A Symphony of Spring: The 26th Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival

A Symphony of Spring: The 26th Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival

As Malta awakens to the vibrant hues of spring, the 26th Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival offers a perfect harmony of culture and melody. Hosted by Din l-Art Ħelwa National Trust for Malta, this beloved event transforms the historic Bir Miftuħ chapel into a haven for music lovers from April to May 2025.

With a lineup spanning classical duos, operatic voices, and orchestral grandeur, the festival promises unforgettable evenings steeped in artistry. Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring Malta’s rich heritage, here’s why this festival should be on your spring itinerary.

A Dazzling Start with Strings and Keys

The festival opens on Saturday, April 12th at 7:30 p.m., featuring the Karłruhe Concert Duo—Reinhard Armleder on violoncello and Dagmar Hartmann on piano.

Their performance will include works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Schumann, Rossini, Ravel, and Piazzolla—promising a journey through classical brilliance. Supported by the Goethe Institut and the Maltese Circle, the evening’s intimacy is amplified by the acoustics of the chapel, turning each note into a moment to remember.

Voices that Enchant

On Friday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m., soprano Gillian Zammit leads a performance from the Opera Nova Project alongside mezzo-soprano Nicole Vassallo, tenor Jester Rosales, and harpist Anne Marie Camilleri Podestà.

The concert features works by Massenet, Debussy, Berlioz, Gounod, and Fauré, evoking emotion and elegance in equal measure. Sponsored by the Embassy of France and Alliance Française de Malte-Méditerranée, this performance is a heartfelt tribute to French romanticism and impressionism.

A Quartet’s Passionate Harmony

On Friday, May 2nd at 7:30 p.m., The Iberian Quartet—Immaculada Muñoz Salguero and Agnieszka Kuzma on violins, Ester García Salas on viola, and Desirée Calleja on cello—delivers a stirring programme of Turina and Albéniz. Their performance, supported by the Embassy of Spain, offers rich Iberian textures wrapped in vibrant expression.

An Orchestral Finale to Remember

The festival’s grand finale arrives on Saturday, May 10th at 7:30 p.m., with the Re:Orchestra of Rotterdam Ensemble conducted by Roberto Beltrán-Zavala.

The evening includes works by Schubert, R. Strauss, Haendel, Mahler, and Kapčorinis, performed by an exceptional lineup of soloists: Nicolas Bernstein and Hara van Amersfoort on violins, Jessica Elul on clarinet, Jenny Melville on oboe, and sopranos Gillian Zammit and Clare Ghigo. Sponsored by Dr. John Vassallo and Dr. Marianne Schaeffer Noll, this performance is poised to leave a lasting impression.

Your Festival Guide: Programme and Tickets

Plan your musical evenings with this detailed programme and ticketing information:

Ticket Prices (per person, includes refreshments):

• Single concert: €25
• Block bookings: €46 (2 concerts), €70 (3 concerts), €95 (4 concerts)

Booking Information:

• Address: Din l-Art Ħelwa, 133 Melita Street, Valletta, VLT1120
• Phone: 21220358 / 21225952
• Email: [email protected]
• Culture Calendar

Why You Can’t Miss It

The Bir Miftuħ International Music Festival is more than a concert series—it’s a celebration of Malta’s timeless spirit within one of its oldest chapels.

Whether you’re strolling past historic bastions or catching the golden hour at Gżira’s seafront, this festival is your chance to pause and be moved by music that echoes across centuries.

Grab your tickets, enjoy the refreshments, and let the chapel’s stone walls amplify every note of spring’s most soulful soundtrack.