For the first time, ‘Jazz Assemblea’ will present a series of exciting events, including a multidisciplinary exhibition, live concerts, workshops, and a film premiere – all centred around the world of jazz. Running from September through October at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, the festival promises to immerse attendees in jazz culture.

The exhibition, titled ‘Kwadretti Jazz’ (meaning ‘Jazz Vignettes’), takes us back to the origins of jazz in Malta, highlighting the genre’s pioneers from the late 1930s to the 1990s, such as saxophonist Sammy Murgo. This community of trailblazers has never been fully documented, until now. The exhibition's key contributors are Maestro Dominic Galea, who compiled the 2004 album ‘A Tribute to the Jazz Pioneers of Malta’, and Guze Camilleri, whose decade of research has produced an archive of visual material. ‘Kwadretti Jazz’ is available for free viewing at Spazju Kreattiv until October 29th.

On October 10th, Spazju Kreattiv Cinema will premiere the documentary ‘Strait Street to Abbey Road’, featuring Tony Carr – one of Malta’s first jazz trio leaders, who later achieved international acclaim in the 1960s as a drummer for James Cameron and collaborator with icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Paul McCartney. Directed by Cedric Vella and based on Carr’s biography by Guze Camilleri, the film sheds light on Carr’s underappreciated contributions to jazz.

Jazz Assemblea culminates in a series of concerts from October 11th to 13th, where over 40 musicians will perform 10 unique acts at Spazju Kreattiv’s theatre, with shows running nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM.

That same weekend will feature two musical workshops: one led by local saxophonist Carlo Muscat and another by drummer William Smith. The Little Big Band from the Malta School of Music will also present a concert, followed by a discussion.

More than just a celebration of jazz and its roots in Malta, Jazz Assemblea fosters collaboration between multidisciplinary artists, creating a platform for creative synergy and greater appreciation of the genre's cultural significance on the islands. Tickets for all events are available on the Spazju Kreattiv site. 

Which of the ‘Jazz Assemblea’ events piques your interest?