The seventh edition of Festival Mediterranea commences on the 20th of October with a site visit to St. George's Basilica, in the heart of Victoria, Gozo's capital. The church, known as the "Golden Church of Gozo" was built in the 1670s.

There are several works of art in the church which include the painting of the dome and ceiling by Gian Battista Conti of Rome and other paintings by Mattia Preti. The titular statue of St. George is carved from solid wood by Pietro Paolo Azzopardi in 1836.

The area over which the church is built is of considerable archaeological interest, with evidence of activity dating back to at least to the Roman period.

Puccini's opera Turandot, will be staged at the Astra twice on Thursday the 23rd of October and Saturday the 25th of October. Seat bookings for both nights is now open. World famous soprano Francesca Patané will play the lead role, Princess Turandot. Artists in other leading roles include Antonino Interisano, Miriam Cauchi, and Franco de Grandis. Artistic direction is once again in the hands of Mario Corradi, while Prof Joseph Vella will conduct the National Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Marcelline Agius. The Teatru Astra Opera Chorus (Chorus Mistress: Maria Frendo) will be also taking part.

A concert by leading Italian singer Amadeo Minghi, will also be staged at the Astra. He will be performing for the first time in Gozo. Minghi will perform at the theatre on the 1st of November. The concert will also feature local artists Ira Losco, Morena and the choir Laudate Pueri.

Other events during the 32-day festival include site visits to Ta' Mena Agrofarm (21st of October); site visits to the Hypogeum, Tarxien Temples, Tas-Silg, Ggantija Temples and other traditional trades in Gozo led by Dr David Trump (27th - 30th of October); a jazz concert by the La Stella Clarinet Quartet (24th of October); a vocal and instrumental recital by Miriam Cauchi (soprano), Simon Abdilla (Cello) and Maria Frendo (Pianoforte) (26th of October); Cinderella - ballet, by the Dance Conservatoire of Johane Casabene (8th of November); and another dance show Uniting Diversity by the Naupaca Dance Factory (15th of November).

Festival Mediterranea comes to an end with the La Stella band in concert on Saturday the 22nd of November at the Astra Theatre. Prof Joseph Vella, the band's musical director for the past 38 years will conduct the band.

For more details please email on info@mediterranea.com.mt.

Bookings for the main events: bookings@mediterranea.com.mt or (+356)2155 0985