A Grand Concert will close this year’s Festival Mediterranea, with the La Stella Philharmonic Band at the Astra Theatre in Victoria, Gozo.

This year, the Band said that it will execute intrepid compositions from the tuneful romanticism, to the 20th century modernist repertoire.

The programme for the evening will included, Rossini’s overture finale from his ultimate opera; William Tell; called ‘March of the Swiss Soldiers. ‘In contrast, the staple overture from Verdi’s ‘La Forza del Destino,’ “is a show of splendid tragic romanticism at its best.”

Another highlight, is Dr John Galea’s celebratory ‘Fanfare Salute,’ a 2003 composition, specifically composed to honour his predecessors at the King’s Own Philharmonic Society.

This was given its Gozo performance by La Stella Band during this year’s Independence Day Concert under the direction of the composer himself.

The Society said that these pieces will be accompanied by ‘Mediterranea,’ by local composer Mario Galea.

Prof Joseph Vella’s “20th century masterpiece” ‘Malta Rebbieha,’will also feature. Holding the role of its director until his demise, this piece was specifically composed for the La Stella Philharmonic, being also arranged for orchestra a few years on.

The Society explained that, “Malta Rebbieha is known for its mix of romantic melodies, 20th century atonality, as well as for depicting in the most graphic way themes of tragedy, battle, and victory which have characterised Malta’s history. Indeed, ‘Malta Rebbieha’ is considered as a patriotic ambassador of national identity.”

A medley of the four most popular musicals which were performed at Astra throughout the years; namely Grease, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, will offer the audience a bit of “pop relief.”

This concert, will, for the first time, be under the direction of Mro Dr John Galea, the Astra Theatre’s and La Stella’s newly appointed musical director.

The Grand Concert will be held next Saturday, the 16th of November, starting at 8.00pm. Entrance is free of charge.

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