Abu Dhabi, 26 October 2025 – “Faces and Voices of Malta: A Mediterranean Odyssey” illuminated the stage of the Cultural Foundation Amphitheatre on 26 October, immersing audiences in the heartbeat of Malta’s island heritage — a land where poetry meets melody and stories are sung, not just told. This captivating performance celebrated #IntangibleHeritage through għana, Malta’s centuries-old folk chant that echoes the soul of the Mediterranean.

In the esteemed presence of Her Highness Sheikha Alia bint Khaled Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra, together with over 300 spectators from various walks of life in the UAE, including members of the Diplomatic Corps and Maltese nationals living in the UAE, this captivating performance celebrated intangible heritage through għana, Malta’s sublime centuries-old folk chant that echoes the soulful spirit of the Mediterranean.

Performed by “Ilħna Mitlufa” (Lost Voices) composed of mesmerising Mariele Zammit and the veteran għannej Mikiel Cumbo “l-Iżgej”, with talented father-and-son duo George and Karol Aquilina ‘Ta’ Nofsillejl‘ on guitars, with the incredible Andrew Alamango accompanying, the evening blended emotion, artistry, and tradition into a lyrical journey bridging Malta and the UAE.

Maltese għana evokes the shared musical roots and improvisational spirit of Arabic mawwal making the night even more significant: a true meeting of cultures across the Mediterranean and the Gulf.

The event also featured an exhibition of photography by Guido Stilon, curated by the Magna Żmien Foundation, with audiovisual collages by Andrej Vujicic, Timothy Garrett, Robert Farrugia, Jimmy Grima, Yasmin Kuymizakis, and Jess Rymer. Exhibition design by Magna Żmien and Letta Shtohryn.

Organised by the Embassy of Malta in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi Culture, and the Magna Żmien Foundation.

Funded by the Cultural Diplomacy Fund of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and Arts Council Malta, with the support of Emirates Airline.