Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535025
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 MAY 2025 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook Micromobi Toolkit Join Friends of the Earth Malta in the Micromobility Movement! Traffic congestion, air pollution, and stressful commutes have become part of daily life in cities across Europe, but it does not have to be this way. A growing number of people are embracing micromobility, walking, cy- cling, and other small-scale transport solutions to build greener, calmer, and healthier urban environments. At the heart of this movement is the Micromobi project, helping com- munities rethink the way we move in our cities by promoting sustainable, people-friendly alternatives to car-centred transport. To support this shift, the project has launched the Micromobility Toolkit, a practical and easy-to-use resource designed to help individuals, local groups, and city planners take action. Victor Falzon, Charles Gauci (Photo) Green idea of the week 121 Learn more : https://www.micromobi.eu/micromobi-awareness-campaign/ Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member 1. MYO Chamber & Ensemble Concert Date: 18 May Location: St. John's Co-Cathedral The Malta Youth Orchestra musicians excel in chamber music and instrumental ensembles, exploring diverse repertoires and showcasing their artistry. These settings foster close collaboration, technical refinement, and a deeper grasp of musical communication. Their performances highlight their versatility and dedication to excellence, reflecting the unique timbres of their instruments. 2. Ilhna li Jibqghu: Klassici Maltin Date: 18 May Location: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta Experience timeless Maltese classics brought to life by contemporary singers, celebrating iconic artists like Dominic Grech - The Tramps, Bayzo, The Greenfields, Enzo Gusman, Joe Cutajar, Tony Gauci, Jon Lucas Woodenman, Joe Grech and Sammy Bartolo. Under the direction of Paul Abela, this performance breathes new life into beloved songs, celebrating Malta's rich musical heritage. 3. Valletta Resounds: The Caravaggio Experience Date: May-July Location: St. John's Co-Cathedral Held at the Oratory inside the historic St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta Resounds elegantly strings together Caravaggio masterpieces with theatrical storytelling and timeless classical music. 4. Long Story Short... Date: 23 May Location: Around the island Long Story Short... is a collection of four plays which are written and directed by ensemble members. On Friday #womeninmalefields and I am Knight will be performed whilst Down the Rabbit Hole and Playtriarchy shall be performed on Saturday. Shows on the 23rd and 24th will be performed at the Naxxar Peace Band Club. Shows on the 30th and 31st will be performed at Tigullio 5. Vault Sessions Weekender Date: 25 May Location: Gianpula Village, Zebbug The in.di.go x Vault Sessions Malta Weekender is making a much- anticipated return. Building on the vibrant energy created in collaboration with Amsterdam's Vault Sessions last year, this edition promises another unforgettable weekend in the sun- soaked setting of Gianpula Village, Malta. 6. BLANK feat. Takuya Nakamura Date: 24-25 May Location: Hideout, Pembroke In 2025, BLANK will prioritize fostering an immersive and intimate connection between artists and their audiences. We're developing a series of live sessions designed to bridge the gap between creator and listener, featuring both emerging local talents and established international producers. 7. Piano Duo Date: 1 June Location: Robert Samut Hall, Floriana The acclaimed Grima-Gialanze` Duo is making a much-anticipated return to the concert platform with an exhilarating programme infused with the vibrant rhythms of jazz and the rich tapestry of neo-Romantic American music, promising a fresh and engaging blend of classical mastery and soulful essence of jazz. 7. Gershwin & Bernstein Date: 5 June Location: St. Elmo Place, Valletta Wayne Marshall returns to conduct the MPO in a vibrant concert, where he also features as soloist in Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F. Girl Crazy Overture by Gershwin, and Bernstein's Three Dance Episodes from On the Town showcase the composers' mastery in merging classical music with jazz. Robert Russell Bennett's arrangement blends Gershwin's iconic melodies from Porgy and Bess into a rich work. Ilhna li Jibqghu: Klassici Maltin 968. Ocellated Skink SKINKS are stocky, short-limbed lizards, with over a 1000 species known to exist. In Malta we have just the one species: the ocellated skink (M. xaħmet l-art). Most locals know it exists but are often prej- udiced. For some reason many consider skinks slimy and disgust- ing, maybe because of the shiny skin (which shines because it's, er… clean!); the lardy reference in the Maltese name doesn't help either. The skink's tiny legs aren't much use for walking, so the animal of- ten wriggles to move forward. This mode of locomotion often leads people to mistake skinks for snakes, so they raise a hue and cry – for nothing, as our snakes are harmless. And so too is our lovely skink, unless of course we are ants, snails, beetles, spiders or other creepy crawlies that skinks consider delicacies.