The Malta International Arts Festival (MIAF) isn’t just a festival. It is an “experience” where Malta’s cultural heritage becomes the stage and scenography for a series of unique events.

One production that truly fits this description is Harbour Odyssey - a site-specific project being held between the 19th and the 22nd of June, conceived and designed to take place on the front deck of a beautiful 38-metre-long two-masted vessel.

As the schooner cruises the waters, the Grand Harbour becomes the backdrop for the theatrical narrative, a portrayal of several stories that have survived the test of time: The capture of the “Corona Ottomana” - the sultan’s galley ship - by the ruthless corsair Captain Petar Želalić; the ruins of Villa Sciberras, Podesta the pasta maker who used to supply the corsairs with food and other desires; the legend of the mermaid of Senglea – re-enacted on the front deck of “The Fernandes” as the sun sets on the bastion walls of the Grand Harbour.

Another MIAF event which features an exclusive aspect of local heritage is Garments of the Grand Masters. This unique event, taking place on the 22nd of June, combines an exhibition of historical garments of the Knights of Malta with a piano recital of works by Ligeti, Chopin, Liszt and Ravel, performed by the prominent Greek pianist Konstantinos Destounis.

A selection of garments from the National Textiles Collection entrusted to Heritage Malta will be exhibited in the Sala dei Cavalieri of the Malta Society of Arts. A video backdrop of artistic footage featuring the very same fabrics and textiles will run parallel to the music programme.

“For this programme, I chose Chopin’s Ballades and Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit because they are my personal favourites’’, explains Konstantinos. ‘’I consider them to be the greatest masterpieces of the entire piano repertoire! Chopin’s Ballades are a monument of lyricism and Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz is a virtuoso piece which always has a very strong impact on the audience. My recital starts with an atmospheric etude by Ligeti since this year we are celebrating 100 years from the composer’s date of birth’’.

The MIAF presents an eclectic programme highlighting local and international talent on various artistic spectrums including dance, theatre, visual arts, and music, among others.

For tickets and to view the full programme visit www.festivals.mt/miaf.