PASSION IS LIFE

THE UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS
The best DJs
the greatest clubs

ALT.MALTA
Bleeding-edge art
& graveyard gigs;
THESpIAN HERITAGE
& delap-chic

HOT FASHION
Mediterranean drama
with a fierce hipster spin

CULTURE CLUBBING
Caravaggio & Courtesans;
7000 years in thirty minutes

ISLE OF MTV
The epic free party
this year headlined by
Kelis, KID ROCK &
Scissor Sisters!
 CONTENTS
04/ INTRODUCTION
06/ THE ISLANDS
08/ TICKET TO RIDE

11/ THE UNDISCOVERED PARTY ISLAND

12/ MALTA MUSIC WEEK
14/ NIGHT LIVES
16/ VENUES

20/ CULTURE CLUBBING

28/ 10 MINUTE HISTORY LESSON

30/ ALT.MALTA
36/ GOZO/COMINO
38/ CUISINE

42/ PEOPLE
ALEXANDRA PACE
CHARLES & RON
CHASING PANDORA
KRIS MICALLEF
IRA LOSCO

50/ FASHION STORY:LAZY DAZE

66/ RESOURCES

MASTHEAD/ PUBLISHED BY MUSIC HQ MEDIA AGENCY

EDITORIAL@MUSICHQMEDIA.COM
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY
WWW.VISITMALTA.COM

ALL CREATIVE WORK BY & © THE MHQMA CREATIVE TEAM

EDITED BY MICHAEL C LEWIN
ART DIRECTION / HIDDEN AGENCY
DESIGN / THOMASIN ARNOLD-BAKER

THANKS / HEIDI DRUMMOND / CARINA DIMECH / ALEXIA MAGGI

/ALEX INCORVAJA / CLIVE CORTIS / SEB LAW / BILL H / ED
BREAKENRIDGE / AIR MALTA

All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Music HQ Ltd.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication at time of print; however, the publishers cannot be held
responsible for any errors it may contain nor those contained on external third party resources. The views expressed are those of the editorial team and are
not necessarily those of the publishers.
 LIVE
Inspired by and in love with
the beautiful archipelago
in the heart of the
Mediterranean, MALTA
LIVE is a brand new print
and digital music, fashion
and culture magazine led
by the driving principle
that today we want to
combine the euphoria of M alta is a young and bubbly country with 7000
years of history; it’s home to the beautiful,
the crazy creatives and the leading lights of a new
partying abroad with the generation eager for change, but also to the perfect
soul-tickling goodness of stillness of aeons of history and the calm of stunning
cultural endeavours. architecture. Best of all, it’s home to one of the
We want to enjoy the heady, most euphoric club scenes in the world, three tiny
fulsome, excited lives we islands rammed with up-for-it locals, amazing open
lead in cities and on city air venues and host to the best and biggest DJs and
breaks; but we want a artists around. For anyone who loathes the wasted
gorgeous climate and a days of other Med party holidays where you sit and

kinder pace. recover and wait for the next adventure, Malta will
seem like salvation. Malta Live shows you what to
dream of doing; we’ll also show you how to get there
this summer.

04
 CULTURE CLUBBING /
THE UNDISCOVERED PARTY ISLAND ALT.MALTA MALTA LIVE ONLINE
It’s the blissful and on the beach and then There’s no better cure MALTA LIVE can be read
perfect combination getting ready to hit a for what ails you after a online at
of sun, sea and and a fresh town for a few long night’s party than www.maltalive.co.uk,
smattering of tunes drinks and a late night to be out and doing. We where you’ll find a
that make for the of banging tunes in the can’t enthuse enough cutting edge digital
perfect party island. fresh air. Malta and her about the variety on offer version of this magazine,
There’s nothing quite sister islands, Gozo in this compact little along with scores of
like coming back from and Camino, have all place: 7,000 YEARS amazing benefits, such
a sun-drenched day’s of this in spades. And OF HISTORY can be as:
exploration, gentle it’s not just a few tiny taken in ten minutes; a
grazing on some fresh basements and some 30 minute drive can see Downloadable Mixes
seafood, or just lazing bottles of cheap beer; you go from bustling
Event Reaction – Videos & Photos
Malta’s clubbing scene cosmopolitan Valletta,
features top-rate venues with its THRIVING Interactive Holiday Planning
and stellar artist line- ARTS SCENE and
ups to rival the biggest ASTONISHING Regularly Updated Live Listings
for the Summer Season
cities in the world. MALTA ARCHITECTURE , to
MUSIC WEEK is the the other end of the Interactive Flash Artworks
Mediterranean island’s island, where you might
showcase event, with enjoy fantasies of Regular New Interviews and
Features
input from big players Mediterranean noble
like MINISTRY OF SOUND, living in the PALAZZO Get live with
CREAMFIELDS and ISLE PARISIO , the mini- WWW.MALTALIVE.CO.UK
OF MTV, but there’s Versailles. It’s the life
FOLLOW US HERE:
plenty of events across you love to lead in your
the season to keep your cities or on city breaks, WWW.TWITTER.COM/MaltaLive
summer as blissed out but with clubs and sun
as possible. Turn to thrown in. Oh yeah, and WWW.MALTALIVE.TUMBLR.COM
out Nightlife section to some AMAZING FOOD ,
discover more. too. But what will you
wear? Our gorgeous
shoot shows you how to
enjoy a LAZY DAZE .
 A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLANDS
With all the islands’ joys available
within A SHORT DISTANCE OF EACH OTHER, you’ll
get to know and love it quickly. Here are some
quick pointers about where to go.

1 2
VALLETTA THREE CITIES

Malta’s capital is its cultural hub and a
Renaissance city as beautiful as any in the
Mediterranean, built by the Knights after their
victory over the Ottoman Turks. From derelict
chic backstreets to grand palaces, the city
has it all, as well as art centre St James
Cavalier. Designed as a grid, on main drag
Republic Street you’ll see shopkeepers stopping
to chat with locals as the world meanders by,
shopping. At night, it is appealingly calm,
with vibrant theatre and wine bar culture.
Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta are
the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and
Cospicua. Their streets are settled with the
quiet peace of history, narrow cobbled streets
contained within the fortified walls indicative
of their status as first line of defence
against the Ottomans. They have a pleasantly
mature wine bar culture in the evenings and
are perfect for strolls to enjoy traditional
Maltese character.

3 4
ST JULIAN’S & PACEVILLE SLIEMA

If Valletta is Malta’s heart, St Julian’s is Sliema is Malta’s modern face, a bustling

its party-hard soul. Nightlife centre Paceville
bounces every night to 4am with bars for
someone of every taste, the streets rippling
with happy pretty people. Gorgeous restaurants
cover the peninsula’s coastline, which itself
offers beautiful views of quaint boathouses
and blue waters. Most important of all is the
atmosphere, a fresh, young, modern vibe which
happily compliments the gorgeous antiquity
elsewhere.
seaside town crammed with cafes, restaurants
and shops, including the just-opened hyper-
modern Tigne Point shopping complex. From its
rocky beaches and cafes you can look out to the
Mediterranean or across the bay to see Valletta
church domes in dramatic silhouette. The main
reason for visiting Sliema, though, is for that
taste of modern living and all its attendant
commercial pleasures: great food and good
clothes shopping.

5 6
MDINA & RABAT GOZO & COMINO

‘Silent City’ Mdina is an ancient town enclosed
by bastions, today protecting the historical
and architectural treasures it contains in its
narrow, winding streets. Blink and you’ll miss
the delightful restaurants tucked away in its
alleys. Rabat sits next to it, with fantastic
wine bars and cafes, both on top of a hill
near the island’s centre, offering unparalleled
views of the whole Maltese countryside in every
direction.
06
Gozo and Comino are Malta’s tranquil sister
islands. Gozo’s landscape is beautiful,
dotted with churches and villages clustered
around them. It’s capital, Victoria, has the
Cittadella, an astonishing medieval fortified
town, sitting up the hill above it and offering
views of the entire island’s expanse of rolling
hills. Comino’s deep azure lagoon is one of the
most breathtaking in the Med. Both islands are
filled with the pleasures of a Mediterranean
lifestyle seemingly lost in the distant past; a
rural, slow, passive life, soaked with sun and
stillness.
 GOZO
6

VICTORIA
MALTA
6
MGARR

COMINO
9

8 10

MELLIEHA MALTA
3
4
5 1

RABAT ValLetta

2
LUQA
MARSAXLOKK
7

OTHER NOTABLES
7
BLUE GROTTO An amazing cave to the south of the island
with dazzling deep blue waters.

8
POPEYE VILLAGE The full village set built for the 80s
Hollywood Popeye film stands here in all its
glory. Hilarious, and an amazing location for
a party.

9
PARADISE BAY The best place to see a sunset on the island,
looking out east across the Mediterranean and
with Gozo and Comino up to the north.

10
BUGGIBA The largest resort area in the island is rammed
with bars, hotels and apartment complexes.
Lively in season. Nearby St Paul’s Bay
is beautiful and has great wine bars.
TICKET TO RIDE
S
andwiched between the southern tip of Europe
and the northern tip of Africa, the three
islands that comprise the Maltese archipelago
(Malta, Gozo and Comino) are a hop, skip and a
jump away – or just a 3-hour flight if you prefer.
The compact nature of the islands combined with
efficient and reasonably-priced infrastructure means
that you won’t be trapped on airless coaches for
hours, thus maximising beach, pool and party time.

AIRWAYS TO HEAVEN I GET AROUND

Air Malta BUS TAXI
Flying the flag for the Maltese buses are Taxis are similarly
country, Air Malta bright orange, very easy; the white
operates an extensive cheap and keep things cabs pick up
schedule of up to 16 simple: all routes passengers from
weekly flights from depart from and return anywhere (except
Ryanair
Heathrow, and up to the main terminus bus-stops), and all
to 14 a week from With daily flights in Valletta. There’s services from the
Gatwick. Manchester from London Luton also an express airport are based on a
is served daily in and three a week service linking the fixed tariff
Summer and Birmingham from Dublin, Ryanair principal resorts with
international served has recently added Sliema, Marsaxlokk,
twice Weekly year direct routes from Mdina, the Three
round. Charter flights Cities and the main
Bristol and Edinburgh, ferry
are also operated and new twice- sandy beaches.
by Air Malta from weekly routes from A regular ferry
Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds Bradford and service for cars and
Norwich, Newcastle and Bournemouth started up foot passengers links
Exeter. in March 2010. Malta to Gozo, taking
about 25 minutes each
www.AIRMALTA.com www.ryanair.com
way.

EasyJet
BMI Baby
Flies directly from seaplane water taxi
Gatwick, Manchester BMI Baby has just
and Newcastle and opened a new route A sea plane service A water taxi service
Liverpool. this year departing links Grand Harbour in using traditional
Tuesdays and Saturdays Valletta, and from the Maltese ‘dghajsa’
www.easyjet.com from East Midlands. international airport boats is available in
to Mgarr Harbour in Grand Harbour.
08 www.bmibaby.com Gozo.
flights from HEATHROW, GATWICK, MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM

99
FOR RESERVATIONS MALTA’S LARGEST
CALL US WWW.GIANPULA.COM OPEN AIR
+356 99472133 VENUE
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

T
here’s no greater need to be affordable Ministry and Creamfields
moment than when and the people need to have all established
that banger drops late be great; the venues parties equal to any
into the night – in the have to be top rate and other across Europe and
open air, surrounded by the artists stellar; and everyone from Gaga to
the young, the beautiful most of all, it needs to Sanchez have proclaimed
and the up for it, the be in a place you can a bit of their heart
remains of the day’s lose your heart too. has gone over to these
heat combined with a Malta and her sister beautiful, unassuming
comforting cool, slap- islands Gozo and Comino islands. You need to find
bang in the middle have it all with some out why this summer.
of the perfect party to spare. Their renown
holiday. So much needs is growing around the
to come together to make world as the place to
this happen – prices party: Isle of MTV,
11
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

THE
MAIN EVENT

MALTA MUSIC WEEK 2010

JUNE 25—30 2010

M
alta’s back, this year looks for a party like no
spectacular set to be bigger, other. Get yourself
FEATURING: shindig returns for better and ballsier: booked up now! Keep
ISLE OF MTV MALTA its fourth annual Ministry takes over checking back to
SPECIAL WITH KELIS, outing. Already firmly open-air super-club MaltaLive.co.uk for
KID ROCK & SCISSOR
established on the Gianpula with Calvin new announcements,
SISTERS
summer party calendar Harris making his build-up and fall-out
MINISTRY OF SOUND @
after an immense third debut; Creamfields throughout the summer,
GIANPULA WITH CALVIN
HARRIS, JOHANNES time out saw Gaga, brings the mash-up with mixes, vids and
HEIL & DASH BERLIN the Black Eyed Peas, festival in a national pics making a multi-
CREAMFIELDS MALTA WITH Roger Sanchez and park and the MFCC; media bomb blowing up
ERIC PRYDZ, FERRY more blow locals and and MTV’s pop-dance in your face.
CORSTEN, PETE TONG
travelling revellers extravaganza takes
& DUBFIRE AND LOADS
MORE into the heavens and over Il Fosos Square
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

THE
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 25TH JUNE

G7 FRIDAYS @ GIANPULA

FEATURING:
SPECIAL GUEST INNA AND TOP MALTESE DJS TONY TONY, PIERRE CORDINA AND J JOY

Glam up and get down to Malta’s biggest and most famous al fresco party
destination – celebrating its 30th anniversary and having been voted
the best spot in Malta by the MOS this year, Gianpula is in the mood for
a big one and is the obvious choice to kick MMW into action. The well-
heeled locals always keep their Fridays free for G7’s weekly outpouring
of smash after smash, keeping the dancefloors filled.

www.gianpula.com

Doors: 11pm—4am
Money Matters: €6
Grin/Gurn: Big cheesy grin
Sweat Factor: Hot but not bothered

SATURDAY 26th JUNE

MINISTRY OF SOUND FESTIVAL 2010 @ GIANPULA

MAIN AREA: CALVIN HARRIS AND MARK NIGHT

TECH/PROG AREA: JOHANNES HEIL AND GUY J
DEEP & TECH HOUSE AREA: MIGZ & GLANVILLE AND CLAYTON SANE
VELOCITY TRANCE AREA: DASH BERLIN AND KATE LOUISE SMITH

The Maltese’s favourite event of 2009 returns in 2010: a full-on mash-up

of genres from tech house to trance will ensure that everyone’s taste
is met and expectations exceeded. Upcoming prog monster Guy J goes with
Johannes Heil in the tech and prog area, while Migz & Glanville are sure
to make it capital D-Deep in the Deep & Tech House area; most requested
Trance artist ever Dash Berlin is sure to set the locals on fire,
especially partnered with See the Sun vocalist Kate Louise Smith; but
the sure-to-be-spectacular talking point is genuine genius Calvin Harris
making his super-hyped debut on the island in the main area. Guaranteed
raver’s delight.

www.clubbersevent.com

Doors: 8pm—4am
Money Matters: €25
Grin/Gurn: BOTH IN EQUAL MEASURES
Sweat Factor: Supernova
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

SATURDAY 26th JUNE

LA GROTTA, GOZO

FEATURING:
FEATURING: SOON TO BE ANNOUNCED TOP INTERNATIONAL ACT AND TOP LOCALS PIERRE
CORDINA, TONY TONY & J JOY

The mouth-dropping beauty of Gozitan club La Grotta makes it rightly

regarded as one of the most astonishing in the Mediterranean. Loads of
dance areas are scattered around a cliff side, with the main spot pushed
back into a cave; lights make the opposing cliffside come to dramatic
life, offering a vision unparalleled at any venue we’ve ever been to.
Any opportunity to sample the awesome atmosphere at an event here is not
to be missed; the turbo-charged Malta Music Week event is going to make
it a night to talk about for a long time yet.

Doors: 10pm—4am
Money Matters: €10
Grin/Gurn: Slack-jawed delight at the view and the vibes
Sweat Factor: Al fresco chills

SUNDAY 27TH JUNE

MALTA MUSIC WEEK LIVE CONCERT @ BUGIBBA

FEATURING:
TOP LOCAL BANDS & DJS

A chance to sample the thriving local music scene, whether your taste
goes for deep house or dirty blues, in a carnival-esque atmosphere at
the Bugibba Square. The lush seafront will be transformed into a live
music arena, while the good times will be heightened by street artists
like fire jugglers delighting and amazing. Definitely a good cool-down
after what was sure to be a big night before.

www.g7events.com

Doors: 9pm—12am
Money Matters: Free
Grin/Gurn: Delighted grin
Sweat Factor: Cool down
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

MONDAY 28TH JUNE

CREAMFIELDS MALTA 2010 – MFCC, TA’ QALI

FEATURING:
FEATURING: ERIC PRYDZ, FERRY CORSTEN, PETE TONG, DUBFIRE, DAVE CLARKE, NIC FANCIULLI,
DAVIDE SQUILLACE & LOCAL DJS TBC

Creamfields is back in Malta with a BANG – a recession-busting, big-

name blasting bang at that. The world’s greatest dance festival is
plotting an explosive party this year, with no expense spared to bring
the biggest and best names to the island. The names alone are enough to
set you off on dreams of dancing: Dutch Trance titan Corsten is back
by popular demand, so you know that the locals will go off as only they
can; dancefloor dominating superstar Prydz is not to be missed while
Dubfire brings the know how that saw him win a Grammy as half of Deep
Dish. With the full genre spectrum from Trance, House, Prog, Tech-House
and Techno all filled, there’s something for everyone and everyone’s
going home sweaty and happy.

www.creammalta.com

Doors: 6pm—4am
Money Matters: €35-45
Grin/Gurn: Supermassive Grin
Sweat Factor: You’ll need hosing down after this one

TUESDAY 29TH JUNE

LIVE MUSIC @ PACEVILLE

FEATURING:
TOP LOCAL BANDS & DJS

MMW just wouldn’t be complete without taking in the islands’ nightlife

hotspot Paceville in St Julians. The esoteric streets of the peninsula,
usually paved with party kids on the wild weekends, will take on a
different flavour as live music from Malta’s top artists and upcoming
talent bring you back from the post-Creamfields blues. The huge array
of bars of every kind will doubtless ensure fun will be had—and it’s a
chilled way to build up to the big one tomorrow…

www.g7events.com

Doors: 9pm—12am
Money Matters: Free
Grin/Gurn: Eager grins waiting for tomorrow
Sweat Factor: Nada
 ISLE OF MTV MALTA SPECIAL
30th JUNE 2010
EVERYTHING ABOUT ISLE OF MTV: MALTA SPECIAL IS IMMENSE. THE BIGGEST OPEN
AIR FREE CONCERT IN EUROPE, SUPERSTAR ARTISTS, AN INCREDIBLE LOCATION AND A
EUPHORIC, UP-FOR-IT AUDIENCE COMBINE TO REDEFINE YOUR IDEA OF SPECTACULAR. IT
IS THE UNMISSABLE EVENT OF THE SUMMER.

Taking place for the blackening sky. All is something else. Not Sisters will go head
fourth consecutive year anticipation. And then: only did it see a huge to head with fearsome
in Il Fosos Square, some of the world’s set from the Black Eyed innovatrix Kelis, with
known locally as the biggest artists will Peas, but the undisputed two more massive artists
Granaries, ISLE OF MTV take to the stage to an queen of pop, la Gaga, also due to be announced
could make a pretty explosion of ecstasy, returned for the second in short order. It’s
could case for itself euphoria—and the rest year running to mark her a preposterously
being the greatest is music. Now picture ascension to the throne. exciting line-up, and
show on earth. Picture yourself there. Is It was beautiful, when combined with the
the scene: a lavish there anywhere else ballsy, bombastic—it electric atmosphere and
custom built stage you’d rather be? was brilliant. a production that will
will stand at one make Avatar seem budget,
end; opposite, one of In years past, everyone Faced with the epic this year’s Isle of MTV
Malta’s many churches from N*E*R*D and Snoop task of topping that, promise to go off. Get
is covered in lights; Dogg to Gorillaz and MTV have produced a there and lick it up,
both beat out above the Chemical Brothers have diverse, stellar line- baby, lick it up!
crowd, illuminating blown audiences away. up – dancefloor exploding
them against the Last year, though, was disco divas the Scissor
ISLE OF MTV MALTA SPECIAL 30th June 2010 IL FOSOS SQUARE MalTA www.isleofmtv.com
 MALTA
MUSIC WEEK JUNE 25—30

Gianpula
Last night we jetted into Malta to catch the
massive Ministry of Sound event at Gianpula,
and to kick off our Malta Music Week. Hopping
onto an Air Malta plane, we got the party
started early with a nice chilled glass
(or 2) of Maltese Pinot Grigio, which was a
rather civilised way of starting the evening.
Sailed through customs and then we hit
Gianpula straight away, getting papped at the Once we got past the paps, we started our
entrance... night in style with a few bottles of Malta’s
very own Cisk lager. We had a quick wander and
were just in time to catch Dash Berlin’s set
in the Trance arena. Playing his favoured mix
of trance classics with some housier tunes
and a spot of vocal breakdowns, Dash played a
blinder! We kept exploring the hidden recesses
of Gianpula and got chatting to these lovely
local kids. They told us they’d been queuing
outside since 7pm (Gianpula opened at 8) and
they were planning on being the last ones to
leave - talk about party animals!

It was the main arena of Gianpula that was

really kicking off though - Calvin Harris
and Mark Knight were keeping the dancefloor
packed with tight sets of classic house and
remixed party anthems. Our highlight was the
dropping of the original version of You Got
The Love, which got the entire arena singing
out into the night sky, hands aloft. It was a
spine-tingler! As we meandered around, we were
bombarded by grinning faces and good vibes,
which combined with the entirely open-air
atmosphere made for a blissful evening, even
though we’d literally just stepped off the jet!
The sound and lighting was pretty awesome too
- focused and clear and despite the lack of a
roof, there was virtually no bleeding of sound
between arenas, or loss of bass to the heavens.
Fearsome strobes took us to the next level, as
we partied under the inky-black sky, discoballs
and stars twinkled alike and we left Gianpula
feeling like we’d certainly kicked off our
Malta Music Week in the best possible way.
Paceville
Our evening in Paceville started off on a
musical note, we saw some brilliant live
music in the centre of the district and had an
explore around the bars. We wandered around,
taking in the sights and even popping into
Portomaso marina where Becks has an apartment
and we swung by a rather exclusive cigar and
champagne bar. Alas we weren’t allowed to take
any photos, but it was definitely a hotspot.
The we ambled over to Spinola bay, had a look
at the boats and then paused for an icecream
and a drink. The live music was fantastic, and
the crowd was buzzing; Paceville’s bustling,
eclectic atmosphere is always busy but never
feels crowded or dodgy. As we relaxed back,
bottle of Cisk in hand, the world went by and
we had a fantastic evening of barhopping.

Creamfields
After a delicious meal at the Xara Palace,
overlooking the whole of Malta’s Northern
coastline, we made our way to Creamfields
Malta. The music was pumping from a distance,
and as we neared, the party atmosphere became
overwhelming. Despite a late start (arriving
at 12.30am), we got stuck straight into Nic
Fanciulli’s set in the Trance/Electro arena,
and it was so good that we stayed there all
evening! Unfortunately that meant we missed
headliners Ferry Corsten and Eric Prydz, but
the atmosphere and pumping basslines kept us
dancing until the small hours. Even after we
venture out to see what else was on offer,
we were waylaid by the scratchy minimal of
the Cream Garden that filled the main walkway,
keeping us dancing amid crowds of Maltese
partygoers. Without a doubt, it was an evening
to remember, with pumping open-air bass and
party vibes - Creamfields completely outdid
itself and our Malta Music Week continued
apace.
Press
Conference
Last year, the diva that is Gaga kept the
assembled press waiting for an hour and a half
in the sweltering Maltese sun. This year,
there was none of that shenanigans, and all the
stars seemed terribly personable and civilised
and very excited about the evening’s set! Kid
Rock was very charismatic, Kelis’ dress was a
Matthew Williamson maxi, the Scissor Sisters
made us laugh and David Guetta was awesomely
humble. It was a great introduction to meet the
stars before the Main Event.
Isle of MTV
Once we got started with the concert, there
was no stopping us. Opening with Kelis megamix
medley got us straight away into the holiday
mood. She even did a special mashup of the
classic tune Milkshake with Madonna’s Holiday,
which sent the crowd into a frenzy. Her set
was hard on the beats, like new album Flesh
Tone, and whipped the crowd up, before the
Scissor Sisters took the the giant, fluoro-
illuminated stage with their unique brand of
falsetto new-disco. They played a blinder of a
set, with all the big tunes from Take Your Mama
Out up to the latest tracks from thir newest
album. Next up was Kid Rock, whose brand of
catchy Americana-rock went down fantastically
well to an audience mostly made up of non-
English speakers. Rounding the night off was
French electro master, David Guetta, who took
some time out of his hectic tour schedule (a
different city every day until September –
except Thursdays when he’s in Ibiza) to rock
Malta. And rock it he did, the response from
the crowd was immense; seriously, we’ve rarely
seen audience participation like it before, and
the night ended in a crescendo of fireworks and
banging tunes.

FOR MORE PHOTOS & COVERAGE OF MALTA MUSIC WEEK, SEE
www.maltalive.tumblr.com
Afterparty
We were lucky enough to be staying in the
same hotel as the acts, and managed to get
into the afterparty at the pool. Imagine that
glamorous party with gorgeous models lolling
by a clear blue swimming pool, while a DJ spins
some tunes, the booze flows and the smallish
crowd dances on the beach under the stars.
That was the party. Most of the stars held
their own parties, but Kid Rock came down and
chatted with us. I wish I could remember in
more detail what we talked about, but alas I,
like most of the assembled partygoers, was too
drunk to keep precise notes on what was going
on. Suffice it to say that we had a fantastic
evening, which finished our Malta Music Week
off in appropriately, fabulously glamorous
style. Malta, we will be back – you rocked our
world and we reckon we’ve got a new summer
party destination going on; somewhere that’s
more than just clubs and bars, somewhere with
culture and architecture as well as world-class
party venues. It’s time for the undiscovered
party island of Malta to be discovered...
FREE
EXCLUSIVE MIX
BY JODIE HARSH

DOWNLOAD STREAM
HERE HERE
 GET IN THE MOOD FOR A MALTESE
SUMMER PARTY
Has our coverage of the Malta Music Week got your hankering for some
tunes? We’ve got a summer tune mix from DJ extraordinaire Jodie Harsh,
which is sure to get you in the mood for a party, Malta-style.
Heads Will Roll
Yeah Yeah Yeah’s (A-Trak remix)
The distinctive bassline of NY-artrock
outfit the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is given a new
spin by house producer A-Trak. Karen O’s
vocals ring out over a dark beat; it’s
club o’clock people!
Moar Ghosts N’ Stuff
Deadmau5
Incomparable dance music? Look no further
than revered Canadian proghouse maestros
deadmau5. His trademark brand of rip-
ping electro and an addictive bassline
gets crowds out of their seats across the
globe.
Ray Of Light
Madonna (Jodie Harsh remix)
Jodie shows us what she’s made of with
this mega-remix of Madonna’s seminal good-
vibes track, Ray of Light. Tune of the
mix, by far!
Turn That Shit Up
Tom Stephan
Crescendoing up like a wide eyed
pterodactyl, Tom Stephan’s hard crunchy
bass turns it up to 11.
I’m in the House
Steve Aoki
Miami house producer Steve Aoki’s electro-
booty-bass track makes for a perfect
skulking to the bar soundtrack.
Who Wants to Be Alone
Tiesto feat Nelly Furtado (Robbie
Rivera Juicy remix)
Nelly Furtado’s career has been in the
ascendant recently and her collaboration
with Mediterranean house superstar Tiesto
pushes her skywards, with a rocket-powered
catchy tune that’s been skilfully remixed
here by Robbie Rivera.
Step By Step
Laidback Luke (Big Room Mix)
Laidback Luke blends some urban vibes and
clickhouse atmosphere into a vocal house
club classic that’s guaranteed to make any
party go with a bang.
Jodie Harsh is DJing across the world
this summer; be sure check out thE
tour dates at:
www.jodieharsh.com
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

NIGHTLIFE

From ravers’ delights to chilled

nights over wine, the Maltese love a good time

Y ou can’t wish a great

nightlife scene out of

The place to start with

understanding the Maltese

sparklers, sending all around

into naughty birthday-like

on Gozo – built into a cliff

face, offering an experience

the darkness—it has to grow nightlife is not with any of paroxysms. like no other.

on its own, out of necessity. the amazing clubs, nor the

Malta’s amazing nightlife wine scene, nor nightlife If further proof were needed Talk to anyone in Malta

scene exists for one reason: mecca Paceville, however—you of the locals’ intent, or – literally anyone, from

the people of Malta love a have to start with a drink. of the quality of the scene students to government

good time. They’re up for The Maltese drink du choix here, the Maltese superclubs ministers – and they’ll tell

it. This is theirs, for is the Vodka Red Bull, which should provide. Gianpula is you that the nightlife hub

them—and luckily for us they keeps spirits high. With equal to any outdoor club in is Paceville. Crowded into

want to share it. Whether this as their standard, who Europe – 4,000 can party al a few narrow streets in St

you’re rinsing it on a Friday could doubt these beautiful fresco across five areas and Julian’s, all human life

at superclub Gianpula or islanders’ intent? It is take a dip in the venue’s really is here – from gay

lounging louche in a Valletta best enjoyed with another pool while they’re at it. The club Kloset sitting next to

winebar, or anything in celebrated local quality in recently refurb’d Numero Uno live music bar BJ’s, along

between, the key to enjoying the firework – most of the is promising a more Miami- to the three different

yourself is remembering that better bars will provide like experience, which can tiers of the slick Shadow

the locals own the scene—if on request a bottle of only be good for the 4,000 Lounge and more besides, the

you can learn to love it as vodka submerged in ice in a who’ll attend their regular spread of revelry is quite

they do, you’re in for a container hosting several populist Saturdays and rave- overwhelming. Should you find

treat. cans of Red Bull, topped up Sundays. And then there’s it so, retreat up to nearby

off with a host of dazzling the simply magical La Grotta 22, on level 22 of the Hilton
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

Tower, where you can take in you can look across the basement on St Lucy Street, a

an astonishing panorama of St island’s rolling hillscape, romantic, bare stone place,

Julian’s and indeed most of the green dotted with church intimate, naïve and humble,

the island. If you’re still domes, each denoting a that brings to mind what it

craving a beaachy vibe, head village. The Maltese platters should be to eat, drink and

to the Westin Dragonara’s are the typical dish offered talk, with no pretence.

Bedouin Bar. It’s strewn in these places, and there’s

with Moroccan furnishings, nothing better than devouring And of course there’s

making it the perfect great cheese, meats and bread plenty more besides these

lounging spot both day and with the wine as talk goes on highlights: the regenerated

night. and the night recedes. Valletta Waterfront is as

beautiful as it is buzzy,

All this accounted for, the Cosmo capital Valletta has with the lush Q Bar a must

nightlife scene wouldn’t the pick of the wine bars, visit; and the Three Cities

quite be so rousing nor though. Typically located on offer equal bar-based

appealing if there weren’t those wonderful side streets delights. It wouldn’t be a

an alternative on offer. The off the main drag, it pays Med party trip without a

wine bar scene is amazing to explore and fall into beach party, and Paradise Bay

from one tip of the island to one – which one could do offers all you could ask for.

the other. You might start literally, as they tend to Whatever you’re after, Malta

at The Fortress in Xemxija be secreted in the basements provides. The atmosphere –

which offers beautiful views of the gorgeous renaissance ecstatic, carefree, blissful

of St Pauls Bay from its houses. One such is Trabuxu, and fun – is what makes

terrace. Move down the island an elegant affair located it special. And just like

to Rabat, to find Tat-Tarag. at the very top of formerly everything else, that’s the

Located on the city’s public notorious Strait Street. locals’ doing.

steps, the view offered here Our favourite, however, is

is possibly even better: the unbelievably charming

here, from Malta’s centre, Legligin: a tiny renovated

 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

NIGHTLIFE/
HIGHLIGHTS : BARS
LEGLIGIN TWOTWENTYTWO Q BAR

Intimate, romantic Most likely the The Waterfront

and perfect—and the coolest place in renovation is
selection of wines is Malta—located in magnificent, and Q
second to none, thanks Valletta’s bastions, Bar’s interior does
to it’s magnificent exposed brickwork, a it justice. The 18th
owner, Chris, who sepia-tinged palette, century vault is
embodies hospitality electronica and an done out minimally,
perfection. Call amazing stepped water but comfortably;
ahead to book a table, cascade combine to weekends see it turn
though, or you’ll be make this the natural clubtastic. You might
guaranteed to miss creative industries MINK BAR & CLUB dream of finding this
out. hangout. place in Shoreditch or
One for the young: Berlin.
excited, rowdy,
+356.21.221.699 www.two-twentytwo.com
St Lucy St, Valletta Great Siege Road, Valletta frivolous and frantic.
www.qbar.com.mt
Mink is located at the Valletta Waterfront,
top of St Julians’ Valletta
shopping arcade, but
inside you’re likely
to find more than a
bargain.

www.minkmalta.com
Level 2, Bay St, St Julians

LUNA LOUNGE DEL BORGO 22

If you’ve read our Del Borgo is simply Definitely a glam-up

enthusings on the about fine wines gladrags joint – the
sublime Palazzo and great food. slick 22 is likely
Parisio and you’re Unsurprisingly, it’s to be rammed until
smitten, then Luna massively popular. the early hours by a
Lounge is a must—a Their platters are dancing, champagne
fantastic cocktail amazing, as are the drenched crowd. The
bar on the ground ravjul (ravioli); but views, as we said, are
floor. Practically the the wine… oh the wine! second to none.
definition of chic. Book before you come,
but definitely come. www.22.com.mt
www.palazzoparisio.com Level 22, Portomaso
Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar Business Tower, St
www.delborgomalta.com Julians
St Dominic St,
Birgu-Vittoriosa
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

17
 THE
UNDISCOVERED
PARTY ISLANDS

NIGHTLIFE/
HIGHLIGHTS : CLUBS
GIANPULA LA GROTTA

One of the biggest Big regular weekend

and best clubs on the nights and occasional
island has even more international star
cause for celebration appearances are all
than usual in 2010 well-and-good, but the
– it’s their 30th La Grotta experience
birthday and with is so much more than
truly epic style, that—as we’ve said
they’ll be hosting elsewhere, this club-
Faithless on August in-a-cliff-face is as
7th, and they’re also unique and beautiful
hosting Ministry for as anywhere we’ve lost
Malta Music Week. it in the world. The
That should prove rambling secret areas
their quality to you. make it all the more
This gorgeous open- amayjing.
air club is spread
over five areas – www.lagrottaleisure.com
Main Room, Molecule, Xlendi, Gozo
Marrakech, the Grove
Gardens and Gianpula NUMERO UNO HUGO’S PASSION /
Fields. Throughout SHADOW LOUNGE
the summer, Fridays Having just undergone
see Gianpula host a big renovation By far the busiest
G7 Fridays, massive inspired by the club on the island
nights with the pick Miami scene, Malta’s – or rather, clubs.
of the local scene other massive club Right in the heart
playing; through the is getting ready for of Paceville, Hugo’s
summer they’ll also an explosive summer Passion is guaranteed
have visitors like the season. Saturdays to be rammed whenever
Minus crowd, bringing and Sundays are where you head down there.
MAGDA on 6th June, and it’s at here – their Sitting on top of
an end-of-season bash Summer Saturday it is Shadow Lounge,
with those Ministry Nights are promising self-styled ‘Most
guys again. Any party a newly sophisticated Exclusive Club in
trip to Malta can’t experience befitting Malta’—if you get in,
be complete without a the next decade of you’ll be treated to
night here, trust us. clubbing. DJ Ruby’s one of the slickest
Sunset Sundays are for bar experiences of
the hardcore ravers your life. It’s worth
www.gianpula.com
Gianpula Road, Rabat among you – guaranteed the hassle.
to be huge.
www.shadowloungemalta.com
www.clubnumerouno.com.mt St George’s Road,
Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, Paceville
Rabat
 CULTURE
CLUBBING
It’s the morning after the night before: are you going to lie in a room, sweltering
in midday heat with the curtains closed? Holidays wasted alternately lying prone
and being pranged are so démodé, darlings. To hell with it—be out and doing!
There’s no better cure for what ails you. For anyone who’s ever rued the daytime
tedium of Mediterranean party holidays, Malta provides.

7
000 years of means that a deliciously Mediterranean across when you wake, rise
cosmopolitan, serene walk through the two continents meets and step out, you’ll
multicultural walled medieval city and enjoys, with a get the itch to be out
Mediterranean history of Mdina is less than hybrid culture enjoying and doing, just like
come to bear on this 20 minutes’ drive from elements from Arabic to you always do—but at a
tiny island and its bustling, beautiful English and millennia slower pace, sun beating
fellows, a mixture Valletta, brimful of history compressed down, sunnies on, happy
at once racy and of splendour, where into an island you to stop and stare over a
intoxicating, yet politicians and judges can drive across in 30 coffee, maybe have that
relaxed and louche. happily chatter on the minutes. Encompassed first drink early. But
Whilst your evenings main drag of Republic in these islands is before the late night
may have been up Street while hipsters the sophistication and starts again, and that
for it, the days are and the art kids lurk in excitement of a city urgency rises, you’ll
languid, yet still dilapidated-chic back break with the slow life take in an exhibition,
packed: your itinerary streets, starting up of a resort. It’s kind see something old,
might stretch back 7000 drive-in cinema clubs of like paradise. something new, or
years, with the oldest and art institutions to We party every weekend something unbelievable.
standing buildings in pass the time. at home – and plenty of Here’s our guide to a
the world, but then Malta is for everyone week nights, too; yet few of the things on
race forward into who wants culture we have jobs, we make offer and a few of the
tomorrow with cutting with their clubbing; things, blog, DJ, read, people making it happen.
edge art. to take a flavour of a go places. The morning
The island’s tiny size place where the whole after the night before,
 CULTURE
CLUBBING
NINE UNUSUAL HANGOVER CURES

ST JOHN’S THE BEHEADING OF ST

CO CATHEDRAL JOHN THE BAPTIST
St John Street, Valletta St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is a stone- Contained off a chapel in St John’s is a bon-

cold stunner, capable of inspiring the reverie
and awe religious buildings are supposed to,
though rarely manage. One of the first gifts
of the Knights of the Order of St John to the
island in the 1570s, its military-austere front
belies a manic interior, an overwhelming mé-
lange of gilt décor and an astonishing ceiling
painted over five years by Mattia Preti as part
of his redecorative works carried out in the
1660s. As your breath is taken away by what’s
above, you hardly notice you’re standing on a
floor patchworked with marble-inlay tombstones.
It’s a match for any other cathedral in Europe.
afide masterpiece: Caravaggio’s only signed
painting, the huge, breathtaking Beheading of
St John. The chiaroscuro technique brings the
painting’s ongoing theatre vividly to life, as
the executioner reaches for his knife to finish
the job, holding John-Baptiste’s head, still
attached to his body, blood draining away. As
the Maltese remark: this is drama, theatre
still occurring 400 years later.

Money Matters: €5.80 full entry Money Matters: €5.80 entry to St Johns Co-Cathedral

Do it for: the Catholic wow factor Do it for: the cred – Caravaggio is the renaissance
hipster poster boy

22
 CULTURE
CLUBBING
NINE UNUSUAL HANGOVER CURES
UPPER BARRAKKA
GARDENS
Valletta, near Castille Place
Simply a must visit for stunning views. The
Upper Barrakka Gardens offer a quiet relief
from the city’s bustle of meet and greet,
showcasing the majesty of the Grand Harbour,
its deep blue waters, stunning scenes, and the
envy-inspiring super-yachts of the super rich,
all backed by the majestic Three Cities. One
level below the gardens is the Gun Saluting
battery of cannons; the central cannon is fired
at noon every day to mark the time (and also
scare the life out of you if you’re unexpect-
ing).
Money Matters: Free
Do it for: the views if you’re romantic; the cannons if Do it for: a reminder of how the other half live.
you’re angsty.
THE GRAND MASTER’S
PALACE & ARMOURY
Republic St, Valletta
The home of government in Malta since the time
of the Knights is as fittingly opulent as you’d
expect from a city as rich in visual drama as
Valletta, and still today hosts the Office of
the President and the House of Representa-
tives. The palace is also stuffed to bursting
with historical artefacts, gorgeous frescoes,
artisan-crafted furniture and fine art ahnd an
armoury with over 5000 pieces of military hard-
ware. Power knows how to do right by itself.
Money Matters: €10 full entry to State Rooms & Armoury
MDINA
The tiny, ancient walled city is aptly nick-
named the Silent City: serene calm is settled
over the entire city, a heavy yet pleasant
sensation which you succumb to on entering
through its gate. Narrow medieval streets oc-
casionally open out onto beautiful squares
dominated by noble palaces. We suggest roman-
tic evening strolls, feeling like the only
people alive, before enjoying nearby Rabat’s
wonderful winebars.
Money Matters: free to enter the city; museums and
churches may charge.
Do it for: the atmosphere.
23
 CULTURE
CLUBBING
NINE UNUSUAL HANGOVER CURES
PALAZZO
PARISIO
Victory Square, Naxxar
Another perfect romantic destination is
found in the northern village of Naxxar: the
demurely-fronted Palazzo Parisio contains such
an opulent interior that it has come to be
known as the mini-Versailles: mirrored walls,
trompes-l’oeil, fine frescos and magnificent
marble combine to delightfully overwhelm – and
all of this is only inside. Out back are quite
majestic gardens, stretching off and entic-
ingly arrayed for a slow sauntering that could
last forever.
Money Matters:€9
Do it for: indulging Marie-Antoinette-based fantasies;
and the gardens for a sun-drenched alternative to the
beach
24
HAL-SAFLIENI
HYPOGEUM
Commune of Paola
Like the Neolithic temples, you must really
visit the Hypogeum before you can appreci-
ate its effect. Phrases like “only underground
prehistoric temple in the world” (which it is,
btw) don’t really connect until you actually
visit. A nice anecdote to warm you up is how
this UNESCO World Heritage Site was discovered
a hundred years ago by accident; imagine! If
you do intend to visit, which you should, book
in advance: only 80 people can visit per day
in order to preserve it.
Money Matters: €5.80 full entry
Do it for: THE NEOLITHIC wow factor
 CULTURE
CLUBBING
NINE UNUSUAL HANGOVER CURES

CITTADELLA NEOLITHIC
TEMPLES
Victoria, Gozo Hagar Qim, Mnajdra & Tarxien

The Cittadella is a quite unbelievable place:
atop a hill (which requires no little breath-
sapping climbing to reach) above Gozo’s capi-
tal, Victoria; walled-in and tiny; and above
all, ancient. Its history stretches back to
the Bronze Age, around 1500BC, and Roman carv-
ings can still be seen on its walls, along
with their ancient equipment for grinding out
olive oil. At the Cittadella’s centre is a
beautiful baroque cathedral, famous for its
tromp-l’oeil ceiling painting of a dome that
was never built. From the Cittadella’s ram-
parts are stunning views of all Gozo, a glori-
ous rolling green landscape punctuated by the
red and silver domes of local churches. It’ll
take your breath away, presuming you have any
left after that climb.
One of Malta’s great stop-you-dead qualities
is the reach of its history. It’s all well and
good to say it has temples that are 7000 years
old, but such statements tend to brush off you
like so many tedious history lessons. However,
to walk through the perfectly formed archway
into one of these free standing structures,
with their complete walls of enormous stone
and realise that they are 1000 years older
than the mediocre rocks of Stonehenge which we
so venerate is a moment of astonishment. 1000
years older! 1000 years back from today there
were Vikings here.

Money Matters: free to enter the Cittadella Money Matters: €9, €9 and €6 respectively.

Do it for: the exercise, if nothing else. Do it for: the moment of revelation – it really will stop
you dead.

27
 CULTURE
CLUBBING
ten minute history lesson

Tour guide extraordinaire Clive Cortis gives us

a ten minute lesson on the entire history of Malta.

“Ok, now focus! So, from Southern Italy. west, to avoid all the world, the locals were
in 5000BC we have During excavations we trouble that was going still communicating
the first inhabitants found metal tools; we on in the Middle East. in this Arabic–Maltese
of Malta, who came know that they are language, Siculo-Ar-
from Sicily. We know different because the “Now, in the year abic, whatever you’ll
this because of pot- Neolithic and Temple 218BC until 6th call it.
tery that was found tools were stone and century AD we were
in a cave here which flint, imported, and ruled by the Ro- “From 1127—1530, we
matches perfectly with hard local stone. They mans; and until were a feudal state
pottery of Ragusa, built their settle- 871AD is Byzantine. under various rulers,
south-east Sicily. ments on the top of 871—1090AD we have Aragonese, Castil-
They cross the channel the hill; their dead the Arabs; what we lian and so on. Now
90 km, they came here. were not buried but still have from there 1530–1798 was the
They lasted until cremated; it shows are few remains, but Knights of St John,
4100 BC; they lived a totally different this is where we have the Christian order of
in caves; they were culture. our language from. knights who were given
the Neolithic. From Then, in 1090AD we Malta by Spanish king
4100—2500BC we have “Then from 800—500BC have Count Roger Charles V to defend
the Temple Period. it was the Phoenicians the Norman; we were Rome against the Otto-
In these 1500 years, – where Lebanon is to- re-Christianised here. man Empire; then Na-
more than 20 megalith- day, there used to be But Count Roger let poleon for 2 years
ic sites were built, Phoenicia. That’s when the Arabs keep ruling (1798—1800) before
spread around Malta written history in the whole archipelago he was expelled by
– 5 in Gozo, along Malta starts, because until 1127AD, when the Maltese, and then
with underground sites in Rabat we found on a King Roger, the son 1800—1964 Malta is a
which were dug. tomb the first written of Count Roger, ex- British colony and
evidence, dedications pelled all the Arabs. until 1979 was the
“From 2500—800 BC, to the goddess Osi- In fact we have marble Mediterranean Naval
this is the Bronze ris, a goddess of the and stone tombstones Base. Officially Malta
Age, still just pre- Phoenicians. Then of Maimuna: she was a became a colony in
history. A new culture 500—218BC we were 21 year old who died 1814 and became a Re-
reached our island, ruled by the Carthag- in Gozo in 1174; there public 13th Decem-
totally different inians from Carthage is an Arabic poem ber, 1974. We joined
from the Temple one; north Africa; they inscribed on this, so the EU in 2004.”
in fact, there was were like the Phoe- we still were speaking
an abrupt end to the nicians in that the Arabic even here. What
Temple culture in the Phoenicians left the happened most probably
year 2600 and this new east Mediterranean, was that when Malta
culture came later they moved further up was ruled by the Latin

5000BC 2500BC 800BC 500BC

 CULTURE
CLUBBING
ten minute history lesson

218BC 871BC 1090AD 1127 1530 1798 1800 1974 2004

ISLAND Delve deeper into the Maltese way of life with these stunning little

RECORDS
podcast gems; the perfect listening material while you’re lazing at
the beach, they will definitely inspire you to explore further into
the island’s hidden corners.

A walk in Valletta

Brief introduction to the UNESCO Heritage Trail podcasts. Here we also

suggest a one day visit to Valletta with 12 highlights and interesting
features not to be missed while walking around.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

The Megalithic Temples: traces of a lost civilisation

Maltese archaeologist Reuben Grima explains why Malta’s megalithic

temples of Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, and the complexes of Ta’
Ħaġrat and Skorba can be considered unique architectural master pieces,
evidence of an advanced prehistoric civilisation flourishing on the
islands 5,000 years ago.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Lost and recovered:

the drama of Caravaggio’s stolen masterpiece

Former Museums Director Fr Marius Zerafa relates the gripping episode

of how he managed to recover the Caravaggio masterpiece of St Jerome,
after it had been stolen from St John’s Co-Cathedral in 1984. He also
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD describes the tecnique used by Caravaggio in his paintings.

Malta:
a sentimental journey

Final episode of the series in which three visual artists - James

Vella Clark, Kenneth Zammit Tabona and Laurent Muller - explain how
they relate to Valletta and what it means to live in Malta today. An
emotional journey where the islands’ characteristic elements of light,
shadow, stone and sea become a vital source of inspiration. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Back to the future:

Renzo Piano’s Project for Valletta

Maltese architect Konrad Buhagiar talks about Renzo Piano’s new and
exciting architectural plans and designs for the building of a new
City Gate, Parliament and Opera House at the entrance of Valletta, and
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD how the city will be transformed as a result of Piano’s architectural
designs.

Special for kids: Popeye’s village

How the set of the movie Popeye became a wonderful theme park for
children and their parents. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
 Mediterranean Film Studios: the special effects shop

Maltese artist and music critic Kenneth Zammit Tabona recalls

his first visit to the Manoel Theatre and his involvement ever since,
while actor and theatre critic Paul Xuereb shares his experience at
the Manoel as an actor on the stage of this intimate baroque theatre
commissioned by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. In the second part
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
of the podcast Chris Gatt, director of St James Cavalier Centre for
Creativity, presents the Centre and its varied cultural activities.

the mini-Hollywood of the Mediterranean

Brief introduction to the second series of the VisitMalta podcasts. Why

Malta is great for filming - and for holiday too! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Fort Ricasoli: the secret set

Interview with Marquis Nicholas de Piro, owner of Casa Rocca Piccola, a

lived-in noble house museum. He recounts his family and house history
from the time of the Knights of Malta until the present day.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

St John’s Co-Cathedral, sanctuary of the Knights of Malta

Giorgio who highlights the details of St John’s Co-Cathedral and its

baroque interior, the impressive marble floor and the famous Caravaggio
paintings: the Beheading of St John and St Jerome. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Music in Malta

Interview with the philosopher and poet Joe Friggieri about Maltese
folk and classical music and the much loved Maltese composer Charles
Camilleri, who will be remembered as a major exponent of Maltese musical
productions of the last century. The second part presents Ruben Zahra,
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD a young and talented composer who derives inspiration from traditional
music to create a more classical contemporary style. Finally an
introduction to the general music scene in Malta today.

Theatres in Valletta

Maltese artist and music critic Kenneth Zammit Tabona recalls

his first visit to the Manoel Theatre and his involvement ever since,
while actor and theatre critic Paul Xuereb shares his experience at
the Manoel as an actor on the stage of this intimate baroque theatre
commissioned by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. In the second part
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
of the podcast Chris Gatt, director of St James Cavalier Centre for
Creativity, presents the Centre and its varied cultural activities.
 ALT MALTA
Off the main drag, down back streets under dilapidated red light signs; in new art
galleries and in car parks; in band clubs and on covered balconies—away from the clubs,
we assess Malta’s thrilling alternatives.

No one can live in the past. Malta’s rich heritage may lead to that temp-
tation, and the islands may have been guilty about that once – but no
more, as new generations of bright young internationalists fight the brain
drain, amplify the diaspora’s clamouring voices and inspire a bleeding-
edge, forward alternative scene...

KINEMASTIK
ing and shocking and tive scene with those
joyful; Maltese NGO dissonant pleasures of
Kinemastik, via their transgressive, furtive
own events and through communal experience.
Film shouldn’t be the solitary endeavour en- collaborations with
forced by the multiplex, and the cinematic international groups By bringing the inter-
event should not occur in the media. Film can around the world, like national underground,
create an international atmosphere in a lo- straight8 and Le Gun both of today and the
cal space, bring a babble of voices to a room from the UK and the recent past, into the
where there was silence and a thousand ideas Milano Film Festival gorgeous disused back-
to challenge the majority. Film can and should in Italy, has since streets, Kinemastik is
be a public event, filled with talk and drink 2006 been re-energis- dedicated to creating
and excitement; its content should be challeng- ing and empowering the an atmosphere where
local film scene in art and culture can
Malta – and by exten- flourish outside the
sion, they hope, the mainstream; something
whole alternative com- their charismatic
munity. frontwoman Emma Mat-
tei thinks is vital
Their year-round to kick-starting a
programme sees them renaissance in the
showing films in art arts amongst the new
galleries and col- generation. Their 6th
laborating with local International Short
promoters on gigs Film Festival runs
and, most recently, this year from 6-8th
they’ve begun a sell- August, with events
out drive-in film club all over Malta and
in an old parking lot, Gozo and films from
drawing on that joyful all over the world;
collective memory of it’s a chance to see
perfect teenhood ex- cinema as it could be
perience while imbuing – exciting, visceral,
the Maltese alterna- communal.
MALTA CONTEMPORARY
ART
CUTTING EDGE ART BRINGING A
MUCH NEEDED DIALOGUE TO
THE MALTESE SCENE

“To grow, art in has shown globally.

Malta needs the Cyprien Galliard, the
diaspora; it also Parisien-Berliner
needs confidence. Even whose work (suitably
though it’s old, for Malta) connects
Malta as a country modernism’s ruin with
is still very young. ancient monuments, is
It needs confidence showing at the space
and examples in order in June; Galliard’s
to develop.” This is lush discord of bru-
Mark Mangion, founder tality and beauty
of the Malta Contem- in our relationship
porary Art Founda- to landscape, shown
tion, an institution through a mix of me-
devoted to contempo- dia including film,
rary art in Malta. sculpture, photogra-
It’s the first and phy and performance,
only of its kind, ul- is a perfect example
timately designed as of the intelligent
a platform for ideas art which the MCA is
of the kind there importing to Malta as
hasn’t seemed to be they try to bring the
room for in Malta, country into the in-
presenting challeng- ternational conversa-
ing international tion. Mangion under-
contemporary work stands that what is
that the islands have lacking is a diverse,
been starved of in two-way dialogue; the
order to encourage happy result of that
and ultimately offer is an exceptional
support to a local gallery showing truly
scene which Mangion exciting work.
believes is very much
absent.

The international
remit of the gal- Malta Contemporary Art
lery is testament
to Mangion’s own CV St James Cavalier,
Castille Square,
– trained in paint- Valletta VLT1060
ing in New York and
www.
sculpture at the RCA maltacontemporaryart.
in London, his work com
 ALT
MALTA

ST JAMES
CAVALIER
CENTRE FOR CREATIVITY MALTA
Ask anyone in Malta the year – including Valletta’s Centre for Creativity
where to go for a bit contemporary theatre lives up to its name, forming the
of kull-chah, and always performed in
there’s only one place English and regular
cultural hub of Malta
they’ll respond: St classics and contem-
James Cavalier. The porary films from the VISUAL ARTS CINEMA
Centre for Creativity, arthouse circuit, as Alongside the MCA up- Classics from Withnail &
the national contem- well as hosting its stairs, St James has two I to Fellini are screened
porary arts centre is own shows and provid- art spaces: the main hall most days, while new
based in an astonish- ing space to the MCA and the atrium. There are releases are shown here,
ing 16th Century de- on the top floor – St plenty of local artists the island’s only art-
fensive bastion with James really comes shown in its wonderful house cinema, throughout
all the attendant into its own as a nooks and corners too. the year.
wonderful nooks and hub for culture in
corners such build- Malta. Want to know
ings possess. Here, what exhibitions are
they are crammed with going on in Valletta,
performance spaces, or round the island?
cinemas, theatre, art What lowkey gigs are
and delightful ar- going on, or just
chitectural foibles. about anything else?
Initially, the joy is A foyer filled with
one of discovery sim- flyers and informed
THEATRE MUSIC
ply walking around. staff are there to Malta’s great thespian The New York Met Opera’s
guide you to your heritage is well catered whole season is screened
Aside from an ex- taste’s desire. for here: the programme in HD, while the centre
ceptional programme is modern and performed also nurtures young lo-
running throughout in English. NT shows are cal talent, particularly
screened in HD. chamber music.

St James Cavalier

Centre for Creativity

Pjazza Kastilja
Valletta VLT1060

32 www.sjcav.org
 ALT
MALTA

WALKING MALTA THE ONLY WAY

TO SEE THE REAL
MALTA

KAZINI
A ‘kazin’ is a local
band club (or possibly
political party club),
typically a centre of
Maltese community life.
Each band will be as-
sociated with a saint,
and it is from here and
the church that their
festa preparations are
created. They have a
rough and ready feel,
immediately comfortable;
bright religious idols
are scattered through
the room. With cheap
drinks and comfortable
old locals, they’re not
dissimilar to working
men’s clubs—except that
they’re much more wel-
coming.

It’s here most of the

arts and fringe sce-
nesters will go to
drink, rather than the
over-polished clubs.
Down Strait Street in closed balconies and
“The kind of place crea-
Valletta, the old haunt enchanted travellers.
tives go to, to create
of off-duty naval offic-
their own entertain-
ments,” as photographer ers and Malta’s former Bumble about elsewhere
Alexandra Pace puts it red light district, and you’ll see other
to us. We’d advise that there remain boarded up clues to Malta’s make-
you go to the King’s Own bars with turned-off up – doll-like Vir-
Band Club on Republic garish signs hanging gins in glass-fronted
Street in Valletta, over them. If you walk boxes outside people’s
which even has a swanky it on the right day, houses, small statues
upstairs area-come-gal- you can see a retired of saints on street cian dreams, and ride
lery space for members to a village to drink
seaman standing there, corners. Take a ride
only. Whatever you do,
remembering his youth. on those beautiful old 50 cent tea or €1.50
make sure to talk to
On Republic St there ‘bone-shaker’ buses beer with locals who’ll
someone there—the best
are ghosts of the women in discomfort, filled gladly chat the day
way to understand Mal-
tese hospitality. who preened in those with nostalgic Keroua- away.
 ALT MALTA

ARCHIGASM!
A quick guide to Valletta’s stunning architecture

It was while walking gether by the lush warm

the streets of Val- cream of the Maltese
letta that we first stone.
lost our heart to the
Maltese islands. Byron, Konrad Buhagiar tells
clubfoot that he was, us the great feature of
loathed Valletta for Valletta is the closed
“those dreaded steps”. Maltese balcony. The
Today, we defy anyone first was the astonish-
not to walk Valletta’s ing long example on the
cobbled streets, ar- Grand Master’s palace;
rayed in a perfect this was then copied
grid, and not gawp at by wealthier families,
the delights above becoming an important
them. Our guide simply element on Valletta’s
rues that the Maltese streetscape. Most ap-
“never look up at the pealing is how “the
wealth we have”. balcony became the main
protagonist in travel-
Valletta was born in ler’s journals in the
the 1566, to celebrate 19th century—together
the Order of St John’s with the Maltese wom-
victory against the en.” Because Valletta
Ottomans in the great was a port, it was dis-
siege. Its early char- honourable for a woman
acter is an austere to be seen talking to
renaissance style, a man in the street –
austere due to military so the closed balcony
necessity. 100 years became a female space.
later, military fears “If you read those
relaxed and Valletta travellers descrip-
became primarily com- tions, there’s always
mercial, and the beau- an image of a balcony
tiful baroque facades with a woman on it.
came into prominence. They came together.”
The aesthetic whole,
however, is held to-

34
 ALT
MALTA

The big story on the Buhagiar says, “He’s

ground when we were interested as an ar-
last in Malta was that chitect not just in
renowned architect the building, but the
Renzo Piano’s scheme life around it. That’s
to redevelop the entry what Valletta needs
way to Valletta had – not a parliament
finally been approved. building, not a thea-
50 years of argument tre, but a project for
are concluded (it’s Valletta.” It thrills
been 20 since Piano us to think that what

VALLETTA
submitted his first is now a fairly deso-
plan), passions spent. late space will soon
The project, rebuild- be humming with life.
ing the main gate to “When I last went to
the city and renovat- Pompidou, it was such
ing the gutted opera a joy to see the peo-

A NEW START house, will be ready

for 2012.
ple using the place –
just like his draw-
ings, even down to the
RENZO PIANO’S REDEVELOPMENT OF THE “Valletta is a symbol little girl with the
in the Maltese mind, balloon!”
ENTRANCE TO VALLETTA HAS BEEN OVER 20
it’s our window to the
YEARS IN THE MAKING. NOW THAT THE PLANS world,” says architect Ultimately, what has
HAVE FINALLY BEEN GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD, AN Konrad Buhagiar whose been overcome to suc-
firm are working with ceed in this project
EXCITING FUTURE FOR THE CAPITAL AWAITS. Piano on this project, is a tepid, conserva-
by way of explaining tive approach to Val-
the fierce debate. “Many letta; Piano’s scheme
people were worried indicates towards an
that the plans did not exciting future: “the
blend into the style concept that heritage
of Valletta – but it is open-ended has only
has been through any recently taken root
number of styles! What here,” says Buhagiar.
brings everything to- Valletta saw few note-
gether is the use of worthy constructions
Maltese stone, whilst (and lots of destruc-
the designs are con- tion) during the 20th
temporary.” century. Now, in the
21st, “as people see
Just within the new things, they understand
gate, the main entrance better. Today we say,
to Valletta, will be a ‘I want to keep the
new parliament build- spirit of the old, but
ing; behind it, on the I want to do something
site of the opera, an that is new.’ We want
open air theatre. One to leave our mark, but
of Piano’s main traits for it to be something
is his use of public of quality that will
space – consider his be respected in the
projects like Paris’ future. I think we’re
Pompidou Centre and on a good track.”
Berlin’s Potsdamer-
platz for example.
35
 CULTURE
CLUBBING

GOZO
THE ULTIMATE
ESCAPE
Though the party scene on Malta may buzz and throb like no
other, the overall impression one receives of the island as
a whole is still that of a laidback idyll. Yet just a 20 minute
ferry ride north lies another island which makes Malta seem
filled with the angsty fizz of a metropolis: Gozo. No better
place to take you out of the clubs and into the good life.

G ozo is a haven of
tranquillity: it
is dissected, from the
From the astonishing
CITADELLA (see page
24), the medieval
ferry port south-east walled city which
to west, and north to rises above Victoria,
south, by two main you see the limits
For more information roads, which almost at of the island almost
on the islands go to: the island’s centre, in every direction:
the capital Victoria gentle, green rolling
www.visitmalta.coM
(Rabat in the local hills and occasional
language), which sits streaks of clay and
at the highest and local stone form
therefore most defen- the natural land-
sible point. scape; red or silver
church domes spot
Anyone seeking a pure
the landscape, with
detox during a party
small villages dotted
trip to the archi-
around them; there are
pelago should aim to
farms, like TA’MENA,
spend two days in
are scattered around.
Gozo. Amazing beach-
It feels, here, as
es, such as DWEJRA’S
though an ideal of
inland beach and the
Mediterranean living
red-sanded RAMLA BAY
from everyone’s col-
are lapped by pris-
lective memory have
tine translucent blue
been realised and
waves. Settle your-
protected from the
self down to one and
ravages of the 20th
you’ll find it difficult
Century.
to move. (In fact,
we’d suggest renting
a car as the island’s
diverse terrain makes
it a fantastic place
for off-the-beaten
track exploring.)
 CULTURE
CLUBBING

The landscape itself Mediterranean beyond. island’s great draw:

of Gozo provides plen- There are, of course, combining the his-
ty of intrigue: from plenty of human en- tory, the landscape,
the beautiful natural deavours to marvel the churches, amaz-
rock arch over the at, too: 7000 years ing resorts or hidden
sea, the AZURE WINDOW worth, actually. From gems like St Lucy’s
(which co-starred the Neolithic temples Square and The Museum
alongside Brad Pitt of GGANTIJA to the of Toys, Gozo of-
in a scene of Troy), pastoral perfection of fers something beyond
to CALYPSO’S CAVE, TA’ KOLA WINDMILL just all of these things.
where legend has it nearby, an 18th centu- A vision of a life
that the nymph Calypso ry addition which in- completely opposite to
kept Homer’s Odysseus stantly transports you your own—rural, rich,
‘prisoner of love’. the 200-odd years to a lush, slow; after the
The views from here time of rural living, hard nights of party-
are as enchanting as a living that just ing you’ll be doing,
you imagine that which seems to make sense there’s really no
Homer succumbed to when here on Gozo. better escape.
was—Ramla Bay and the In fact, that is the

HOW TO GET THERE:

A regular ferry operates for passengers and cars

from Mgarr in the north of Malta to the port of
Cirkewwa in Gozo.

For information and timetables contact the Gozo

Channel Company at www.gozochannel.com

37
CUISINE EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY
Malta is the stepping stone between two continents, but the people on the edges
of the sea which separates them have always found more in common with each
other than to divide them. Shared climate, history, lineage, passion, mentality and
several millennia of relations are just some of the reasons; yet Julian Sammut,
towering Maltese restaurateur, would say that sitting at table tops them all.

“It is Mediterranean but we are bridging get between a Maltese

passion – the passion the Mediterranean. Our and his rabbit. We’re
of living; and food traditional cuisine surprised it’s not in
and drink are a very if you like is mostly the book of proverbs.
important part of Siculo-Arabic, but more
living,” says Sammut. Siculo than Arabic. For Sammut’s restaurant,
And if Malta is at the instance, the Sicilian Salini, is near the
Med’s centre, what does would be pasta, baked tip of Sliema, with
that mean for your pasta, ravjul; but an astonishing view
cuisine? It’s polyglot? the Arabic would be across the waters taking
“It is of course! We couscous, thick soup in the whole of the
are the belly of the with the little pasta.” Valletta peninsula.
Mediterranean, which is Rabbits are also a It’s a suitable
the heart of the world.” great Maltese delicacy, vision: Valletta has
“though one of the grand always been Malta’s
Sammut is not your masters declared that window to the Med,
simple restaurateur, the killing of rabbit and a reminder of the
but is also a highly was forbidden, because multicultural heritage
noted foodie. Who he wanted to go hunting. fits such a multicultural
better than to explain And there was actually enterprise. “Here we
the particularities a revolt because of have foods here from 13
of Malta’s strain of the rabbit! It was different countries in
Mediterranean cuisine? called the Uprising the Mediterranean. From
“Our cuisine is very of the Priests.” The France to the straits
close to the Sicillian, lesson here is, never of Gibraltar, Maltese,
Moroccan, Tunisian, feel accepted anywhere
Italian and so on.” on its shores.’ That is
so true.”
It’s also a quite
magnificent sight, What Sammut and indeed
should you need the his restaurant reminds
distraction—which you us of primarily,
won’t. Food, ambience however, is that
and wine combine to curiously Mediterranean
overwhelming delight and particularly
with good company, as appealing “passion of
the culture insists. living” which infects
Sammut’s credo is the Maltese life and
simple, “I believe its cuisine. “I always
sitting at table should say I am Mediterranean
be a celebration. You before European. Any
start to eat late and it talk of Switzerland,
goes on forever. You eat Germany, I develop an
slowly, you get drunk allergy. Shouting in the
slowly, and everybody streets, this is what
gets emotional, lots life is about. Do you
of hugging… I like know what Disraeli said
sharing food.” It’s an about Valletta? In his
admirable philosophy, time, people would bring
and typically herds of goats from the
Mediterranean: streams villages and milk them
of dishes for sharing outside the houses; and
will pass by over the so, obviously the goats
course of the night, would leave something
of every Mediterranean behind. So Disraeli
origin (which goes for described Valletta as
the ingredients, too). ‘that city of bells,
“[Food writer] Claudia yells and smells.’” He
Roden, who was born and laughs a little. What
bred in Cairo, said in Disraeli evidently meant
the introduction to one as an insult, Sammut
of her books, ‘if you wields as a compliment.
are born anywhere in It’s hard to disagree
the Mediterranean, you with him.

Salini Restaurant
Tigné Point, Sliema

www.salini.com.mt 39
 CUISINE
THE GOOD LIFE
TA’MENA, GOZO
Heaven in the form of agro-tourism.
You’ll feel you’ve never lived so good.

offers exclusive wines, from it. In a fifteen

cheese, olive oil, minute sitdown behind
capers, bread, sundried the shop with the lady
tomatoes whole and as a of the estate, we are
paste and plenty more, staggered by the simple,
all produced by the delicious food and wine
farm. The driveway next offered. Bread with
to it enters the estate; sundried tomato paste,
several large dogs lie basil leaves and capers
sleeping; behind the in white wine vinegar—
shop, a gazebo; and just it’s unbelievable, this
beyond the bread oven. combination.
The Maltese government The dirt road disappears
plans to make Gozo a up the hill amongst the The tomatoes are
model of eco-tourism lines of olive groves, sundried according to
and sustainability by citrus trees, vines. tradition, left in large
2020; pointing the way The sun beats down on tin trays on the roof
they have no better it all. for two weeks during the
example than the hottest part of summer.
Ta’Mena Estate, the first Agro-tourism involves The wines are heady,
agro-tourism complex living sustainably on the sun that succours
across the archipelago. the produce from the lending luminescence to
“Where tradition is area you’re staying in; both taste and colour.
daily life”, their this is the central The capers are… amazing,
motto states; a more offer of Ta’Mena, with nothing like the awful,
enchanting vision of several farmhouses rubbery tosh we’re used
life would be difficult available for rent. They to. This is the good
to find. also offer agricultural life completely unlike
tours of the vineyards, Felicity Kendal’s; and
Ta’Mena rests on a winery, olive grove even if climate change
hill, at a roadside and orchard, as well turns out to be a
leading into the as fruit and vegetable scam, this ecotourism
capital Victoria; in picking. experience is enough to
the opposite direction, turn you green all on
the Mediterranean lies What we can’t enthuse to its own.
alluringly between two you enough is the bliss
hills. A small wooden you feel sitting here, Ta’Mena Estate
hut, the shop-front, nor just how good a life Rabat Road,
Xaghra, Gozo

40 opens onto the road; it could be lived surviving

www.tamena-gozo.com
 AN INTRODUCTION TO
MALTA’S RISING STARS
malta might be small but it’s got some mighty movers and shakers in the art world

ALEXANDRA PACE
PHOTOGRAPHER, ARTIST, DESIGNER, GALLERY OWNER, ALLROUNDER

Half way into which makes pursuing a like, literally under contrast black and white:
conversation with successful freelance the surface.” Shot with the latter inspired
Alexandra Pace, we begin career in both all the a plastic lens fish-eye, by anatomy drawings,
to wonder whether she more impressive, given the marble-like images the former displaying
could be Malta’s entire she was only born in have a colour palette a female nude amidst
creative industry on her 1977. Significantly, unique to each beach they mannequins. In both,
own: both fashion and she’s lived in Malta were shot at, equally true form and identity
art photographer, graphic all her life; we say capturing unique human are lost beneath the
designer, gallerist ‘significantly’ because, scenes – a child, teens, pleasing chiaroscuro,
and entrepreneur, she primarily, her most elderly – suspended depth and honesty hidden
appears to be a one woman exciting art photography momentarily within the by superficial lustre.
cultural renaissance. is very much concerned glass ball. They’re quite Perhaps inspired by the
Fortunately the islands with Malta and its heartbreakingly, sweetly conflict she herself
are awash with many such social undercurrents. Her honest. feels, the artist and the
talents, but there’s one collection ‘Santa Marija’ This contrasts with commercial photographer?
daunting moment when you was shot over the huge two wonderful series Pace “The art certainly
take in her range that it Maltese holiday weekend showed along with Santa gets the reaction! And
seems – well, impressive. around August 15th, when Marija at her gallery it’s certainly more
Pace has lived in all Malta stops and, in 68 St Lucy St (currently expressive. I don’t put
Malta all her life and her words, “goes to the being renovated): my… my whole, my heart
is self-taught both in beach. This is what Santa Boutique and Soldier Boy into the commercial work
photography and design, Marija weekend looks both show nudes in high like I do this.”
www.alexandrapace.com
ALEXANDRA PACE

43
 PEOPLE

CHARLES & RON

Stars of the local fashion scene: only the most glamorous need apply.

They are undoubtedly indicates why: “They he explains, “and then outré adornments like
the superstars of know how to enjoy life on the other hand, when giant silk bows? “She
Maltese fashion: the a lot. People work people go out here, or would have to be very
premiere event of the here, but it is not the there’s a big event, glamorous – we love
fashion calendar here most important thing in they go full-on glamour; glamorous women, very
is designers Charles life. Very important is there’s a great culture feminine. Really I
& Ron’s biannual eating, meeting friends… of buying or making don’t mind the size of
shows, each new season The best thing is to a new dress for the a woman, so long as she
a step up in their make friends here. It’s festas” which they both knows how to carry it
quest to glamorise very easy!” really appreciate, but – that’s the important
the islands. Charles as they put it, “it’s thing. I would like
& Ron are definitely So, Charles, the Maltese not really fashionable.” to dress Barbara
internationally-minded, half of the islands’ Streisand, and Ron,
having shown in Milan, premiere fashion Charles & Ron woman, Beyonce. Charles & Ron
Rome, Amsterdam and partnership: how would it’s fair to say then, woman is there to move
Toronto among other you characterise the is not your typical around – she’s there to
places; yet they are Maltese style? “There’s Maltese, regardless be noticed.”
well rewarded at home, a big contrast between of their love for
with three Maltese what you might see on the country. So who
fashion awards and a the street, completely would wear these lush,
thriving home business. laid-back and relaxed flowing constructions,
Ron, who is Dutch, style during the day,” sleek shaped with www.CHARLESANDRON.COM
 PEOPLE

CHASING PANDORA
GOZOTAN FOLKSTERS LIVE THE GOOD-LIFE

Gozo, the small bucolic about Chasing Pandora, lackadaisical rolling out at the beach,
idyll off the coast of the self-styled “only in hills. just hanging out with
Malta, is a kind of band on Gozo”, is friends.”
paradise. Not, perhaps, their relationship to “We’re influenced by
for pseudo-vagrant their origins – they everything we love,” Of course it was never
debauchees or sordid may fly to London for she says. “We couldn’t so simple as their being
thrill-seekers; but for a radio session, or put our finger on what the parochial pastoral
anyone with a desire to a gig Toronto, but we sound like. The minstrels. Guitarist
to live beyond thirty, they’ll take that important thing to me Keith Anthony offers the
its Mediterranean pastoral Gozitan is that the lyrics are telling answer: “We were
Laurie Lee landscape romance with them, not meaningful, that they’re both born abroad, both
is intoxicating enough leave it behind. It there for a reason. I’m of us; every minute,
alone; call it Stella imbues their music, definitely inspired by really, is just music.”
Artois advert chic. a light, carefree, nature, that’s for sure. It’s the musician’s
faintly atmospheric Nature doesn’t love me blessing and curse –
What you have to acoustica, with melting because I’m allergic to call it the habit of
understand about Gozo freedom; singer Melissa everything!” Surely the music, or the obsession.
is that it is tiny, but Portelli may dreamily ambience comes from a Melissa finishes simply:
it is also very much coo of desperately lifestyle thing? “Just “it takes you to another
its own place, with its dark matters, but no being by the water is level. It opens minds –
own identity. What’s matter – their sound is something. We live by that’s for sure.”
charming and striking buoyant, sundrenched, the sea. I like hanging www.CHASINGPANDORA.COM

MALTA’S FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR & WORKAHOLIC BEFORE HIS TIME
Kris Micallef is
strikingly, enviably
young. It is not his
youth in and of itself
which is so enviable
(though youth forever
will be); when combined
with his drive and
work ethic, however,
seemingly that of a
man at the height of
his profession, it’s
borderline distressing.
The 2009 winner of
Malta Fashion Awards’
Photographer of the
Year is not even,
technically speaking, a
full-time professional
photographer – he’s an
architecture student at
the University of Malta.
PEOPLE
KRIS MICALLEF
To illustrate: when we complains. “But the fashion shoot. I create
ask him what his ideal fashionista crowd is a story from beginning
week in Malta entails, quite distinct, you can to end, with clothes and
“Oh, lots of work! tell a fashionista from models’ expressions,” he
University in the day the crowd at any time, offers; above this text
and shooting in the walking in Valletta a vision of masculinity,
evening. I’ll party on down Republic Street shot in serious-actor-
Friday or Saturday, you would tell them headshot b/w, stares
and then on Sunday I just like that!” His moodily out at us from
catch up on work.” It’s imagery plays up to beneath Mickey Mouse
a sleep-when-I’m-dead the fashionista scene, ears, illustrating the
attitude when most of with a great eye for point. “In ten years
his peers just sleep colour and light; but I’d like to be a big
like they’re dead. what’s exceptional is fashion photographer,
his sense of drama and maybe in London,” says
Kris is very obviously narrative: every image Kris. Doubtless he will
a fashion photographer takes a scene in media be; and he’s got time
and part of the fashion res, action caught in to finish his degree
crowd. “From my own the midst of happening. first, too.
end, the overall
fashion theme here “I like to create a
is quite boring,” he story when I do a www.KRISMICALLEF.COM
KRIS MICALLEF

We all dream of jacking in the
office job and spending our days
in the fresh air doing something
that we love. Kurt Arrigo, one of
Malta’s premier photographers, has
made that dream a reality.
As a teenage sailor, Arrigo
competed in yacht races around
Malta, borrowing his brother’s
camera to capture the exhileration
of the sport, and then things
snowballed from there; he’s now
ended up becoming an official
photographer for the very event
that started it all off.
Despite photographing the islands
for the best part of 25 years,
Arrigo still hasn’t tired of them
- and who could really? His latest
project is the result of 5 years
of research and intensive shooting
in Valletta’s Grand Harbour; he’s
PEOPLE
KURT ARRIGO
Malta is my playground
been working on a glossy coffee
table book documenting the changes
to the Harbour as it undergoes a
period of intense regeneration.
“Before it changes, I want to
capture it forever,” he explains,
“there are certain things that
won’t be recognisable when the book
is published.”
Arrigo’s career isn’t limited to
gorge scenes of Valletta though;
his underwater photography is
sublimely serene and beautifully
captured, and he also takes sport,
lifestyle, portrait and sometimes
a bit of fashion photography too.
He’s even worked on film sets,
taking unit stills and promotional
shots for Troy, which was shot on
the island a few years ago, and
famously starred Brad Pitt in a
leather skirt. “In today’s day and
age, you have to be flexible as a
photographer”
As a chief figure in Malta’s
cultural panorama, Arrigo
has watched a scene of young
talent develop before his lens.
“Photography’s leap into the
digital world has made it much
more accessible, and it’s very
healthy to have young photographers
taking advantage of this, and it’s
important for them to appreciate
the value of their own work.”
Budding photographers should seek
out some of his favourite spots
across the islands, especially
Gozo’s Gnejna Bay (try saying
that with your mouth full) and the
more isolated Maltese west coast,
but it’s Valletta’s Grand Harbour
that inspires him most. “I’m still
overwhelmed by the architecture,
to be honest,” he says, going on
to explain that shooting outdoors
is the only way to photograph
in somewhere like Malta, “the
brilliant sunlight exists all
year round, it’s inspiring to be
on an island with such a great
lifestyle.”
Arrigo, however, is a stoic.
After honing his craft for over a
quarter of a century, he’s now in a
position to take his time over jobs
that he’s selected for himself.
A lot of his work now takes him
overseas, but as with all Maltese,
he comes alive when he’s in his
homeland. And a good thing too,
for Arrigo’s photography is that
rare thing: beautiful without being
clichéd.
WWW.KURTARRIGO.COM
KURT ARRIGO
 PEOPLE

IRA LOSCO
THE INFINITELY CHARMING EUROVISION ENTRANT TURNED ALT.POP STAR

Charisma is a strange involved catwalks and She is, inevitably, a a little more about the
thing. You may not know blowing glitter and such workaholic, with [deep Eurovision tackfest.
of Ira Losco, or have silliness, and is very breath] three studio What’s it really like?
heard her music, but far removed from the albums, two remix “What’s hilarious when
when she walks into the Gwen Stefani power-pop albums, an unplugged you get there is that
room she carries it with which she has made album, a DVD and a everyone thinks they’re
like a star. Because her name. That change in 400 (count ‘em!) page really famous, acting
she is – countless itself was a struggle, book in the last six all diva. And you’re
number ones and awards apparently: “’Ira is not years. She is involved, like, ‘hello you’re
in Malta prove it. She the Ira you saw there,’ “beginning to end, every famous in your country,
is, however, incredibly I had to tell people. photo shoot, song, song but I’ve never heard
personable. As we said ‘Ira is the girl who writing. I’m the boss, of you.’” You may not
– charisma. fronted the Portishead I have to be. There are have heard of her, but
covers band,’” she so many people with it doesn’t matter—you’d
In 2002 Ira came second laughs. Ira’s evidently great voices, look know it when you met
in Eurovision, which very keen to play up the great, are great for the her. It’s charisma,
then at least still Every-Alt persona: “At job, but then there’s that strange, wonderful
had some semblance of school, I didn’t look no imprint of them on thing, which you’ve
respect in the Maltese good, but music was my their music. I need to either got, or you
isles. It was a typical passport. It’s always keep my creative juices ain’t. She’s got it.
pop-pop-POP number, the been there for me, this flowing every day.”
performance of which was never about fame.” We can’t resist asking www.IRALOSCO.COM
LAZY
DAZE
Photographer
Mark Cant
Stylist
Alexis Knox
Fashion Co-Ordinator
Marisa Grima
Make up
Shasha
Hair
Angela Mallia De
Leonardo
and Leonards Hairdressers’
Artistic Team
Model
Laura Elomaa
Fashion Assistant
Tamara WEBB

Black dress
Roberto Cavalli
Scarf
Stylist’s own
Shoes
Dune

51
Swimsuit
Charles and Ron
Visor
Stylist’s Own
Shoes
Dune
Necklace
Stylist’s Own

Dress
Charles and Ron 53
Dress
Tally Weijl
Shoes
Dune
Sunglasses
Stylist’s own

55
 White hoody
Tommy Hilfiger
Swimsuit
O’NeiLl
Heels
Dune

56
Dress
French Connection
Headband
Stylist’s own

Head scarf
Tommy Hilfiger
Jacket & Leggings
Tally Weijl
Shoes
Dune 59
Orange Jacket
Charles and Ron
Swimsuit
O’neiLl
Heels
Dune
Sunglasses
Stylist’s Own

61
DARE TO
TRANSFORM
NEW STYLE CONNECTION
surface
shifting
stylers

Unleash your creativity. New Style Connection complements

professional cuts through pioneering textures and high-fashion
finishes. Cutting-edge products for surface transforming hairstyles.
Do you dare?
NEW WOOL SHAKE 08 gel-slush
texturizer

GO FROM FLAT AND UNDEFINED TO OVER-THE-TOP

VOLUME AND TEXTURE

WWW.STYLECONNECTION.CO.UK
GET INSPIRED.
GET INSPIRED. BE
BE PART
PART OF
OFIT.
IT.REDKEN.COM
REDKEN.COM
 ALT RESOURCES
ESSENTIALS
Banks & Money: Malta has used the Euro since January 2008. ATMS and Exchange
Bureaux are all over the islands. Most banks are open from
8.30am until 1.30pm Monday-Thursday, until 3.30pm on Fridays
and until noon on Saturdays.

Emergencies: The emergency services number is 112. The Police General HQ

in Floriana is (2122 4001).

Health : Chemists are found across the island for minor health issues,
and open the same hours as shops. The main public hospital on
Malta is Mater Dei Hospital Birkirkara (2545 0000). Further
medical information and lists of doctors and dentists is
available in the Yellow Pages.

Shopping: Maltese shops are open between 9am and 7pm (sometimes as late
as 10pm in touristy areas), with a siesta between 1pm and
4pm. Shops are normally closed all day on Sundays, however
Sunday morning markets are common across Malta, and
Valletta’s market is open every day. Marsaxlokk on a Sunday
is our pick of the markets.

Telephones & Internet: Malta has a wealth of online resources, from Government
institutions to the tiny culture blogs. Below are some of our
more recommended sites, as well as a set of key Twitter users
to start you off.

GENERAL INFORMATION TWITTER

Malta Inside Out

www.maltainsideout.com MaltaLive will be tweeting across the summer
Visit Paceville www.Visitpaceville.com with updates, news and the latest tips
Visit Malta www.visitmalta.com @MaltaLive
Gozo www.islandofgozo.org
Valletta Waterfront www.vallettawaterfront.com
Malta Weather www.maltaweather.com
Restaurants www.restaurantsmalta.com People/PLACES
OK Malta www.OKMALTA.COM
Kris Micallef @krismicallef
Ira Losco @iralosco
EVENTS/INSTITUTIONS Alexandra Pace @alexandrapace
Malta Arts Festival www.maltaartsfestival.com Malta Culture @MaltaCulture

Malta Jazz Festival www.maltajazzfestival.org St. James Cavalier @StJamesCavalier
St. James Cavalier www.sjcav.org
Malta Events www.visitmalta.com/events
Malta Culture www.MALTACULTURE.com
Gozo Culture www.GOZOCULTURE.com Music/Events

PROMOTERS/ARTISTS
G7 Events www.g7events.com
Fresh Events www.freshevents.info
NNG Promotions www.nngpromotions.com
Knockout Events www.knockoutevents.info
Malta Ticket www.maltaticket.com
Kinemastik @kinemastik
Malta Inside Out @MaltaInsideOut
Malta Radio Charts @maltacharts
Visit Malta @VISITMALTA
Fresh Events @FRESHEVENTSMT
NNG Promotions @NNGPROMOTIONS
 intRoducing
notionMAg.coM

DIGITAL DeLIGhT!

NOTION MAGAZINE NOTION MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE COMPLETE ACCESS

AVAILABLE IN PRINT IS NOW AVAILABLe ELECTRONICALLY TO OUR eNTIRe
FROM Wh SMITh, DIGITALLY VIA CReDIT CARD ARChIVe FROM
MCCOLL’S, AND ALL OR SMS ONLY 99P PeR
GOOD INDePeNDeNTS MONTh!

WWW.NOTIONMAG.COM WWW.PLANeTNOTION.COM