All set for tonight’s grand V18 celebrations
Last preparations were underway yesterday ahead of this evening’s grand V18 celebrations, which will see Valletta crowned as a European Capital of Culture for the coming year.
Heralding the cultural entertainment and special events taking place throughout the year, the opening week of Valletta 2018 presents music, street artists and performers.
There will also be exhibitions, staged in various different venues within the city, and open days where anyone can discover or re-visit some of Valletta’s most curious and historical places. And the week will be a chance to learn more about the people of Valletta and their life in this magnetic city, through community storytelling events.
Events at a glance
The events are designed to explore Valletta and all of Malta’s vibrancy and heritage, and to introduce the various themes that will be highlighted during the city’s year as a European City of Culture comprise six different themes. Prepare to host our European Capital of Culture year, which are: Music and Theatre, Festa, Pop-up/Music, Children and Young People, History and Sport; certainly something for everyone.
Today the Erba’ Pjazez will be staged on Triton Square, St John’s Square, St George’s Square and Castille Square. There will be 20minute shows taking place on the hour at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm, ensuring no one will miss a chance to enjoy them all. Here are just a few of the acts and event you can look forward to.
Il-Qawma tat-Tritoni Triton Square
La Fura dels Baus, is a Spanish theatre company that is all about eccentricity, innovation, adaptation, rhythm, evolution and transgression. They constantly redefine space and change the public’s role from passive to active. On this occasion they will be performing a spectacular, choreographed aerobatic show, featuring a human net above the newly restored Triton Fountain. They will be joined by a pool of local talent, including about 60 people.
Qalbna St George’s Square
ŻfinMalta will be performing a modern dance, choreographed by Paolo Mangiola, to original music composed by Cyprian Cassar. The show will feature dancers interacting with projected visuals by Blaze Animation and lighting effects by Mad About Video. Site - St George’s Square
Elfejn u Tmintax St John’s Square
Elfejn u Tmintax is a brand new choral symphony which will be premiered on the steps of St John’s Cathedral. The music is composed by Elton Zarb and the lyrics by Joe Julian Farrugia. The choir will be directed by Pamela Bezzina. The performance includes innovative lighting effects illuminating the centuries old façades of St John’s Square. Site St John’s Square
Minn Qiegh l-Imghoddi ghall-Quccata tal-Gejjieni
3D mapping projections on the
Auberge de Castille which combine CGI components, music and visual special effects. This 20minute extravaganza celebrates the past and prepares for an imagined future. Site - Castille Square.
Tempo - 11:30 PM onwards - Pjazza San Gorg
TEMPO will see the infusion of Maltese International DJ Tenishia with the National Philharmonic Orchestra directed by Sigmund Mifsud. TEMPO will be closing the Erba’ Pjazez Opening celebrations. The performance will be going through a journey into electronic dance music starting from the 70s onwards including 17 iconic tracks that have shaped the genre of electronic dance music throughout the years.
Apart from these spectacles, other performances will reach spectators in the surrounding areas: A guard of honour, celebrating the Maltese people, with bands playing on either side of a large street; Moveo Dance Company creating beautiful, evocative movements on specially designed swings and within the crowd; Rota, a huge wheel welcoming the crowd to the city of Valletta; Big Dancers - giant marionettes in synchronised choreography and light effects; Nibnu Malta, a gaggle of clowns interacting with the crowd in a comedy creation of Malta’s national symbol, plus three marching bands accompanying the crowds from venue to venue.
And, on the way to the rest of the night’s programme, the delicious, traditional warm chocolate drink, Imbuljuta, will be handed round to the crowd.
The full programme can be found at: http://valletta2018.org/cultural-programme/