TOI TOI Easter Concert: Movie Magic at the Manoel

Imagine this: the grand Teatro Manoel, Malta’s oldest working theatre, transformed into a silver screen. That’s exactly what the TOI TOI Easter Concert promises this year, with a ‘Movie Magic’ theme that’s set to captivate audiences. But how did this unique collaboration between TOI TOI and the Manoel Theatre come about? And what can we expect from this cinematic musical experience?

A Symphony of Cinema and Culture

The TOI TOI Easter Concert, now in its 11th year, has become a staple in Malta’s cultural calendar. This year’s collaboration with the Manoel Theatre is a first, and it’s set to be a blockbuster. “We wanted to do something different, something that would celebrate the magic of the movies and the magic of live music,” says TOI TOI founder, Mario Vella.

The Manoel Theatre, with its rich history dating back to 1731, is the perfect venue for such an event. Its ornate boxes and plush red seats will provide the perfect backdrop for a musical journey through the movies. “The Manoel is more than just a theatre,” says theatre director, Alan Montanaro. “It’s a living testament to Malta’s cultural heritage, and we’re thrilled to be part of this unique concert experience.”

From ‘The Godfather’ to ‘The Greatest Showman’

The concert, titled ‘Movie Magic’, will take audiences on a musical tour of the silver screen. From the dramatic opening notes of ‘The Godfather’ to the uplifting anthems of ‘The Greatest Showman’, the TOI TOI orchestra and choir will perform iconic movie soundtracks under the baton of guest conductor, Brian Schembri.

Schembri, who has conducted orchestras around the world, is excited about the challenge. “This concert is a labour of love,” he says. “It’s a chance to celebrate the power of music in film, and to share that with a live audience in such a historic venue.”

The concert will also feature soloists, including Maltese tenor, Joseph Zammit, and soprano, Miriam Gauci. They’ll be performing hits from movies like ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘The Sound of Music’, and ‘La La Land’.

A Night at the Movies: What You Need to Know

The TOI TOI Easter Concert takes place on Saturday, April 16th, at 8 pm. Tickets are €25 and €30, and can be purchased from the Manoel Theatre box office or online at teatrumanoel.com.mt. The concert is expected to last around two hours, with an interval.

For those planning to make a night of it, the surrounding streets of Old Theatre Street and Republic Street offer a variety of dining options. Why not try Trattoria Adam for some pre-concert Italian, or Café de la Musique for a post-concert drink?

So, grab your popcorn (metaphorical, of course), and get ready for a night of ‘Movie Magic’ at the Manoel. It’s an event that promises to be as entertaining as it is unique.