GĦANAFEST 2009 - Malta Mediterranean Folk Music Festival

GĦANAFEST 2009 - Malta Mediterranean Folk Music Festival On the 29th, 30th and 31st of May 2009, the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts will present a fabulous concert series of Mediterranean folk roots. GĦANAFEST offers a unique opportunity to experience an overview of the different styles of Maltese folksong, known as għana. Besides local folk music, each day the festival will present a selection of local musicians and ensembles. This category will include the ensembles Nafra and Brikkuni together with songwriters Manwel Mifsud, Teddy Zammit, Rita Pace and Corazon Mizzi. Three extraordinary ensembles from three different Mediterranean countries: France, Algeria and Israel, have been invited to participate. The French group TroublAmours will take the stage by storm with their gypsy rhythms on the opening night. The next day we shift further south with a fascinating concert of sub-Saharan African, Berber, and Arabic songs by Harmonica from Algeria. The Israeli Ethnic Ensemble will take the festival to its grand finale with their captivating fusion of Balkan, Gypsy, Sephardic, Yemenite melodies and Mediterranean influences. The festival will also host a series of workshops on traditional instruments and a special programme for children. A wonderful event for the whole family complemented by traditional Maltese food and the marvellous surroundings of the Argotti botanical gardens in Floriana, within walking distance from Valletta. Chairman: Adrian Mamo Executive director: Davinia Galea Artistic director: Ruben Zahra Co-ordinator: Noel DAmato Photos by Darrin Zammit Lupi, Joe Smith and Mario Galea Video editing by Melchiore Farrugia Music by TroublAmours GĦANAFEST 2009 is organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts and the Ministry for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport with the support of the Ambassade de France a Malte.