Copyright timesofmalta
On October 18, St Paul’s cathedral in Mdina was transformed into a space of reflection and creativity during MA’ TA’, a celebration of hope through poetry, literature and music. The event, curated by artistic director Annalisa Schembri, and the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture, formed part of the Jubilee of Culture within the global Year of Hope. Inspired by the Maltese word tama (hope), MA’ (with) TA’ (of) reminded all present that hope is something shared, nurtured and built together. The audience was invited to explore this idea through readings, live performances and open-mic moments that brought community voices into dialogue. Malta’s pioneering contemporary folk ensemble Etnika guided the audience through a journey of sound and story, performing in an intimate acoustic formation featuring Alison Galea, Oliver Degabriele, Andrew Alamango and Walter Vella, joined by young cellist Matthias Conrad. Their music breathed new life into traditional Maltese sounds, intertwining seamlessly with words of hope. The morning also featured readings from Mgħawġin, Poetry from the Future, and works by celebrated Maltese authors Immanuel Mifsud and Clare Azzopardi. Actor Paul Portelli narrated selected literary fragments submitted by the public, later published in print. Supported by APS Bank and the Mdina Metropolitan Chapter, the event embodied the mission of the Archbishop’s Office for Culture – to create meaningful encounters between faith, art and community. Mgr Claude Portelli, the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture, said: “It was a morning where all present could experience the many facets of hope through music and prose – a space for the soul to breathe.” For more information, visit culture.church.mt.
