time to explore with esplora
Malta Events Guide: October 2022
Malta Events Guide: October 2022
Discover what’s happening in Malta and Gozo this October
EXHIBITIONS
Willie APAP colour and light
Date: 1 October – 10 October
Location: Il-Ħaġar, Heart of Gozo Museum, Victoria, Gozo
In what promises to be a landmark event in Il-Ħaġar’s cultural calendar of 2022, this exhibition is thought to be the largest ever presentation of Apap works at one exhibition and will be a display of his genius and versatility; oils and inks of portraits, landscapes and still- life’s, dancers, human figure, sacred and ethnic works.
Visit visitmalta.com for more information
Thread: A Collective Exhibition
Date: 1 October – 17 October
Location: Il-Kamra ta’ Fuq, Mqabba
The exhibition features three artists who experiment a lot in the use of thread in their oeuvre. Apart from this medium, they are also bound by the thematic of nature and organic forms which are almost always present in their works. Thread has a dual meaning here. It is the main medium in a number of these works which helps in bringing out the organic made up sometimes of figurative leaves and at other times, it is representing a series of paths creating subconscious or conscious fragmented labyrinths, all creating a harmonious tangible and intangible, real but surreal spaces. Ebru Çinar’s works show complex figurative compositions where thanks to the medium of thread she’s creating a certain flatness in perspective and an uneasy yet alluring lack of spatiality, which makes the narrative more intriguing and dreamlike. Bernice Vassallo’s works on the other hand are very abstract in nature and show mastery of the art of sewing in various experimentations with this material. The compositions almost cerebral veins or paths which are intertwining and captivating as much as a labyrinth of delicate yet powerful cobwebs. Stefan Spiteri is exhibiting a series of works titled Lost Trail. His works although not employing the thread as the actual medium, are in themselves creating the bond between the works of the other two artists, where the organic highlighted in the use of leaves and the fascination for the linear executed in oils are in themselves creating a beautiful dialogue between all the works. Spiteri perceives these works as fragments of a complex network of passages with no exact route. The exhibition is curated by Art Sweven.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere: An exhibition exploring the guilty pleasures
Date: 1 October – 26 October
Location: BOCO Boutique Hotel, Cospicua
The exhibition title comes from the famous phrase commonly used when one wants to have an alcoholic drink at 10 in the morning, and to the sting of a guilty conscience, one declares (rightly so) that well it is 5 o’clock somewhere in the world. 5 o’clock is a common time for the end of the working day and when most bars start the ‘Happy Hour’. Thanks to this phrase, the little guilt is hushed. The participating artists were invited to portray instances of guilty pleasures, which can be their own, ones that they encountered or any other of their imaginative fantasies. These little indulgences are what makes life fun, especially through stressful times, and this exhibition aims to celebrate them. The exhibition is curated by Melanie Erixon.
Essence: Exhibition of Oil Paintings
Date: 6 October – 27 October
Location: Art Galleries of the Malta Society of Arts,
Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta
The exhibition will feature a collection of contemporary realistic works by Christine Porter Lofaro. Observations. Emotions. Narratives – Christine Porter Lofaro’s work strives to present our transitory presence in this world, its intensity and how much it matters. The artist has always been sensitive to things of a delicate nature and to things that require special observation. Sentiments stemming from different life experiences give meaning to our existence. Christine considers this to be the essence of being human and this is what connects us all once the frivolity of our material existence is put aside. Through an exploration of objects and figures Porter Lofaro’s work seeks to offer a space where such fragile instances are brought to the forefront of our consideration. At the core of her work is human connection as a compelling and inescapable emotive bond.
For more information visit artsmalta.org
Willie APAP colour and light
Thread: A Collective Exhibition
Painting by Christine Porter Lofaro titled ‘Quo Vadis’
It's 5 o'clock somewhere: An exhibition exploring the guilty pleasures
music and theatre
Music Speaks: Concert by Alessia Bonnici and friends
Date: 8 October
Location: Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Republic Street, Valletta | 20:00
Alessia Bonnici, a 17-year-old pianist on the autism spectrum will be collaborating with a number of creative partners that have influenced her musical trajectory. The coming together of this diverse group of musicians will aim to cultivate a sense of freedom in local artistic expression while promoting the importance of social inclusion. The concert will include solo pieces by composers like Chopin, Satie and Gershwin interpreted by Alessia on the piano. A delightful selection of quattro mani from Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals will be performed with Gabi Sultana, as well as participation from soprano Mariette Borg, baritone Miguel Rosales and composer/musician Jess Rymer.
Get you tickets from www.visitmalta.com
The EWFONIJA Grand Operatic Concert
Date: 8 October
Location: Cittadella Ditch, Victoria, Gozo
A classical music concert featuring the Ewfonija choir and orchestra under the musical direction of Mariella Spiteri Cefai. It include famous operatic arias, choruses, overtures and ‘ballabili’ (dance music from operas). Entrance is free. Book by sending an email to info@ewfonija.com
Disorder: Function
Date: 8 October
Location: Liquid Nightclub, San Gwann
Legendary cult techno figure Function returns to liquid club after a 4 year absence. Hailing from New York, he was seduced by techno when Jeff Mills held residency (as well as his own first) at Limelight in the early 90s. Producing from the mid-90s onward, he released his first 12″s on Damon Wild’s Synewave and his own Infrastructure imprint. A chance meeting in 1996 brought him together with Regis (Karl O’Connor). The two worked as Portion Reform, releasing uncompromising music on Downwards, making him the only non-Birmingham producer to appear on the label. He later moved to Berlin in 2007, still working with Regis, and now Silent Servant (Juan Mendez), putting his focus on Sandwell District. Since, the label come collective, skyrocketed into cult status – decentralizing the artist ego, blurring the lines between the artist, label and dj; re-arranging the DNA of modern dance music.
Żeża tal-Flagship
Date: 8 October – 16 October
Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta
This local classic comedy, written by Mikielang Borg early in the last century, is based in Balzunetta where the famous Żeża used to work as a barmaid. Outgoing, lively and cheeky Żeża was not only the British sailors’ favourite entertainer, but also amongst the Maltese of all social classes. Trouble looms when aristocrats are caught in saucy adventures. What happens when Zeza pretends to be the wife of the aristocrat Dr Anakleto? To top it all Anakleto’s uncle arrives from Tunis and is mesmerized by the beauty and liveliness of Żeża. Borg’s original script has been adapted into this new version by Joe Gatt with also a list of new songs which will be played live by the orchestra and sung by the actors. A show not to be missed!
Get your tickets from teatrumanoel.com
They Blew Her Up
Date: 12 October – 16 October
Location: Theatre Next Door
They Blew Her Up goes straight into the heart of the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and the political earthquake it unleashed. Scriptwriter and journalist Herman Grech gained access to some of the main players in the field to stage a gripping and hard-hitting one-act play. Originally co-produced with Spazju Kreattiv, They Blew Her Up has been staged in Malta, Belgium and shortly in Italy and won Production of the Year at this year’s Arts Council’s Premju ghal-Arti.
Get your tickets from www.tnd.com.mt
Location: Santa Lucija Square, Gozo
The music by the Saint Gregory Band accompanied by fireworks and light spectacle, amid the candles and torches in the square will evoke a magical atmosphere in the main square.
Obscene | Marcel Fengler
Date: 15 October
Location: Liquid nightclub, San Gwann
Over the last two decades, Fengler developed a versatile and dynamic style of DJing that made him one of the first resident DJs of Berlin’s infamous Berghain / Panorama Bar in 2005. With his impressive intuition for the very moment,Fengler is capable of changing pace, atmosphere, and energy reacting to the mood on the dance floor: whether industrial-drenched hardness, broken beats, gloomy dubs or melodic and funky grooves – next to his inimitable instinct, Fengler draws from a varied repertoire.
Aida
Date: 15 October
Location: Teatru Aurora, Gozo
Triumphant in all senses, Verdi’s everlasting masterpiece, the quintessential opera in so many ways, returns to the Aurora with heart-melting arias and rousing choruses that withstood the test of time, for the third time, after 13 years. Aida marks the opening of the 2022-23 theatre season in Gozo, being the very first opera in the post COVID-19 opera season in Gozo. It’s the opera known by those who don’t know opera at all. But it’s also the opera that has it all for whoever opera occupies the most tender share of his soul. It features a larger-than-life story in an exotic world. It asks for a chorus that can blow the roof out and the house down. Yet it is potentially one of the most intimate operas ever written. Set in Ancient Egypt, with the best elements for lavish costumes and sets, Aida runs on some of the greatest music ever written.
Get your tickets from www.teatruaurora.com
Vox Dulcis Chorale 5th Year Anniversary Concert
Date: 20 October
Location: Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta | 20:00
Vox Dulcis Chorale are holding a concert to celebrate their fifth anniversary. The programme will include contemporary, ethnic and musical theatre songs.
Alice: The Musical
Date: 21-22 October
Location: City Theatre, Old Bakery Street, Valletta | 19:30
The nonsense of Wonderland is captured beautifully in this engaging, fast-paced and exciting production based on Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland. It is visually appealing, humorous and has everything from high energy, catchy songs to touching tear jerkers.
Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com
Aurora International Folk Festival
Date: 21-23 October
Location: Cathedral Square, Victoria, Gozo
The Aurora International Folk Festival celebrates the traditional aspects of the Maltese islands and European countries. It showcases traditional and folkloristic dance, music and celebrations which were commonplace in the past.
La Cage Aux Folles
Date: 21 -30 October
Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta
This crowd-pleasing, rollicking and heartwarming musical about family, commitment, show biz and drag remains one of musical theatre’s all-time biggest hits. After 20 years of partnered bliss, Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better or worse, get a bit of both when Georges’ son announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted, right-wing politician. Further complicating the situation is the “family business”: Albin and Georges run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin is the star performer, “Zaza.”
Get your tickets from teatrumanoel.com
Soundscapes: Concert by Håvard Enstad
Date: 22 October
Location: Concert Hall of the Malta Society of Arts, Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta | 20:00
Norwegian pianist, cellist and composer with a passion for folk music, baroque music and musicals (and Eurovision…) performing his own works of contemporary piano music.
Carmen – Georges Bizet
Date: 27-29 October
Location: Teatru Astra, Gozo
It has been said that the world of opera has many femmes fatales, but there is only one Carmen, with her vibrant sensuality as the gipsy cigarette girl with too great a capacity for love. This ever-popular opera is renowned for its cluster of magnetic melodic inventiveness that has captivated audiences worldwide. Teatru Astra offers an ideal opportunity to introduce new fans to the thrill of operatic drama par excellence intertwined with the sensually endearing characters studding this spectacular opera.
Get your tickets from www.teatruastra.org.mt
From the Beatles to U2
Date: 30 October
Location: Aurora Opera House, Victoria, Gozo
Appearing with The Gozo Youth Orchestra and Cash & Band, will be the 7SPP choir under the direction of Dorothy Bezzina. In her own role of soloist Dorothy has given the most memorable of performances. She will be flanked by Maltese guest stars, Chris Grech, Neville Refalo and Ludwig Galea. The made-in-Gozo factor will comprise John(Cash) Cassar and Keith Anthony – approaching legendary status on Gozo – as well as the formidable Sarah Bonnici and the most recent addition, Kurt Cassar who follows in the family tradition of music and entertainment.
Music Speaks
Symphony of Lights
Obscene | Marcel Fengler
From the Beatles to U2
From the Beatles to U2
food
Tajine workshop
Date: 27 October
Location: Mediterranean Culinary Academy, Naxxar
Learn about the use of the tajine that delivers such fantastic flavours, ingredients, spices, as well as how it all comes together. The preparation of the tajine was typically reserved for celebration days, weddings and highly-esteemed guests. During this workshop, you will learn how to create your own representation of this famous North African dish.
Get your tickets from www.mcamalta.com
Sweet Tooth Festival
Date: 30 October
Location: Rundle Gardens, Gozo
Rundle Gardens in Victoria will be transformed into a beckoning candy land with sweets and dessert stalls. There will also be a cake competition for the best decorated cake as well as an activity area for the little ones.
Tajine Workshop
sweet tooth festival
family
Fjakkolata
Date: 9 October
Location: Għar Ilma Hill,Gozo
Hundreds of fire torches will light up Għar Ilma hill in Gozo. This is a sight to behold from various points on the island, while down in the main square of Santa Luċija, one will be able to indulge in food and music in a traditional setting.
Golden Buckle Barrel Race
Date: 13 October
Location: MFCC, Ta’ Qali
The largest barrel race in European history will arrive in Malta at the MFCC, which will be transformed into a barrel racing arena. If you, your children, friends or family enjoy looking at beautiful horses, this is the perfect event to see hundreds of them! Barrel racing is one of the most prominent equestrian sports in the United States. Love for the sport grew from the love of horses and has grown quickly throughout the world in the past decade. Throughout the event, you will watch competitors of all ages competing in their specified categories–Junior, Youth, Ladies and Open Barrel Racing.
Kite and Wind Festival
Date: 14-16 October
Location: San Dimitri Chapel, Għarb, Gozo
Feel at one with nature as kites of all shapes and sizes soar the skies over Għarb, Gozo. The festival will feature traditional and professional kite flyers while also providing room for visitors to come out and experience what it is like to fly a kite. The area near San Dimitri chapel, out to the north of l-Għarb, will see a flurry of activity with food stalls, entertainment, and games complementing the main activities.
Oktoberfest Montekristo
Date: 21-23 October
Location: Montekristo Estate
Oktoberfest is a family-friendly affair with over 70+ stalls catering for activities, food, and, of course, brews for the whole weekend. Apart from all the beer and other culinary advantages of Oktoberfest Montekristo, the event will be filled with entertainment, bands and some of the best local artists taking over two stages. There will also be a kids area to keep the little ones entertained!
Rolex Middle Sea Race Start
Date: 22 October
Location: Grand Harbour
A highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney – Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a “must do” race. Co-founded in 1968 by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the race has been running annually save for a break between 1984 and 1995. The race starts in Malta’s spectacular Grand Harbour. A series of starts which may be watched from any of Valletta’s fortifications create a sight worth waiting for.
Malta Comic Con 2022
Date: 29-30 October
Location: MFCC, Ta’ Qali
A two day event that celebrates comic creators, comic books, books, movies, TV series, table top games, video games, role playing games, cosplaying and virtually anything that is related to the comic culture. The event is both entertaining and educational and on both days there will be material specifically intended for children and material specifically intended for a mature audience. However, particular focus is always given towards providing a platform for creators to meet their fans.
Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com
fjakkolata
rolex middle sea race
wind and kite festival
