Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1147486
13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 24 JULY 2019 CULTURE THE Valletta Cultural Agency has just announced a new music programme for the capital with the name of Mu- siCity: Music in the Capital. The exten- sive programme will be spread over the whole year and will offer something for everyone. The MusiCity programme for 2019 includes a number of outdoor con- certs, pop-up performances and a pro- ject with the participation of young musicians. The musical style of events within the programme will be varied to suit everyone's tastes, with genres ranging from rock to pop to classical music. Some events will also be char- acterised by Maltese songs. While addressing a press conference marking the launch of the programme, Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said, "through this pro- gram, the Valletta Cultural Agency will be transforming our Capital into a city of music – a city which consist- ently offers a dose of culture to any- one who visits. This project will provide entertain- ment to visitors, new opportunities to young and emerging artists, and more opportunities to renowned artists. By organising free concerts in public spaces in Valletta, the Valletta Cul- tural Agency continues to promote and create accessibility to culture and music". The programme kicked off last night with 'Xarulù fi Strada Stretta'. Local duo Xarulù played some of the most popular rock songs of all time, includ- ing hits by Queen, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, The Shadows, and even Johnny Cash, as well as some of their original songs. On 30 July, singer-musician duo Fiona Cauchi and Dr Lydia Buttigieg will be performing at 'Classique Meets Pop' - an acoustic concert in St. John's Square. During this event, which is al- so free of charge, the duo will be per- forming a selection of songs adapted for guitar and harp, accompanied by Fiona Cauchi's voice. The concert starts at 8pm. On 21 August, local pianist Francis Camilleri will be giving a free musi- cal concert on the Granaries of Fort St Elmo in Valletta. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring pillows, chairs, and even candles (chairs will be pro- vided for the elderly and persons with special needs). This concert will be informal and personal, as opposed to typical piano concerts, taking the classical style out of the theatre and into an open space in Valletta, closer to locals and the general public. This encourages those who do not usually attend concerts in theatres to experience the charm of this musical style. Camilleri will be playing a selec- tion of music by composers associated with Valletta, among others. A musical performance consisting of a piano concert by Italian pianist Leonardo Barilaro accompanied by a dance choreography will take place on the 31st of August. 'BlackShip' is an innovative perfor- mance which incorporates contem- porary music, dance and visual arts. It tells the fictional story of two sisters who arrive in the Grand Har- bour on a black warship some time af- ter the Great Siege. 'BlackShip' will be held at the University Campus Thea- tre in Valletta. Tickets will be avail- able soon through kultura.mt. On 16 September, young Valletta- born artist Owen Leuellen will be giv- ing a pop-up performance at Mattia Preti Square in Valletta. This activity will target the younger generation, in particular. Hip hop group Street Ele- ments will be opening with a dance performance followed by Leuellen's 40 minute set. The performance kicks off at 8pm, and is free of charge. 'Tektika Kapitali' is a participatory project culminating in three perfor- mances in the capital on the 26th of October. The performances are being held by Tektek Nota, Tikka Banda's new musical ensemble. For this exciting project, the Valletta Cultural Agency is inviting young and emerging mu- sicians to participate by attending a series of educational workshops throughout the year. During these workshops, musicians will be receiving tuition and guidance from several professionals in the mu- sic industry, in preparation for the musical performances happening at three sites in Valletta - Triton Square, Republic Street and the Upper Barr- akka. The repertoire for these perfor- mances is made up of songs by Vallet- ta-born composers, written from 1900 onwards. Musicians aged between 11 and 30 years who play the flute, Eb clarinet, Bb clarinet, Bb trumpet, sax- ophone, french horn, Bb baritone, eu- phonium, trombone, tuba, percussion and glockenspiel can apply by visiting the 'calls' section on vca.gov.mt. The call for musicians remains open until 31 July. Music in the capital: Valletta Cultural Agency announces music programme for Valletta Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef launching the Musicity programme DR Joanna Cachia was pre- sented with the fourteenth edition of the BOV Prize in Medicine, an award present- ed to the student who attains the highest grades in the final qualifying examinations in Medicine. Established by Bank of Val- letta and the Department of Medicine at the University of Malta, the BOV Prize in Medicine is awarded to the student obtaining top marks from a written paper, a clini- cal hands-on exam and an exam in essential core compe- tences which assesses the stu- dents on various skills such as communication, data analysis and handling an emergency scenario. Charles Azzopardi, Execu- tive PR & Marketing at Bank of Valletta presented the BOV Prize in Medicine to Dr Cachia in the presence of Prof Stephen Montefort, Head of the Department of Medicine and Deputy Dean of the Fac- ulty of Medicine and Surgery within the University of Mal- ta. "Obtaining the highest marks during the final quali- fying examination in medi- cine at this level is a great personal accomplishment. Through this prize, the Bank is acknowledging the effort and commitment shown by Dr Joanna Cachia and hopes that this award serves as a motivation to fellow students to excel in their particular areas of study," commented Charles Azzopardi as he con- gratulated Dr Cachia on her accomplishment. "We trust that the commitment you have shown thus far will drive you to further your medical career." "An award like the BOV Prize in Medicine encourag- es students to a greater level of commitment and accom- plishment," confirmed Prof Montefort. "This prize helps the teaching body to continue inspiring medical students to aim for excellence in their studies". Dr Joanna Cachia wins the BOV Prize in Medicine