Malta Spring Festival 2025: A Radiant Future for Music in the Heart of Valletta

The Malta Spring Festival returns for its 19th edition from April 22 to 26, 2025, offering a vibrant programme of classical and contemporary music in venues across Valletta. Conceived and founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Karl Fiorini, the festival has earned a reputation for its daring programming, emotional depth, and commitment to both new compositions and rarely heard repertoire in Malta.

This year’s theme, A Radiant Future, sets the tone for a week of performances that aim to challenge, inspire, and uplift audiences, with a strong educational component and a forward-looking emphasis on youth and innovation.

Festival Highlights:

Opening Night – Quíron Quartet

St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral

Tuesday, April 22, 20:00

€20 | 50% off for students/seniors

Free for under-15s

The festival opens with a compelling recital by the Quíron Quartet. Formed in 2020 and composed of alumni from leading European conservatoires, the ensemble brings fresh interpretation to Shostakovich’s emotionally charged String Quartets Nos. 8 and 15—meditations on suffering, memory, and mortality.

Fragments in Flux – Contemporary Dance with Live Music

Teatru Manoel

Thursday, April 24, 20:00

€30 & €20 | 50% off for students/seniors

Free for under-15s

This innovative performance unites Moveo Dance Company with live musicians in a choreographic response to the avant-garde sound worlds of Berio and Boulez. Dorian Mallia’s choreography breathes kinetic life into these complex scores, blurring the lines between physical and musical expression.

Sandro Zerafa Quartet

Teatru Manoel

Friday, April 25, 20:00

€30 & €20 | 50% off for students/seniors

Free for under-15s

Celebrated Maltese guitarist Sandro Zerafa returns with a brand-new quartet, premiering material from his sixth album, released in 2024. Known for his stylistic breadth, Zerafa brings together elements of Brazilian, modern jazz, and European musical traditions in a fresh and dynamic set.

Rising Stars Spotlight – Chico Zerafa

A special recital highlighting emerging pianist Chico Zerafa features works by Ravel, Beethoven, Fauré, and Scriabin. Part of the festival’s Rising Stars initiative, this platform supports young Maltese artists in developing international musical careers.

A Landmark Finale – Closing Concert

Teatru Manoel

Saturday, April 26, 20:00

Malta Spring Festival Academy Orchestra

Soloist: Dmitry Sitkovetsky

Conductor: Brian Schembri

€30 & €20 | 50% off for students/seniors

Free for under-15s

This year’s grand finale introduces a milestone for the festival—the debut of the Malta Spring Festival Academy Orchestra, uniting emerging European talents with expert mentors. Conducted by the esteemed Brian Schembri and featuring world-renowned violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky, the programme spans the meditative serenity of Arvo Pärt to the lyrical beauty of Tchaikovsky, and includes festival founder Karl Fiorini’s own Pentimenti.

Brian Schembri on His Return to the Maltese Stage

Ahead of his much-anticipated return, conductor Brian Schembri shared his thoughts in a heartfelt message on social media:

“I have been a very keen supporter of the Malta Spring Festival since 2007-2008, so it is with immense pleasure that after many years of absence from the podium in my native country, I accepted to collaborate once again with composer Carl Fiorini, the Artistic Director of this splendid festival. For many years, together with Carl, we discussed so many programmes for different editions of the festival, but one recurrent theme was always the possibility of the festival having its own orchestra.”

“So, I'm immensely excited and happy that Carl has managed to launch this new project in which all the highly talented young musicians that are coming to Malta, from all over Europe to work with a wonderful team of tutors during a week of masterclasses, will join forces to form the festival orchestra. The birth of a new orchestra project is always an exceptional event. The choice of repertoire is exceptional... and of course, the participation of this year's guest of honour, the eminent violinist and musical personality Dmitry Sitkovetsky, makes this a truly special occasion.”

“I hope the public will come and support all the musicians performing throughout the week—not just during my concert—because in doing so they will be supporting the younger generation that represents the future of our music profession.”

Educational Focus: International Strings Academy

This edition also sees the launch of the Malta Spring Festival International Strings Academy, offering intensive training to young string players. With masterclasses led by distinguished artists including Sitkovetsky and Charles Sewart (Purcell School, UK), the academy reflects the festival’s long-term commitment to nurturing future musical excellence.

Supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation, this new educational initiative complements the festival’s long-running Rising Stars series, creating a bridge between early talent and professional artistry.

Tickets & Info

All events offer discounts for students and senior citizens, and free entry for children under 15 when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased via the Teatru Manoel website or by calling the box office at +356 2124 6389.

Full programme details are available on maltaspringfestival.com.

With its bold vision and a rich tapestry of music and education, the 2025 Malta Spring Festival promises a moving celebration of artistic spirit, resilience, and hope for the future.