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The Malta Council for Culture and the Arts (MCCA) has published the Cultural Calendar for January2011:

Concerts:

9^th January

The President’s New Year Concert

Venue: Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta. Time: 20.30 hrs.

14^th January

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Symphonic Concert

Programme: Capriccio Espagnol– N. Rimsky Korsakov, Pavane– G. Faure, Concierto De Aranjuez– J. Rodrigo Soloist: Simon Schembri, El Amor Brujo(concert suite) – M. De Falla, Pavane pour une infante defunte – M. Ravel, Spanish Dance (La Vida Breve)– M. De Falla, Espagna – E. Chabrier. Conductor: Joseph Vella.

Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta Time: 19.30 hrs.

22^nd January

Premju I.N.T. and Annual Concert by Għaqda Soċjo-Mużikali Anici – organised by the Qormi Local Council, Qormi. Venue: Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta, Msida. Time: 19.00 hrs.

Exhibitions:

28^th December – 31^st January 2011

Jazz Paintings in Pastel by Pauleen Micallef

Venue: Damiano’s, Sir Luigi Preziosi Street, St Paul’s Bay.

Opening Hours: Everyday (except Tuesdays) from 18.00 hrs onwards.

11^th December – 16^th January 2011

An exhibition of paintings by the artist Daniela Astone.

Venue: The Contemporary Hall, National Museum of Fine Arts, South Street, Valletta. Free entrance. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00hrs till 16:30hrs (Last Admission 16:00hrs).

14^th January – 17^th February

Vince Briffa and Tom Dale – A two-person show featuring a new film and a photography exhibition.

Venue: Malta Contemporary Art Foundation, St James Cavalier, Valletta.

24^th January – 28^th February

On Site -A ceramic art exhibition by George Muscat

The exhibition consists of around 55 pieces inspired by a series of events in the artist’s past- moments in time the memory rested upon and incited reflection. George Muscat has been involved in the ceramic art scene for the past 35 years as a student, practitioner and teacher. He specializes in raku and stoneware techniques. This will be his sixth solo exhibition; being his participation in several exhibitions both locally and abroad.

Venue : St James Cavalier, Valletta.

31^st January – 13^th February

Curved Silence - An exhibition by the artist John Paul Azzopardi.

Venue: The Contemporary Hall, National Museum of Fine Arts, South Street, Valletta. Free entrance. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00hrs till 16:30hrs (Last Admission 16:00hrs).

Feasts and Festivals:

15^th January

Citrus Festivalorganised by Lija Local Council.

Venue: Villa Lija, Main Street, Lija.

16^th January

Traditional Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot - Activities throughout the day include a dog show and the blessing of horses in the morning and the blessing of animals in the afternoon. The Diocesan Bishop will celebrate a Solemn High Mass with the participation of the Most Reverend Chapter and Clergy of the Xaghra Collegiate Parish Church, followed by a procession with the statue of Saint Anthony the Abbot, with the participation of the Victory Philharmonic Society of Xagħra. Venue: Xagħra, Gozo.

16^th January

St Anthony– feast celebrated in Xagħra, Gozo.

20^th January

St Sebastian– feast celebrated in Qormi.

23^rd January

Conversion of St Paul– feast celebrated in Mdina, and Marsalforn, Gozo.

29^th January

The Holy Family– feast celebrated in Iklin.

30^th January

St John Bosco– feast celebrated in Victoria, Gozo.

Re-enactments and Memorials:

27^th January

An activity in memory of Mr Charles Clewsorganised by Marsascala Local Council, with the participation of Charles Coleiro, Achille Mizzi, Joe Chetcuti, Godwin Cini, Trevor Zahra, Joe Farrugia (Dulli). Event compered by Joyce Guillaumier.

Venue: St Anne’s Parish Hall, Marsascala. Time: 19.00 hrs.

27^th - 30^th January

The Contribution of Charles Clews to Maltese Theatre

An exhibition organised by Marsascala Local Council. Venue: St Anne’s Parish Hall, Marsascala.

29^th January

The Inauguration of a new Garden and Playing-field dedicated to Charles Clewsand the unveiling of a bronze bust of Charles Clews, modelled by Joe Chetcuti.

Venue: Marsascala. Time: 10.00 hrs.

30^th January

Life at Sea

A re-enactment of life around the Vittoriosa (Birgu) harbour in the 18^th century which includes guided tours, military drills, a typical market and other activities connected to life at sea. A Heritage Malta event.

Venue: Malta Maritime Museum, Birgu.

Recital:

16^th January

An American in Malta

Performance by the world acclaimed concert pianist Eric Himy whose style has been described by The New York Timesas “flawlessly poised with elegance and brilliance.” Produced by Teatru Manoel in collaboration with the US Embassy in Malta.

Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta. Time: 20.00 hrs.

27^th January

Spotlight on Augusto Lauri Quintano and Sarah Micallef

Violin and Piano Recital with the participation of Augusto Lauri Quintano –Violin and Sarah Micallef –Piano. Programme: Sonata in E Minor, BWV 1023 for Violin and continuo – J.S. Bach, Sonata in F minor Op.2 no1 for piano solo - L. van Beethoven, Scherzo in C minor for violin and piano – J. Brahms, Sonatina in G major Op.100 for violin and piano – A. Dvorak, Estampes piano solo – C. Debussy, Rumanian folk dances for violin and piano – B.Bartok

Venue: Sala Isouard, Teatru Manoel, Valletta. Time: 20.00 hrs.

Other Events:

4^th January

Ilħna Poeżija

A monthly meeting organised by Żejtun Local Council with poetry reading, musical intervals and a discussion on some verses. Poet Alfred Massa, President of Għaqda Poeti Maltin will attend the meeting. Newcomers are welcome.

Venue: Żejtun Local Council. Time: 19.00 hrs.

7^th January

Epiphany Celebrationorganised by the Alliance Française de Malte-Mèditerranèe. Venue: Alliance Française de Malte-Mèditerranèe, Casa Sir Luigi Preziosi, 108, St Thomas Street, Floriana. For more information kindly contact Alliance Française de Malte-Mèditerranèe on telephone number 2123 8456.

16^th January

Gozo Nature Walk

A heritage trail which focuses on the natural environment in Gozo. Experienced guides will conduct the tour. Tickets can be bought from all Heritage Malta museums and sites. Further information can be obtained by contacting Mr. Mario Casha on 23954242.

20^th January

Is-Siegħa tal-Kittieba – A one hour interview with the writer Lina Brockdorff.

The event will be in Maltese. Venue: St James Cavalier, Valletta. Time: 19.30 hrs.

23^rd January

Cultural Tour

A visit to the Presidential Palace and Private Gardens of San Antonin Attard, an exhibition of mechanized trade, traditions and crafts in miniature and the Mount Carmel Psychiatric Museum and War Shelters. Bookings: Tel: 21232515, 21247913 or 21245168 ask for Noel D’Amato or Adrian German or send an email to noel.damato@maltaculture.com or adrian.german@maltaculture.com or visit the website of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts www.maltaculture.com. Ticket: €12, concessions tickets for children aged 5 to 12 years and senior citizens €9.50. Venue: Coaches depart from Sliema and Floriana. Time: 08:45 hrs.

24^th – 28^th January

Music Education Programmes

Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat in a new production for school children. Organised by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

25^th January

Filatelija Żejtun

A monthly meeting organised by the Żejtun Local Council. This meeting coincide with the 9^th anniversary since the first meeting of this group. A special guest will deliver an interesting talk about philately. Everyone is invited to join this group.

Venue: Żejtun Local Council.

Time: 19.00 hrs.

29^th January

Cultural Visit to Mdina in French– organised by the Alliance Française de Malte-Mèditerranèe. For more information kindly contact Alliance Française de Malte-Mèditerranèe on telephone number 2123 8456.

Theatre:

22^nd, 23^rd January

Inġabar għax jiġbruk (Come blow your horn)

Neil Simon’s play, staged by the Valletta Dramatic Company, recounts the story of a young man’s decision to leave the home of his parents for the bachelor pad of his older brother in order to lead a swinging ’60s lifestyle. At the beginning of the story Buddy is a 21-year-old virgin and his older brother Alan, a ladies’ man, but as the play progresses Alan discovers real feelings for one of the many women with whom he is currently sleeping and is devastated when she leaves him. Juxtaposing Alan’s hunger for companionship with Buddy’s metamorphosis into a ladies’ man himself, the playwright emphasises the fundamental spiritual and emotional emptiness of the playboy lifestyle, for which the younger sibling desperately yearns. The performance is in Maltese.

Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta. Time: Saturday 19.30 hrs, Sunday 17.00 hrs.

28^th, 29^th, 30^th January

The Secretary Bird

A comedy by William Douglas, produced by Maleth Theatre Company. After twelve years of a seemingly happy marriage to her older husband, Hugh, Liz suddenly announces that she has fallen in love with John and wants a divorce. Apparently acquiescing, Hugh agrees to make suitable arrangements and everything seems set for a calm passage until it turns out that the plan includes Hugh’s pretty secretary as correspondent and that the action is to take place in their own home.

Venue: Teatru Manoel, Valletta. Time: 19.30 hrs.