The Valletta Cultural Agency has unveiled its 2024 Cultural Programme comprising a rich assortment of over 100 cultural activities across various genres in Valletta, spanning over the year.
Among the programme highlights announced during a press briefing is L-Għanja li Ħadd Ma Jsikket – Ray Mahoney, a tribute to a prominent figure in Maltese literature and poetry.
This year’s notable events include the Valletta Pageant of the Seas, a biennial festival at the Grand Harbour and Verdi’s Requiem, a collaboration with the esteemed Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. The performance will showcase KorMalta, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and four soloists, two of whom are accomplished Maltese artists with international acclaim.
During Holy Week, a traditional installation featuring hundreds of fire bowls will illuminate St George’s Square. Additionally, theatre enthusiasts can look forward to a production by well-known personalities Joseph Galea and Carlos Farrugia Tarah Wiċċ Alla.
May will see the celebration of the 10th edition of the Valletta Green Festival, featuring the creation of a stunning garden in one of the capital’s main open spaces. The Cultural Programme also encompasses large-scale collaborations, such as Opera in the Capital, the Valletta Local Food Festival, and numerous exhibitions, concerts, and theatre productions.
The Valletta Cultural Agency is curating a retrospective exhibition showcasing around 30 figurative and abstract works by local artist Anthony Spagnol. Strada Stretta’s ongoing programme offers a diverse line-up, including Tribute to the Roots, Simple Expressions of Complex Thoughts, Soundscapes, Imnarja Kubana, Strait to the Blues, Definitely Dylan, Strada Stretta Styles, and Holidays Rock!
The Valletta Design Cluster remains committed to uniting art and design, extending an invitation to designers and students among others, to participate in its programme of discussion, workshops, courses, and more.
The Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici expressed, “This rich and diverse programme is being organised with the participation of many local and international artists, right in the heart of Valletta. Thanks to direct and continuous investment, the cultural and creative sector continues to develop and grow in such a way that it is becoming more and more accessible to artists, creatives and society as a whole.”
Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef reiterated the agency’s dedication, “the Valletta Cultural Agency has meticulously crafted a heartfelt programme to celebrate a significant milestone – our fifth anniversary since inception. Our unwavering commitment to delivering quality culture to everyone is more robust than ever, as demonstrated by the triumphant return of our flagship events”.
CEO Catherine Tabone highlighted that over the years, “the Valletta Cultural Agency has cultivated various cultural partnerships that include a range of international and local collaborators. One of the main highlights of this year’s cultural programme is the production of Verdi’s Requiem in Valletta, among many other projects. In offering this cultural programme, the VCA corroborates its mission to continue championing culture in its many forms for all.
For further details on the Valletta Cultural Agency and its Cultural Programme, visit the Events page and the Agency’s Facebook page.
