The Opening Ceremony is one of the most anticipated events at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings,.and will include a performance by internationally acclaimed tenor Joseph Calleja, accompanied by Alison Ellul's children choir, while tenor Nico Darmanin will take to the stage during repeat performances.
The show in Malta this year promises to be an emotionally engaging performance. It includes drama, dance, music, 3D animations and projections on a 40 metre wide screen. The performance will reflect the commonalities of Commonwealth nations and highlight the CHOGM theme – 'Adding Global Value.'
There will be a troupe of more than 360 performers – children, singers, musicians, dancers and acrobats, designers, craftsmen, and two aerialists from the UK. Filmographers, 3D animators, artisans and choreographers have all played important roles in creating the multimedia show.
In a joint collaboration, Mr. Ivan Grech, Mro. Karl Fiorini and Mro. Mario Sammut have composed music exclusively for this occasion. An original piece will be performed by guitarist Simon Schembri to accompany a one-of-a-kind performance by Zfin Malta. Members of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra have also collaborated.
Other singers include Matthew James Borg, Errol Sammut, Amber and Jasmine, as well as the Animae Choir who featured in 'The People We Are' CHOGM Malta 2015 official song and video.
The ceremony includes designs from the globally acclaimed lighting designer Patrick Woodruffe and his team.
The team behind this production includes Ray Calleja as Artistic Director, Alison White as Head Choreographer, Justin Brincat as Make-up Designer and Artist, and Marygrace Pisani as Costume Designer.
The costumes have been produced at Corradino Correctional Facility in collaboration with the Love Faith Forgiveness Project while some costume designs were carried out by MCAST students as part of their educational curriculum under the guidance of tutor Sef Farrugia.
The production of these designs in conjunction with their actual performance was entrusted to Masquerade Malta and the actual costume production to Loui Noir. Ingrid Desira Buttigieg, Douglas Comely, Dorian Mallia, Felix Busuttil and Mavin Khoo, Serenity Performers and MalteseMotion were also engaged to choreograph different parts of the performance.
MCAST students and their tutors will be responsible for all the dynamic hair styles required for the performance. MCAST will benefit post-performance as all costumes, props and designs are being donated to the institute for educational purposes.
Taking place on Friday, the 27th of November at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, the ceremony will also be transmitted globally via www.chogm2015.mt/ [1].
Extra live performances in Malta will also be open to the public on the 27th and 28th of November against a €15 entrance fee, with proceeds going to the Malta Community Chest Fund. Tickets may be purchased from the MCC booking office.