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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 DECEMBER 2020 6 MUSIC Teatru Manoel announces jam-packed December programme The national theatre's end- of-year season to be filled with performances for audiences of all ages TEATRU Manoel's artistic di- rector Kenneth Zammit Tabo- na is delighted to announce an exciting theatrical line-up for December 2020, with both in-person and online showings. Social-distancing measures are guaranteed, as is the theatre's commitment to health, safety and sanitisation protocols. "The festive season is always an exciting time for Teatru Manoel, and despite the chal- lenges of 2020, I'm happy to say that although the tradition- al panto has been cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, the theatre has prepared a num- ber of events to compensate for this loss," says Mr Zammit Tabona. "We're adapting and innovating to bring people some astounding pieces of cre- ativity." A septet from the Malta Phil- harmonic Orchestra kicked off the December calendar with An Evening with Beethoven, captivating viewers with two chamber works to celebrate the composer's 250th birth- day. Saturday, 5th December follows with a contemporary dance exploration of shared and personal space amid so- cial isolation. Performed by Contact Dance Company and choreographed by Frances- ca Tranter with concept, vis- uals and music by Renzo Spi- teri, The Murmuring of Trees promises to be an emotionally charged evening. On 6th December, Trio Im- mersio sponsored by the Aus- trian embassy will present two concerts at 11.30am and 3pm respectively. The first features music by Viennese compos- ers Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms, while audiences of the second are enveloped in Rav- el's early 20th-century Paris, 1980s Vienna and present day. The time in between the two concerts will allow the theatre to sanitise and the audience to enjoy a good lunch. On 18th, 19th and 20th De- cember, the stage welcomes the much-loved A Christmas Carol. Teatru Manoel and Masquerade Malta have joined forces to produce Ian Moore's new adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale. Festive cheer continues on 22nd De- cember with Christmas with ViBE. Valletta Baroque Ensem- ble's popular concert returns with the magic of Baroque Christmases of yesteryear. ViBE is working with KorMal- ta and bass Albert Buttigieg to perform music by the most cel- ebrated Baroque masters. Christmas at the Manoel – Project Cabaret is an intimate evening of Christmas mem- ories that tell of hope for the future. Directed by Zoe Alba Farrugia and Chantelle Mi- callef Grimaud, audiences will be thrilled by classic songs and relatable, funny tales. Then, between 29th and 31st Decem- ber, A Christmas Swing Special with Nico Darmanin is a Tea- tru Manoel and FTZ Commu- nity Foundation celebration of one of Malta's finest tenors, di- rected by Kris Spiteri. Teatru Manoel's Toi Educa- tion Programme is also in full swing in December, with live performances at 10am on Sat- urdays as part of the theatre's commitment to supporting young artists and theatrego- ers. The morning events are for small audiences and online viewers. On 5th December, Play- ground Past Times (for ages 7+) is a dynamic show that us- es dance and crafts to help us learn about choices and free thinking. On 12th December, Emme is a learning-in-Mal- tese event that brings children aged 3 to 5 the adventures of Emme, a baby merrill (blue rock thrush) who is bright and cheerful, but not always obedi- ent. On 19th December, Tommy and Tammy's Christmas Tree! (for ages 0–2) encourages par- ents to dress up their little ones in fabulous Christmas attire to celebrate Baby's First Christmas. And December also brings music for all ages when soprano Nicola Said presents an inspirational introduction to Maltese song through Ba- roque works, as well as those by Charles Camilleri, Joseph Vella and Alexander Vella Gregory. "Our artists have created a December calendar brimming with variety and open oppor- tunities for Maltese artists and audiences," beams Mr Zammit Tabona. "In 2020, Malta's artis- tic and cultural community has felt the impact of adversity, so I encourage people to embrace theatre once again in the Ma- noel's most challenging season. I thank you for always support- ing us – now let's get the show on the road!" For more information on Teatru Manoel's December calendar and to book tickets, visit www.teatrumanoel.com. mt, call on +356 2124 6389 or email on bookings.mt@teatru- manoel.mt. ViBE Christmas Concert - photo Elisa Von Brockdorf