Arvo Pärt headlines Malta International Arts Festival

The 11th edition of the Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF), which will be taking place from July 8 to 18, was launched today by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici and Arts Council Malta. The festival, which will see the participation of renowned international and local artists, will be presenting different art forms.

“One of the strongest statements throughout this festival is our creative and brave ‘no boundaries’ approach in terms of conceptual art across all the art forms we are representing, and taking the risk of jumping into the unknown; as well as the idea of building new partnerships and creating some unique things through them, and the presentation of newly commissioned works,” said the festival’s Artistic Director Michelle Castelletti.

The artistic team, which also includes Ruben Zahra, Francesca Tranter and Riccardo Carbutti together with Castelletti, have worked together to create a varied programme, to appeal to many people interested in different things, including music, dance, theatre, installations, film, literature, poetry, site-specific work and more. 

An important element of the festival is that while it brings to Malta quality performances from abroad, it also provides a platform to local artists. As part of this drive, the festival aims to give young artists the opportunity to present their work.  Performers are invited to send submissions to perform in the Young Performers Platform, details of which will be announced in the coming days.

One of the largest ventures for participation in the festival this year, is that the MIAF will be creating its own choir for a very special event where Arvo Pärt, one of the world’s most loved and respected composers, will be welcomed as a guest. Grammy-Award winner Arvo Pärt is known for his tintinnabuli style, a compositional technique which he created.

Once again, the festival will have a number of free events, as well as an interactive installation. Bandli, which will be set up St George’s Square throughout the duration of the festival, will consist of eight swings, each triggering sounds of different instruments which will be assigned to them, allowing this interactive structure to function like a music ensemble that is brought to life through the engagement of the public.

The swings can be used by adults and children alike, creating kaleidoscopic sounds depending on their swinging movements.
Details about more events which will make up the festival, will be published every Friday, with the complete programme unveiled by Wednesday, May 4. Early bird tickets will be available from May 4 up to June 7, and regular tickets will be available thereafter.

For more information, log on to: www.maltaartsfestival.org