Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1527938
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 16 OCTOBER 2024 CULTURE THE National dance company, ŻfinMalta dancers just got back from the first inter- national tour this weekend. The ŻfinMalta dancers performed on Friday 11 October during the Musikè festival in Padua, Italy at Ferrari theatre. This is a great opportunity for the Mal- tese National dance company to be present and recognised in such events performing amongst renowned artsits and companies. ŻfinMalta presented a spectacular per- formance which was applauded by a full house audience! Musikè is the festival of music, theatre, dance promoted and organised by the Cassa di Risparmio Foundation of Padua and Rovigo. The selected shows are based on dialogue between the arts, and it hosts some of the most prestigious artists of the national and international scene perform in Padova and Rovigo. Nine ŻfinMalta dancers, under the artis- tic direction of Matthew William Robin- son, performed Utopia, a unique contem- porary piece choreographed by Emanuel Gat, which premiered in Malta at the Ma- noel theatre in May 2023. Artistic Director Matthew William Rob- inson states that "International touring is a core part of what we do, proudly repre- senting Malta on stages all over the world. It was an honour to be invited to Musike Festival and contribute to the rich pro- gramme of work presented to audiences. We look forward to performing 'Utopia' by Emanuel Gat in Malta later this year as part of the inaugural Festival of Ideas." ŻfinMalta's new season launched under NAPA in September, where the company celebrates its 10 year anniversary. The next performance of Utopia as part of the first Festival of ideas on 8 November at the Casino Maltese. Tickets are on sale at booking.teatrumanoel.mt HSBC Malta Foundation has an- nounced a donation of €150,000 to the Jesuits' Church Foundation, supporting the restoration of 16 historic paintings found at the Jes- uits' Church in Valletta. This significant contribution will help preserve these culturally and spiritually important works, which have been part of Malta's heritage for centuries. The announcement was made during a visit that the Prime Min- ister Robert Abela had at the Jes- uits' Church. The project involves the dis- infestation and conservation of several transept paintings, including those located in the Chapel of Saint Ignatius and the Chapel of Our Lady of Montser- rat, together with their gilt deco- rative frames, as well as two oval paintings in the sanctuary. The restoration will be carried out in three phases, from 2024 to 2026, with each phase focusing on a selection of paintings to en- sure their complete conservation. "The HSBC Malta Foundation is honoured to support the resto- ration of these historic artworks, which form a vital part of Malta's cultural and spiritual heritage," said Geoffrey Fichte CEO at HS- BC Malta. "Our appreciation of heritage and education aligns perfectly with this project, ensur- ing that future generations will continue to appreciate the rich history and artistry of the Jesu- its' Church. With a unique place in Maltese history, these paint- ings, along with their decorative frames, represent significant reli- gious and artistic value." This project aims to preserve these treasures for the enjoyment and education of the Maltese public and visitors alike. The restoration project is part of a broader commitment by HSBC Malta Foundation to sup- port initiatives that enhance the cultural and historical heritage of Malta, promoting education, conservation, and community development. ZfinMalta dancers on their first tour of the season From the left, HSBC Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte, Dr Owen Bonnici Minister for the National Herit-age, the Arts and Local Government, Prime Minster Robert Abela and Rev. Dr Nicholas J. Dou-blet of the Jesuit Church Foundation HSBC Malta Foundation funds restoration of 16 historic paintings at Jesuits' Church