Valletta 2018 is pleased to announce that it is collaborating with Arts Council Malta and other entities on the Malta International Arts Festival, which is returning for its tenth edition this July, running from the 10^th July to 3^rd August.  MIAF 2015 is jam-packed with a vast variety of cultural acts such as virtuoso musicians, Shakespearean drama, stunning visual installations and captivating dance performances. The MIAF 2015 offers both emerging and seasoned artists the opportunity to reach a wider audience with their talents.

This year’s programme of events not only includes an array of impressive performance but also a number of informative workshops and master classes. The MIAF will run from the 10^th July to the 3^rd August with events held around prominent historical venues such as Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Argotti Garden, Fort St Elmo and Valletta City Gate.

Among this year’s lineup are Noriko Ogawa, a Japanese classical pianist and Debussy specialist, the Talich Quartet, a world-renowned string quarter famous for their Czech musical tradition. Led by MPO leader Marcelline Agius, the Bar-to-Bar Quintet will also be performing Shostakovich and Bartók at the Palace Courtyard.

The line-up also includes En Chordais and Constantinople – acts that are both grounded in the Mediterranean musical tradition and that will be paying tribute to Marco Polo.

The EU-Funded Meeting the Odyssey – a social and artistic collaborative project that takes place on the Hoppet ship that set sail in the Baltic in 2014 will also arrive in Malta for the festival.

The highly successful multi award-winning music sensation from the UK, STOMP will also be making its debut appearance in Malta at the Festival. STOMP is perhaps known for its interdisciplinary performances which incorporate rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance – a sure treat for audience members of all ages.

The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, under Israeli choreographer Rami Be’er, will be performing their original piece If At All, an emotional dramatic performance in figurative and abstract dance. ŻfinMalta Dance Company will also be performing a contemporary adaptation of Mallarmé’s 1876 L’Après-midi d’un Faune, under the direction of choreographer and Artistic Director Mavin Khoo. The MPO will also be delivering a free and open-air performance for the public at St George’s Square, Valletta on July 26^th.

Faith, Hope u Charity, a drama production penned by local author Immanuel Mifsud and directed by Jossette Ciappara which is set in World War II Malta also finds its place in this year’s programme. Kelma Kelma, Nota Nota will also be returning with another spectacular performance filled with traditional Maltese prose, poetry and songs with a contemporary spin. The newly-launch MIAF+ will also be creating new links and partnerships between various artistic communities in Malta.

Pendulum Choir will be opening the festival with an original choral piece with 9 a cappella voices and 18 hydraulic jacks that will be performed at the Valletta entrance. This performance, taking place on the 10^th July, has been performed all over the world and will be free for the Maltese public. Miguel Chevalier also bring Pixels Wave 2015 to our shores, an interactive virtual reality installation that incorporate a giant carpet with moving lights that will cover Republic Street at City which will open on the 10^th July and which will run for the remainder of the festival.

For more information, please visit the MIAF official website. 

The Malta International Arts Festival is organised by Arts Council Malta under the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government, in collaboration with European Capital of Culture 2018  and with the support of the Valletta Local Council, TVM, MSV Life, Grand Hotel and The Phoenicia Hotel.