The Malta International Organ Festival launches its programme

Undoubtedly, one of the largest events during this time of the year for the lovers of art and classical music, and for those who want to explore it in their local communities, is the Malta International Organ Festival, with 17 concerts over a span of three weeks by world-renowned musicians in the cathedrals, basilicas and churches across the Maltese Islands. The festival brings together world-renowned, top-notch musicians with some of the greatest music written for the king of instruments, performed in temples that showcase some of the Maltese Islands’ most stunning architectural and artistic heritage.

The organ is one of the most valuable musical instruments in the world. It works especially well with the excellent acoustics of our churches, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It leaves a great impression on listeners, enchanting and attracting musical connoisseurs from around the world. The festival starts on Saturday 19 November with a concert by the internationally acclaimed BBC Proms organist and conductor Wayne Marshall, together with baritone Joseph Lia, and finishes with a grand finale on 9 December, with major baroque works for solo organ, and organ and orchestra, under the direction of the highly acclaimed baroque conductor and organist Elena Sartori.

Other concerts include an organ and clarinet concert at the Fontana Parish Church, Gozo, a concert for violin, cello and organ at the Bir Miftuħ medieval chapel, a concert for organ and pan-pipes by French composers, a Strada Stretta Concept Concert at the Loop Bar, solo organ recitals by the Estonian organist Piret Aidulo at Ta’ Xbiex Parish Church, Joe Caruana at Żejtun, world stars Christian Schmitt and Heribert Breuer at St Augustine Parish Church Valletta and Diego Cannizzaro at the Balluta Parish Church.

The Lithuanian choir Giesme will give a concert at St Helen’s Basilica in Birkirkara, while Roberta Bugeja will give her interpretation to Maltese Feast Antiphon melodies, and Dion Buhagiar will improvise on sacred themes. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Brass ensemble under the direction of Geoffrey Alvarez will give a programme of organ and brass on 30 November at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, a concert not to be missed.