The annual Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF), Malta’s hottest annual celebration of art and cultural heritage, is now into its second week.

Just like last week, we can look forward to the massive programme of fantastic performances from both local artists and international talent that will thrill the whole family.

Here’s the lowdown on what’s still to come at this year’s MIAF.

Amazing concerts

Music-lovers will have plenty to enjoy throughout MIAF 2019.

‘8 Winds’ is an electronic concept album composed by electronic musician, producer, and DJ Dr Zicotron, in collaboration with guitarist Glen Montanaro and sound designer Aleksandar Bundalo. The album will be released later in 2019, after being premiered at the MIAF. The live performance also features contemporary dance choreography by Lynne Salomone Reynaud (Dance Hub Malta).

Inspired by the most ancient and crucial natural element for seafaring vessels, ‘8 Winds’ – on 10 July – explores the contrasting rhythms, tones and character of each distinct wind surrounding the Maltese islands.

Then, in ‘Minn Taħt l-Ilsien’, we meet Florinda Camilleri – a dance practitioner and co- director of The Amber Spark creative studio, who will be performing an intimate solo. This will be in collaboration with choreographer Lucía Piquero, sound and lighting designer Niels Plotard, author and dramaturg Professor Michael Zammit, voice-over artist Ruth Borg, and costume designer Karolina Rostkowska.

Next, on 11 July, ‘Guthan Aosda – Ancient Voices’ features Scottish musicians John Kenny and Pete Vilk, as well as Maltese dancer Diane Portelli. Kenny will play on a wide range of exotic ritual instruments, starting with the primordial sea shell and cow horns, across Celtic lore with the famous ‘Carnyx’ war horn bearing the totem head of a wild boar. The audience is in for a unique music journey moving to the pulse of ritual against Malta’s spectacular Neolithic backdrop.

One for the whole family

BerBerio is the much-anticipated children’s performance (age 6+) by Zonzo Compagnie (Belgium). This one-off production will take place at 6pm on 12 July at the Valletta Campus Theatre (ex-MITP) in Valletta, and tickets are in high demand. In it, the world of Luciano Berio is transformed into a beautiful multi-media performance, featuring on-point stage direction, operatic voices, musical instruments such as the flute, harp and viola, and profoundly impactful lighting and stage design.

A watery grand finale

Finally, to close off this year’s incredible Festival, a Danish company will perform the breath-taking Aquasonic on 13 July, on the Main Stage at Boat Street, Valletta. In this awe-inspiring concert, five specially-trained musicians and singers with custom-made instruments will perform mesmerising aquatic music while fully-submerged in water tanks.

So there’s absolutely loads to be enjoyed at the MIAF – it’s in its final stretch now and much of it is absolutely free. Go online to book your tickets.