As in previous years, it is very encouraging to note that we are having so much response to our programme of concerts scheduled for this year’s 17th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival. Specifically, patrons are bursting with excitement and anticipation regarding the programme of works that will be performed during the inaugural concert this Wednesday.

So, we thought it’s only fair that you know what you’ll be regaled with. Here it is:

B. Smetana                 Vltava (The Moldau) – from Má Vlast op. 62

H. Wieniawski           Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Minor op. 22

P.I. Tchaikovsky        Pas de deux – from The Nutcracker Ballet op.71

A Dvořák                     Symphony in G no. 8 op. 88

As one of Malta’s top critics told me this weekend, “this is music to die for”. And indeed it is.  Our Artistic Director, Joseph Vella, who will also be conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for this concert, purposely put together a wonderful programme of Romantic music to include among the most ravishing pieces by Smetana and Tchaikovsky, a concerto, namely, Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto in D Minor no. 2 and Dvořák’s great Symphony no. 8.

As you already know from the previous post on our website, the soloist for the Wieniawski is virtuoso violinist Dejan Bogdanovich.

It is a most fitting way to start Gozo’s Festival of Festivals … come, listen and have fun!! Concert starts at 8pm.