Opera vs Pop Under the Stars – 9th edition

Ever since its inception in 2002, The Gozo Youth Wind Band & Orchestra, consisting of two separate groups of young and promising musicians, have been entertaining the general public with a wide range of stylistic repertoire to the enjoyment of all age groups. Hailing from all over Gozo and enriched with proficient guest musicians including foreign residents residing on the island, these young musicians meet regularly to prepare a wide spectrum of musical genre to be performed in various high-calibre events held from time to time in Gozo and Malta.

The whole concept behind this project, originating after a successful tour by The Derbyshire City & County Youth Wind Band & Orchestra in 2001, besides creating the opportunity for young talented musicians to perform in a collective manner, is to create a new approach to concert performances by nearly-similar ensembles and strives to explore new/innovative aspects of presenting its performances.

Following our eight previous successful editions of Opera vs Pop under the Stars, The Gozo Youth Orchestra is presenting this year’s edition in collaboration with The Ministry for Gozo and the Embassy of the United States of America. The concert will be held on Monday, 1 August at 8.30pm. Patrons are requested to be seated at 8.15pm. The concert will be hosted by the Hon. Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo and the Ambassador for the United States of America H.E. G. Kathleen Hill.

The concert will feature soprano Pamela Agius (New York), bass Noel Galea (Gozo) and pop singer Francesco Joseph Nicodeme (Italy) together with Gozitan and Maltese singers and musicians. The first part of the programme will consist of classical and operatic songs and arias, followed by an array of lighter pop arrangements from soundtracks and musicals. Patrons are invited to an after-concert treat.

Tickets strictly by reservation and optional VIP seating is also available by phoning on 9942 1611, 7942 1611; email: gozowindbandorchestra@yahoo.co.uk

This event is being organized in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, the American Embassy, the Culture Section within the Ministry for Gozo, HSBC, The Central Bank of Malta, Michael Grech Financial, Joseph Portelli Projects and General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd.