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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 NOVEMBER 2024 2 MUSIC Malta International Organ Festival 2024: A star-studded celebration of music THE Malta International Organ Festival returns for its 11th edi- tion, promising an unforgettable musical journey from 22nd No- vember to 7th December 2024. Featuring a star-studded lineup, this festival showcases top-tier musicians performing across Malta's stunning Cathedrals, Ba- silicas, and Churches. The opening concert on 22nd November at St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Valletta will fea- ture Cameron Carpenter, whose exceptional artistry brings a fresh interpretation of Bach's Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major and The Goldberg Variations. Known for his daring style and innovative spirit, Carpenter's performance is set to captivate audiences. On 23rd November, Franco Ce- fai will perform improvisations on Maltese organ repertoire at Żebbuġ Parish Church. This con- cert highlights Cefai's dedication to local compositions, blending tradition with contemporary Maltese works and celebrating the richness of Malta's musical heritage. Svetlana Berezhnaya performs on 26th November at St. Augus- tine Parish Church in Valletta, presenting an exciting program featuring works by Bach and Vivaldi, alongside pieces by Pi- azzolla. Her program showcases unique transcriptions, explor- ing the versatility of the organ through different musical styles. On 27th November, Polish or- ganist Dariusz Bąkowski-Kois will give a special concert at Gud- ja Parish Church on the historic 1774 Positivo organ built in Na- ples by Domenico Antonio Rossi, the organ builder to the King of Naples. This remarkable instru- ment, severely modified in the 1950s, was restored to its original condition this year by Robert Bu- hagiar, with case decorations by Amy Sciberras. This event cele- brates the dedication to preserv- ing Malta's rich organ-building tradition and promises a memo- rable experience on this meticu- lously restored instrument. Flutist Luca Magni and Organist Stefania Mettadelli will perform on 30th November at St. Mark's Church in Rabat, with a program featuring works by Donizetti, Rutter, and others. Their blend of classical and contemporary repertoire promises to enchant audiences with its elegance and charm. The Christmas is Coming con- cert on 2nd December at the newly restored Onorati Orato- ry in Valletta brings the festive spirit to life as Joseph Lia and Mariia Kozlova, accompanied by Augusto Belau, perform Christ- mas-themed music. This heart- warming concert promises to bring joy and warmth to the au- dience, encapsulating the spirit of the holiday season. The Trumpet Fanfare and Or- gan Grandeur concert on 4th December at the Basilica of St. Dominic and Our Lady of Porto Salvo in Valletta will feature the newly restored, grand organ—the largest in Valletta—paired with trumpet playing by the young prodigy Filippo Lombardi, cre- ating a thrilling auditory experi- ence that will undoubtedly be a highlight of the festival. The Passion in Performance concert on 5th December at the Mosta Basilica will showcase emerging talents in a Platform for Talent performance. This event features the Basilica's choir and promising new musicians, offer- ing a vibrant program that brings together skill and enthusiasm, and highlights Malta's growing music community. The grand finale on 7th Decem- ber at Christ the King Basilica in Paola will present a magnificent organ and orchestra concert led by Johannes Skudlik, celebrating the culmination of two weeks of extraordinary music and artistry. Skudlik will perform Bach's icon- ic Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, and the concert will conclude with Bossi's Concerto for Organ and Orchestra, a powerful and moving piece that will bring the festival to a triumphant close. With concerts held in the heart of Malta's towns and villages, the Malta International Organ Fes- tival offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience world- class music in some of the islands' most historic and beautiful ven- ues. Supported by VisitMalta, APS Bank, the German Embassy, and Festivals Malta, and in collabo- ration with all the participating churches as well as the Żebbuġ and Paola Local Councils, the festival is dedicated to fostering musical excellence and cultural appreciation. For full program details and concert times, visit www.maltainternationalorgan- festival.com. This page is supported by Arts Council Malta