Dear Friends, 

It is with great pleasure that I would like to welcome you all to the 2021 edition of the Malta International Music Festival, which this year, and for the first time ever, has been transformed into a new and innovative online festival. 

Set against the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s iteration of the EUFSC’s longest-running annual event takes on a special weight and import, since for a very long time it seemed that all the odds were stacked against us holding this festival at all. As we all know, this past year has proven to be one of unprecedented challenges to the arts, with this global pandemic stopping us from enjoying and celebrating classical music in the way we’re used to. However, instead of allowing this obstacle to deprive us of the music we love so much, we have instead used it to motivate ourselves to think of new ways in which classical music can be experienced. 

I would like to thank our partners at the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra whose professionalism and dedication have helped to make this ambitious project a reality, and above all I would like to thank all of you who will be tuning in to experience the music of the MPO together with a host or renowned artists from all over the world. I am certain that, in spite of the altered circumstances, it will be a wonderful experience of classical music for all.

It is a great pleasure for the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) to collaborate with the EUFSC in transforming the Malta International Music Festival online. By far the most important festival for classical music to take place in Malta, the MPO looks forward to being part of this prestigious event and to performing alongside acclaimed international artists.

The MPO has collaborated with the EUFSC on numerous occasions; most recently in the MPO Moscow Tour 2019 and the MPO Valletta 2018 International Tour where the orchestra performed alongside notable soloists including Ray Chen, Shlomo Mintz and Joseph Calleja in renowned venues such as Zaryadye Hall, Moscow State Tchaikovsky Hall, Mariinsky Theatre, Kimmel Centre and Carnegie Hall.

I wish to express my gratitude to the President of the EUFSC, Konstantin Ishkanov, for his passion and determination in giving the MPO the opportunity to showcase our talent on an international platform. During such challenging times, he remains committed to making such a festival possible. Without a doubt, this event will bring great honour to our country as Malta increases its standing as an  ambassador for culture and the arts whilst acting as a catalyst for positivity.

We welcome you on this spellbinding musical voyage as we perform with renowned international artists together. Welcome to the online edition of the Malta International Music Festival!