Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540142
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 OCTOBER 2025 CULTURE The Malta premier of Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War of the Worlds THE Gozo Youth Orchestra, in collaboration with 7 Star Pyr- amid Productions and Festi- vals Malta, is proudly present- ing the Malta premier of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – The New Generation at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora in Victoria, Gozo, on Saturday 22 Novem- ber 2025 at 19:30hrs. Under the baton of Maestro Joseph Grech, audiences will be transported into H.G. Wells' legendary tale through one of the most celebrated progres- sive rock musicals of all time. With its thrilling fusion of live orchestra, electrifying rock ele- ments, soaring vocals and dra- matic narration, this produc- tion promises an unmissable night of spectacle and sound. For the first time in Malta, local audiences will experience the power of Jeff Wayne's reim- agined masterpiece, complete with Liam Neeson's acclaimed video narration, dazzling light- ing design, and special effects that will bring the Martian invasion to life on the Aurora stage. A cast of some of Malta's and Gozo's finest musicians and singers are al- ready in rehearsals to deliver what is being described as the Orchestra's most ambitious production yet. Since its first release in 1978, The War of the Worlds has become a global phenome- non, captivating millions with its unique blend of symphon- ic orchestration, rock opera and timeless storytelling. Jeff Wayne's New Generation ver- sion, launched in 2012, has carried this legacy to new au- diences, ensuring the music's relevance and excitement for decades to come. Now, this international mu- sical phenomenon will echo through Gozo. One night on- ly. One epic performance. One extraordinary chance to be part of history. Tickets are already selling fast. Book now at www.tea- truaurora.com or call +356 79045779 to secure your seat for this unforgettable musical journey. The Gozo Youth Orchestra, in collaboration with 7 Star Pyramid Productions and Festivals Malta, is proudly presenting the Malta premier of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – The New Generation at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora in Victoria, Gozo, on Saturday 22 November 2025 AFTER a three-year hiatus from the local art scene, Maltese art- ist Celia Borg Cardona makes a much-anticipated re- turn with We Sit In Rows, a so- lo exhibition p r e s e n t e d by 1926 La Galerie in c o l l a b o r a - tion with C h r i s t i n e X Art Gal- lery. The show opens on 3 Oc- tober 2025 at 1926 La Galerie Boutique Art Suites on Old Theatre Street, Valletta, and runs until 25 Octo- ber 2025. We Sit In Rows features a new body of work that explores the quiet tension and shared intima- cy of theatre audiences as seen from above. Each painting captures the collective yet solitary nature of spectatorship — rows of indi- viduals united in anticipation but separated by personal re- flection. The exhibi- tion's location, di- rectly opposite the historic Manoel Thea- tre, reinforces Borg Cardona's thematic focus on the dynamic between audience and perfor- mance. The setting creates a di- alogue between the works on dis- play and the centuries-old venue that continues to host live perfor- mances just across the street. Known for her distinct paint- erly style and keen observational insight, Borg Cardona transforms everyday human arrangements into layered visual compositions. Through We Sit In Rows, she invites viewers to reflect on how people share — and sometimes isolate themselves within — communal spaces, both physical- ly and emotionally. Celia Borg Cardona returns with new solo exhibition at 1926 La Galerie Opening 3 October 2025, the show explores the quiet tension and shared intimacy of theatre audiences seen from above Maltese artist Celia Borg Cardona returns with We Sit In Rows, a solo exhibition exploring the shared yet solitary experience of theatre audiences