Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1044434
14 IN just a couple of weeks Teatru Pandora will be tak- ing to the stage in the heart of Żejtun with a production of the operetta 'Il-Madonna Tiegħi Aħjar minn Tiegħek' The operetta sees the re- turn of songstress, actress and all-round Maltese fa- vourite Mary Rose Mallia as loud mouthed, religious village gossip Zija Katja, a loyal Madonna tal-Katina supporter. But with clubs comes ri- valry! Nannu Fred, who is as witty and sharp as they come, has no time for those who don't support his beloved Madonna tal- Warda. The ever patient median, Il-Kappillan will be played by Simon Curmi, and charming fresh-faced Amber Mansueto will take on the role of Zija Katya's favourite niece, Violet. With popular names like Aaron Fenech, Dorothy Baldacchino, Rachel Vel- la, Karl Cassar, Christine Francalanza and Ivan Vella this show will definitely have the audience praising the heavens this Christmas season. Teatru Malta's 'Il-Ma- donna Tiegħi Aħjar minn Tiegħek' is an operetta, penned by Trevor Zahra, composed by Alex Vella Gregory and directed by Peter Busuttil. The show will also see the involve- ment of Malta's National Youth Band under the di- rection of band master John Ivan Borg. This production has been made possible with the support of the Valletta 2018 Foundation, Agenzija Żgħażagħ, and The Na- tional Association of Band Clubs. The show will run on 8 and 9 December and between 12 and 16 Decem- ber. For more information vis- it www.teatrumalta.org.mt maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 OCTOBER 2018 CULTURE THE sixth edition of The Three Palaces Festival will be placing more emphasis on emerging youth artists. Starting on 2 November, this year's event will be fo- cusing on attracting a young- er generation of audience with one of its main high- lights being an opera aimed specifically for children. Youth contribution in this festival will also include a performance by violinist Ian Ellul and soprano Michaela Agius. They are teaming up for a presentation of popular and less popular works from the Romantic Era. IAN ELLUL ELLUL has been playing the violin since the age of seven. He was tutored by Lydia Mi- callef Sanchez for eight years at the Johann Strauss School of Music. He later continued his studies under the tuition of Mario Bisazza and with his guidance, Ellul obtained the violin diploma. In December 2017, he started his tuition with Agnieszka Kuzma. Ellul has been a member of the Malta Youth Orchestra since December 2012. He has also played in collabo- ration with the Hvitfeldtska Musikgymnasiet Symphony Orchestra in Malta. Youth Maltese operetta targets club rivalry Ian Ellul, violinist and member of the Malta Youth Orchestra and soprano Michaela Agius talk to Ronald Cassar about working together on their upcoming performance at this year's Three Palaces Festival