Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541988
Nature Notebook Erbgħin Sena Għall-Ambjent: 4 Decades of Championing Environmental Action As 2025 comes to an end, Friends of the Earth Malta marks the close of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The milestone commemorates the organ- isation's first documented protest on 23 November 1985, a moment that launched FoEM into national environmental action. This year's anniversary event brought together veteran members, sup- porters, and volunteers to reflect on four decades of achievements, hon- ouring the early activists whose work laid the foundation for FoEM's mis- sion. Throughout 2025, FoEM continued strengthening its campaigns in Climate, Energy & Mobility, Food, Agriculture & Biodiversity, Zero Waste, and Il-Forn ta' Kemmuna. Initiatives ranged from renewable en- ergy advocacy and waste audits on Comino to farmer support, and cli- mate-friendly food projects. As FoEM enters its fifth decade, it remains committed to grassroots ac- tivism and a just, sustainable future. The organisation extends heartfelt thanks to all members, supporters, and volunteers who have shaped its journey. Green idea of the week 816 Find out more about this milestone here: https://foemalta.org/blog/erbgh- in-sena-ghall-ambjent-4-decades-of-championing-environmental-action/ Don't miss this Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member Carols in Concert Date: 14 December Location: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta,Malta Accompanied by a full live orchestra and set against a magical stage, the concert promises an enchanting evening filled with warmth and wonder. With special guest appearances and a heart-warming programme of music, audiences will enjoy a blend of nostalgic carols and modern festive favourites — a perfect celebration of the season designed to uplift and inspire. MPO Chamber Concert Date: 14 December Location: Robert Samut Hall, Triq Sarria, Floriana, Malta Jane Austen's musical inspiration is celebrated with an intimate programme of elegance and charm. Beethoven's Trio for Piano, Bassoon and Flute sparkles with youthful vitality, while Boehm's arrangements of Schubert's Drei Lieder for flute and piano capture lyrical beauty and heartfelt tenderness. These works are an enchanting homage reflecting the grace and emotional depth of Austen's era. UBI CARITAS Christmas Concert - A tribute to Mgr Victor Grech Date: 14 December Location: Ibrag Church, Ibrag, Malta UBI CARITAS Christmas Concert - a tribute to Mgr Victor Grech. Singers Nadine Axisa and Alwyn Borg Myatt have once again, and more than ever, been inspired by Mgr Grech and chose to honour his legacy by performing holy classical masterpieces and the season's music. Joseph Calleja Christmas Special 2025 with Special Guest Marco Mengoni Date: 19 December Location: MFCC - Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre, Attard, Malta Renowned Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja returns to Malta for his highly anticipated Christmas concert, joined by acclaimed Italian singer-songwriter Marco Mengoni. Bringing together soaring vocals, festive classics, and a captivating blend of contemporary and operatic artistry, this magical evening will feature the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Aurelio Belli, with the BOV Joseph Calleja Children's Choir also taking part. ZfinMalta's Winter Dance Date: 19, 20, 21 December Location: Valletta Campus Theatre, Merchants Street, Valletta, Malta This winter, ZfinMalta proudly welcomes Of Curious Nature for a double-bill uniting two of Europe's most innovative contemporary dance companies. Two international dance companies. Eighteen exceptional dancers. One unforgettable winter evening. Shine this Christmas at Playmobil FunPark Date: 23 December Location: Playmobil FunPark Malta, Birzebbuga, Malta An afternoon with Santa & Elves! Enjoy games, a festive parade, raffles, and a special meal with Santa. Kids are invited to wear Christmas costumes and bring festive accessories to add extra cheer. MYO Christmas Concert Date: 30 DECEMBER Location: St Agatha's Auditorium, Rabat, Malta The MYO marks the festive season with its annual concert led by Michael Laus. The selection from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite evokes the holiday spirit, while Dvořák's Slavonic Dance No. 8 blends folk tunes with refined elegance. Camilleri's Notturno and Waltz showcase his Mediterranean warmth and lyricism. The programme concludes with some of Johann Strauss Jr.'s most celebrated classics. Luna Park Wonderland Date: 4 January Location: Smart City, Kalkara, Malta Get ready for the South's first-ever Luna Park! This December, Shoreline Mall brings the excitement and sparkle of a true funfair to SmartCity - with dazzling lights, thrilling rides, and festive energy for all ages. Beethoven & Mahler Date: 11 January Location: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, Malta Austrian soprano Elisabeth Breuer joins the MPO led by Michael Laus, opening the programme with fiery emotion and vocal intensity in Beethoven's Ah! Perfido. Mahler's Symphony No. 4 takes listeners on a luminous journey of transcendence. With graceful melodies and delicate orchestration, it evokes a childlike view of the world, culminating in a soprano solo that imagines a serene, heavenly life.. 1000. Black redstart AS we tick the thousandth entry in our Nature Notebook series, it is only fitting that we salute the very first subject that graced this column, way back in January 2006 – and that was the black redstart (M. fjamma sewda). It also happens to be an excellent time of year to enjoy these robin-sized visitors from mainland Europe, who fly over to spend a mild winter away from more icy northern latitudes. What is great about this bird is that you're just as likely to meet it in built-up areas as you would in open countryside. Black redstarts seem to have a penchant for factory areas, industrial estates, even building sites, habitats we're not exactly short of. With some luck – and crumbled cookies on your bird table – you may entice it to investigate your garden or balcony. And if you think black, grey and rust-red don't go together, you only need glimpse a male of the spe- cies to seriously revise that opinion. 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 DECEMBER 2025 ALMANAC Victor Falzon, Nicholas Galea (photo) MYO Christmas Concert