This weekend, Il-Hagar Museum in Gozo will be presenting another two events as part of its cultural programme.

The first is a public talk taking place this Saturday, the 30th of November, at 11:00am, titled The Evolution and Cult of the Neapolitan Crib, by Mgr Dr Edgar Vella, which builds on another talk given by the speaker at the museum last year.

The talk will particularly refer to three main elements – light, form, and colour – which, fused together, reveal the infinite love of God towards humanity, to the point of taking human form and being born poor among the poor, to redeem all equally: the rich, the powerful, the underprivileged, the marginalised, the afflicted, the suffering, and the downtrodden.

The museum said that this form of craftsmanship, of the highest artistic value, has always attracted a wide variety of personalities: from princes to sovereigns, bankers to merchants, prelates to humble priests, and devotees to unbelievers. Above all, it has created a dazzling, fable-like atmosphere that enchants both adults and children, allowing them to experience a moment of paradise.

A leading expert on cribs, Mgr Dr Vella was instrumental in introducing the Neapolitan Crib to Malta through various exhibitions.

He is the curator of the Mdina Cathedral Museum and secretary for the Commission for Catholic Cultural Heritage, overseeing all restoration projects carried out locally. Notable among his publications are his doctoral thesis, Treasures of Faith, and An Eighteenth-Century Neapolitan Crib in Malta.

The following day, Sunday, the 1st of December, at 7:30pm, Il-Hagar is presenting a harp and wind trio recital by clarinettist Noel Beck, flutist Clara Galea, and MPO harpist Anne Marie Camilleri Podestà.

They will perform Elizabeth Poston’s and Howard Blake’s Trio for Flute, Clarinet, and Harp, along with other works by Claude Debussy, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, John Williams, and Christopher Beck.

The museum is located in St George’s Square, Victoria. Admission to both events is free, but seat reservations are encouraged by sending an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt

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