, April 25
Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta
Time: 20:00
Tickets: €30 & €20 (50% discount for students and senior citizens, free for children 15 and under)
Renowned jazz guitarist Sandro Zerafa returns with his latest quartet featuring Noé Huchard (piano), Yonik Zelkin (bass), and Francesco Ciniglio (drums). Zerafa’s unique style, blending Brazilian music, mainstream jazz, and contemporary influences, will be showcased alongside compositions from his newest album, released in 2024.
Rising Stars Spotlight: Chico Zerafa in Concert
Highlighting the festival’s commitment to young talent, pianist Chico Zerafa will take center stage with a repertoire including Ravel’s Sonatine, Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 78 in F# Major, Fauré’s Barcarolle No. 3, and Scriabin’s Poème Op. 32.
Closing Concert: A Grand Finale
Date: Saturday, April 26
Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta
Time: 20:00
Tickets: €30 & €20 (50% discount for students and senior citizens, free for children 15 and under)
The festival will conclude with an exceptional orchestral performance by the Malta Spring Festival Academy Orchestra, led by conductor Brian Schembri and featuring renowned violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky. The programme includes Karl Fiorini’s Pentimenti, Shostakovich’s Symphony for Strings Op. 110a, Pärt’s meditative Fratres, and Tchaikovsky’s lyrical Serenade for Strings.
For more information, visit the Teatru Manoel website.
With a stellar lineup of international artists and an ambitious programme, the 19th Malta Spring Festival promises to be a celebration of artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural enrichment.
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