Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera attended the launch of the APS Summer festival, sponsored by APS Bank and co-produced by the Valletta Cruise Port plc (VCP) and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO). The festival will take place between 26th June and 18th July 2020 and will be hosting a series of cultural and entertainment activities staged along the Valletta Waterfront, intending to bring the Maltese artistic scene closer to the community in a celebration of summer. With events held alfresco under the stars, against the backdrop of historic fortifications and the majestic Grand Harbour, the evocative setting offers a unique location for re-introducing live public events in Malta after the pandemic.
Minister Herrera said that, “This is an interesting event that should attract many people. This project will be of benefit to artists who will have a venue where they can showcase their talent to people, it will also entertain people and thus improve their quality of life, whilst helping in restarting the country’s economic drive”.
Whilst adhering to the current health and safety regulations, the festival will provide an eclectic, joyful and diverse artistic and cultural combination and will feature different genres of music, from classical to rock to jazz, comedy, dance, poetry and visual arts. Some of Malta’s top artists such as Red Electrick, Nadine Axisa, Studio 18, and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will mix with emerging local talent and the Malta Youth Orchestra, also complemented by outdoor cinema nights.
Sigmund Mifsud, Executive Chairman of the MPO, noted that the orchestra, together with the VCP, took this initiative to organise this festival during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This has bestowed us with the responsibility to promote classical music and provide a platform for local artists to develop their talents. Together, we aim to motivate audiences and inspire hope through the beauty of music.” Also, Mr Mifsud highlighted how the festival underlines further the crucial role of arts for the holistic well-being of our contemporary society.
Carlo Micallef, MTA Deputy CEO and Chief Marketing Officer, said that, “The Malta Tourism Authority together with the Ministry for Tourism are pleased to give their support for these events to take place and be successful. We are also assisting with the advertising both in Malta and abroad for tourists who will visit us in July.”
Hervé Delpech, Chief Strategy Officer at APS Bank, said, “When we first started working on this project with our partners VCP and the MPO, early in May, we didn’t quite know what summer to expect. So, as we anticipated the worst, our wish was always that of offering the public an opportunity to attend quality, artistic events in the way we are used to enjoy our summer evenings. We are proud to be supporting this Festival which promises to bring different performing and visual arts to the community while also promoting local talent”.
Stephen Xuereb, CEO of VCP and COO of Global Ports Holding, commented, “We are proud to be co-producing and hosting the APS Summer Festival. As a signatory to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, we follow a set of principles designed to support local communities. It is in this spirit that we have advocated this initiative. These events will be an opportunity for patrons to enjoy the facelift given to the Valletta Waterfront through the inauguration of an investment of over 2 million euro in new bespoke canopies complementing the historic environment of the Grand Harbour.”
The APS Summer Festival is also supported by the Malta Tourism Authority, Studio Seven, Embassy Cinemas and Island Insurance Brokers. The festival commences on June 26 at 21:00 with tickets at €10. For the full schedule of events and booking visit: www.embassycinemas.com/aps-summer-festival
