VIRTUALLY A CAPPELLA
The re-scheduled hybrid 14th edition of Gaulitana: A Festival of Music, kicks off on Wednesday May 19 with the first of the festival’s virtual projects, ‘Virtually a Cappella’.
As the title alludes, the four-part series features short solo unaccompanied recitals by four local instrumentalists recorded in four very enchanting small and lesser-known charming sacred spaces around Gozo. Undoubtedly, the latter creates a particular aura and adds quite some interesting tones to the music performed – whilst remaining very much in line with the festival’s outreach philosophy.
Harpist Caroline Calleja performs at the Santa Lucija Church, violinist Pierre Louis Attard at Qala’s Kuncizzjoni Church, cellist Simon Abdilla Joslin at Xewkija’s Museum of Sculpture (Old Church), and saxophonist Philip Attard at Gharb’s Taz-Zejt Church.
An added allure is the inclusion of local compositions – a particular artistic leitmotif running throughout the series. Some rarely performed works by internationally-renowned composers Charles Camilleri and Joseph Vella and are presented along works by one of the country’s finest contemporary composers, Christopher Muscat, and another, which actually will also be a premiere, by up-and-coming Pierre Louis Attard.
Thus, ‘Virtually a Cappella’ is very much a showcase of local heritage, culture and art on the international platform.
The series, filmed by CVC Media (Gozo), will be streamed on ‘Gaulitana: A Festival of Music’ facebook page and YouTube channel on four consecutive Wednesdays between May 19 and June 9 at 19.00hrs. The series will remain available on the festival’s digital platforms. Tune in and enjoy!
Gaulitana: A Festival of Music, an annual festival artistically directed by Colin Attard and organised by the Gaulitanus Choir and an awardee of the European Festivals Association’s EFFE label, is principally supported by the Gozo Cultural Support Programme of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo.
(Photo credit: CVC Media)
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Very innovative project Colin, we will certainly view the performances. The atypical venues will be particularly appreciated, we are sure. Kind regards, John and Janet.