We’ve all heard the saying ‘find a balance between work and play’ and this is surely practised by many Maltese. The Maltese seek every possible occasion to celebrate, be it a personal celebration such as a family wedding, a local feast, carnival, and other yearly musical festivals. And come summer everyone is so eagerly waiting for the lazy months to relax by the beach and enjoy a lovely dip in the sea. But there is no exception for tourists that frequent the Maltese islands during the year seeking some quiet relaxation from the mundane life.

Having an ideal climate with mild wet winters and warm dry summers, Malta is a well sought destination for many tourists from all around the globe. And come summer what better way to enjoy life than some lazy summer days with a nice glass of wine or a cold beer and some nice music in the background.

Tourists on holiday in Malta do not simply seek the rich history and culture of Malta or the warm climate, they also want to party and enjoy lovely music. So if you are a music lover Malta is perfect for you! All year round there are several activities and concerts that are suited for different age groups and tastes. These events are the perfect occasion for a night out with friends or family.

Cultural Events
Some of the annual cultural events include the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Malta Jazz Festival, the Malta International Choir Festival and other Operas and recitals.

An annual musical event that has become increasingly popular in the local events calendar is the Malta International Jazz Festival which takes place on three evenings in July at the Ta’ Liesse in Valletta. This year the festival dates are from the 18th till the 20th July and includes a line-up of top international and Maltese artists. The Festival presents an eclectic mix of jazz styles from the current musical scene which suites various music tastes. The beauty of the Grand Harbour by night sets the backdrop and as described by Mike Stern who played at this venue, the place is magnificent: ‘I have never played in a postcard before’.

The Valletta Baroque Festival is another musical event centered around Valletta. It highlights Malta’s capital as a winter and cultural touristic destination. The aim of this Festival is to celebrate the baroque identity of our truly special capital city, Valletta.

The second edition of the Valletta Baroque Festival will take place between the 10th and the 26th January 2014. The Festival will be centered around the Manoel Theatre, however events will also extend to the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral, the atmospheric Valletta churches, the splendid Grandmasters’ Palace, the auberges and other baroque edifices. Although this is a musical event, the programme will also be touching on opera and theatre.

The Malta International Choir Festival besides being a festival, it is also a competition. It sees various choirs from different nations, cultures and religions performing and competing in a friendly atmosphere. The choirs vary by style and level. This Festival serves as a means of meeting music lovers from all over the world in a friendship concert. This year the event will take place from the 31st October to the 3rd November 2013 and is open to various categories of choirs which hail from all over the world.

Music Concerts and Festivals
In the past years several artists such as Elton John, Zucchero, Ronan Keating, Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and Sir Cliff Richard have visited Malta to perform during a live concert.

And the highlight of the music scene in Malta is the annual free live European Summer Music Concert, namely the Isle of MTV concert which is held at the Granaries in Floriana. Every year well known and world renowned artists perform at the yearly Isle of MTV concert. These concerts attract a huge audience consisting of both locals and tourists. In previous years, stars like Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog, Black Eyes Peas, LMFAO, and Scissor sisters have taken part.

This year the Isle of MTV concert took place on the 26th June and included top international artists Jessie J, Rita Ora, AfroJack and Rudimental. A local Maltese artist, Kristina Casolani, and the Maltese Eurovision star 2013 Gianluca Bezzina, also took part in this year’s well-sought concert. As was done in previous years the concert will be filmed and aired on MTV channels in the coming months.

For a fun-filled holiday in Malta stay in a Luxury Hotel in Malta close to Valletta and with easy access to all the attractions and events happening around Malta. And if you would like to enjoy a special five star holiday deal during next year’s Valletta International Baroque Festival check out our special Valletta Baroque Festival Offer. 

Photos courtesy of Viewingmalta.com & Rene Rossignaud.