The Vodafone Malta Foundation is once again supporting the seventh edition of Festival Mediterranea which will be held between the 20th of October and the 22nd of November 2008, in Gozo. The highlight of this festival will be Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot which will be staged at the Astra Theatre on Thursday the 23rd and Saturday the 25th of October 2008.
World famous soprano Francesca Patané will play the leading role, Princess Turandot. Artists in other leading roles include Antonino Interisano, Miriam Cauchi, and Franco de Grandis. Artistic direction is once again in the hands of Mario Corradi, while Prof Joseph Vella will conduct the national philharmonic orchestra, led by Marcelline Agius. The Teatru Astra Opera Chorus (Chorus Mistress: Maria Frendo) will be in attendance.
Festival Mediterranea features a showcase of the artistic heritage and the contemporary cultural milieu of this tiny island in the centre of the Mediterranean. Apart from the Turandot, the Amadeo Minghi concert will also be staged at the Astra. Festival Mediterranea ends in style with the La Stella band in concert on Saturday the 22nd of November at the Astra Theatre. Prof Joseph Vella, the band’s musical director for the past 38 years will conduct the band.
Further information on Turandot and the full programme of events of Festival Mediterranea may be obtained by visiting the website on www.mediterranea.com.mt [1]. For bookings one may send an email to bookings@mediterranea.com.mt [2] or call on 21550985.
The photograph above shows from left: Martin Gregory, Vodafone Malta Head of Human Resources and Member of the Board of the Vodafone Malta Foundation and La Stella Philarmonic Society Secretary General, Dolindo Cassar.