Programme

For 17-year-old Zahia Ziouani and her twin sister, Fettouma, classical symphonic music holds an unparalleled significance. Despite residing in the underprivileged suburbs of Paris in 1995, with an Algerian background, their pursuit of dreams – Zahia aspiring to be an orchestra conductor and Fettouma a cellist – is marked by relentless challenges. Undeterred by adversity, fueled by determination, passion, and courage, they boldly establish their own orchestra, Divertimento. This initiative proves to be a transformative force, poised to redefine their journey and impact the world of classical music.

The festival will have a dedicated think-tank strand, bringing together influential stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions and share experiences on pressing topics such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and personal well-being. This inclusive platform invites communities to actively participate in these conversations, fostering exploration, appreciation, and the acquisition of valuable insights into the pivotal role of the arts within society.

Under the direction of chorus master Riccardo Bianchi, KorMalta embarks on a captivating musical odyssey themed around the sea. The ensemble's repertoire spans from the Renaissance era, featuring the timeless Mille Regretz attributed to Josquin Des Prez, to Monteverdi's renowned madrigal Ecco Mormorar l’Onde, which is adorned with the poetic brilliance of Torquato Tasso.

<span>Malena is the utterly unforgettable story of a boy’s journey into manhood amid the chaos and intolerance of World War II. In a sleepy Italian village, Malena, the most beautiful woman in town, becomes the subject of increasingly malicious gossip among the lustful townsmen and their jealous wives. But only her most ardent admirer, young Renato Amoroso, will learn her mysterious untold story.</span>

The festival will have a dedicated think-tank strand, bringing together influential stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions and share experiences on pressing topics such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and personal well-being. This inclusive platform invites communities to actively participate in these conversations, fostering exploration, appreciation, and the acquisition of valuable insights into the pivotal role of the arts within society.

AERIAL by Paolo Mangiola, the company director, collaborates with pianist Tricia Dawn WIlliams to explore the ‘bird’s eye view’ and bird migration patterns, set to intricate compositions by John Cage, John Adams, and Ezio Bosso. The delicate movements unfold on a miniature scale, drawing inspiration from cinematic perspectives, establishing a unique dialogue between dance and music. CANTATA by Mauro Bigonzetti, is a visceral dance journey reclaiming Southern Italy’s musical heritage, portraying a continuous interplay of opposites through passionate choreography. Together, these works create a dynamic fusion of movement and music, promising a captivating exploration of emotions and contrasts.

In a Wharf (1752) that holds centuries of reconstruction, Claire Tonna presents the concert Ballad For The Lived nurturing the wharf’s same nature; becoming a place of loading and unloading. A transference, exchange and a sharing of courage and kindness to all at the port, be they arriving or departing on their journey of survival, healing and simply being in the present societies we live in. This concert is a ballad for the living, a story that shares wisdom, adventure and love. The compositions performed share a cloak of courage and faith in the human heart, a power that lives in each one and is revived and remembered through the togetherness and connections we inevitably share.

Gregarious offers a captivating portrayal of the human side of sports, challenging the traditional depiction of sports heroes. The performance seamlessly blends competition and collaboration, illuminating themes of teamwork and rivalry. Drawing inspiration from their own close friendship, the two artists have crafted a contemporary circus gem that exudes energy, wit, and charm. With exceptional physical abilities, breathtaking stunts, and clever comedic elements, Gregarious offers a fresh perspective on the emotional and personal dynamics that are at the core of sports.

Jacqueline (Cynthia Erivo), a young refugee, lands alone and penniless on a Greek island, where she tries first to survive and then to cope with her past. While gathering her strength, she begins a friendship with a rootless tour guide (Alia Shawkat) and together they find the resilience to forge ahead.

Tsungai has been captivating audiences by showcasing her traditional African music, dances, and cultural heritage through mesmerising performances on various platforms. Beyond her shows, Tsungai finds joy in serving as a workshop facilitator, imparting the art of Southern African choral singing and dance to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The vibrant multiculturalism of Malta, coupled with a shared passion for Latin rhythms, served as the catalyst for the collaboration between Marco Strafalaci from Italy and Patricia Torres from Uruguay. This unique fusion led to the creation of the musical project known as the Vento y Fogo duo. Their repertoire, spanning from South American tunes to Spanish, Italian, and beyond, invites the audience on a captivating journey through the joyful flavours of Mediterranean and Latin musicality.

Smadj, a virtuoso on the oud and an electronic music innovator, forges a distinctive musical realm by seamlessly blending influences from the East and the Mediterranean Sea. His unique style, a pioneering force within the realm of electronic music, imparts a special hue to the traditional yet contemporary Mediterranean soundscape, drawing on diverse musical traditions from Turkey to the Maghreb.

Two worlds collide when Sam (40), a people smuggler, reluctantly saves Amal, a 12-year-old girl whose whole family has gone missing in the Syrian war. Amal believes that they are on their way to Sweden so she sets out on a journey to find them. Sam hesitates but is troubled by the thought of leaving the girl alone in a no-man’s land, and gets dragged in.

Discover the works of Laure Prouvost, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Akram Zaatari, the sound experience created by IRCAM, films by artists from 15 of the countries on the Mediterranean Festival tour, and a live programme (talks, concerts, performances...)

Underwater Painting by Yannis Maniatakos, 2012, 'Fragments' by Ghassen Chraifa, 2020, No More Front Tears, by Laure Prouvost, 2022