23 October 2007 Rating 4% No Comment  

This year's edition of Festival Mediterranea includes, as is customary, a number of cultural and agrarian events in addition to the predominant musical aspect of the festival. As in the past years, a number of historical-archaeological site visits will be led by Dr David Trump; a leading archaeologist who is very closely associated with the development of Maltese archaeology. Events led by Dr David Trump during this year's edition of the festival include, a site visit to Ggantija Temples and the Gozo Stone Circle (normally closed for the public) on Monday 29 October 2007, at 14.30pm. A site visit to Ras il-Wardija Punic sanctuary and Dwejra on Wednesday 31 October 2007, at 14.00hrs. 'Early Societies: the Archaeological evidence' - A Public Lecture by Dr Trump held at the Aula Mgr G Farrugia, St George's Basilica at 19.30hrs. There will be a free entrance to this event. This year's festival will feature an Exclusive visit to the Hypogeum in Tarxien which will be led by Dr Trump himself, who will also be offering on-site interpretation. This visit will be held on Friday 2 November at 15.00hrs, with another visit scheduled at 16.00hrs. Given the visitor restrictions at this site, only 15 places are available on this visit (offered on a first-come, first-served basis). This event will provide history enthusiasts with a unique opportunity for the interpretation of this monument by a leading archaeologist such as Dr Trump. In addition to these archaeology/history - related events, the Festival will also include an agrarian event hosted by the Gozitano Agricultural Co-operative of Gozo. Visitors will experience a walk-through visit including olive-pressing and the production of olive oil, together with limuncell and mushroom production. This event will be concluded with a traditional finger food and wine tasting session. This visit will be held on Tuesday 30 October 2007, at 09.30hrs at the co-operative's premises in Xewkija. Other events during this year's edition of Festival Mediterranea include the staging of Verdi's opera 'Macbeth' on Thursday 25th and Saturday 27th October, a concert of Maltese Baroque music, festive band marches in Victoria, Music in the liturgy by the Laudate Pueri Choir of St George's Basilica and a concert by the La Stella Band soloists. For further information on these events and for bookings patrons may contact the theatre on either telephone number 21550985 or by email to bookings@mediterranea.com.mt.