Valletta’s year as European Capital of Culture continues with hundreds of cultural events for all ages and interests.
Here are just a few V18 highlights that absolutely must not be missed this June.
Found ă mentalism II
1st June – 29th July, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta
‘Found ă mentalism II’ is a unique art exhibition inspired by Pablo Picasso’s words about his famous ‘Guernica’ painting; “an artist who lives and works with spiritual values cannot behave indifferently when faced with a conflict in which the highest values of humanity and civilization are at risk.” Featuring the artwork of more than 40 international artists in collaboration with German art company Ostrale, the exhibition seeks to use art to suggest ways to overcome global conflict, creating a more positive future that embraces cultural and political diversity.
Valletta Film Festival 2018
8th-17th June, Valletta
Already up and running, Malta’s largest cinematic event, Valletta Film Festival, is currently screening over 40 feature films and 25 short films at indoor and open-air cinemas throughout the capital. Comprising three competitive sections adjudicated by international juries, the festival is focused on films from different islands around the world, coming-of-age cinema and a retrospective dedicated to an established film director. This year’s ‘Without Borders’ section of the festival will feature the cinema of East Asia, whilst a biennial conference on the Cinema of Small Nations including talks, debates, workshops and other activities makes the festival especially relevant to Valletta as European Capital of Culture.
Klapa Saint Mihovil in concert
16th June, Pjazza San Gorg, Valletta
A form of traditional a cappella singing in Croatia, ‘klapa’ music typically celebrates the themes of love, wine (grapes), country (homeland) and sea, and was inscribed in 2012 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The hour-long concert programme will consist of around 15 popular Croatian songs in the klapa tradition, performed by a group of eight singers known as Klapa Saint Mihovil.
Mozart at Midnight
16th June, Teatru Manoel, Valletta
The second edition of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s midnight concert of Mozart’s timeless music is supported by the Valletta 2018 Foundation and directed by Viennese conductor Michael Lessky. Opening with a performance of the overture of Mozart’s last opera ‘The Magic Flute’ and concluding with his final symphony, the Jupiter Symphony, the night-time concert will also feature Mozart’s only clarinet concerto, performed by the MPO’s principal clarinet player Giuseppe Recchia.
Map of the Mediterranean
20th-22nd June
Maori, Valletta
Inspired by Maltese poet Antoine Cassar’s poem of the same name, ‘Map of the Mediterranean’ is a unique concert of music composed by Luc Houtkamp, that focuses on the theme of migration over the course of history. Arranged to coincide with World Refugee Day, in the concert Antoine Cassar will recite his own poem and narrations, whilst the experimental ensemble perform their newly-composed music about migration, the Mediterranean Sea and the current refugee crises.
Għanafest 2018
22nd – 23rd June, Argotti Gardens, Floriana
Malta’s folk music festival Għanafest is a popular annual event on the folk music calendar, which offers local talent the opportunity to perform alongside internationally-renowned folk artists. As well as spearheading a folk music revival with acts that attract locals and tourists alike, the festival will also appeal to both devout folk fans of all ages and those with an appreciation of Maltese and Mediterranean music.
The Malta International Arts Festival 2018
29th June – 15th July, Valletta
Malta’s leading annual arts festival will have a special edition this year in honour of Valletta 2018, with a varied programme of innovative exhibitions and events inspired by the rich history and culture of the Maltese islands. Featuring ground-breaking art pieces conveyed through a wide spectrum of media including site-specific curation, music, visual arts, theatre, dance, opera, installations, films, community projects, and interactive events, the Malta International Arts Festival is the ultimate platform for artistic excellence.
Seen something you loved at V18? Let us know! We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
