March2015 by IMPACT PR

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3600 BC

750 BC

The Temple Builders Die Tempelbauer Les constructeurs des temples I costruttori di Templi

218 BC The Romans Römer Les Romains I Romani

The Phoenicians Die Phönizier Les Phéniciens I Fenici

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MILESTONES MEILENSTEINE ÉTAPE IMPORTANTE PIETRA MILIARE

60 AD

870 AD

Christianity Christentum Le Christianisme Il Cristianesimo

1090 AD

The Arabs Die Araber Les Arabes Gli Arabi

The Norman Conquest Die normannische Eroberung La conquête normande La Conquista normanna

1565 AD

1530 AD

1798 AD

The Great Siege Die Große Belagerung Le Grand Siège Il Grande Assedio

The Knights of St. John Die Johanniterritter Les Chevaliers de St. Jean I Cavalieri di San Giovanni

1800 AD

1974 AD

Republic Republik La république La Repubblica

* Image:Heritage Malta • Bild: Heritage Malta • Image:Heritage Malta • Foto:Heritage Malta

The French period Die französische Periode La période française Il periodo francese

Arrival of the British Ankunft der Briten L’arrivée des anglais L’arrivo degli inglesi

1940 AD

World War II Zweiter Weltkrieg La deuxième guerre mondiale La Seconda Guerra Mondiale

2004 AD

EU Accession EU-Mitgliedschaft L’accès à l’UE L’accesso all’UE

1964 AD

Independence Unabhängigkeit L’indépendance L’Indipendenza

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Gozo The Place Where Culture & Tradition Meet

The word ‘March’ comes from the Roman ‘Martius’. This was originally the first month of the Roman calendar and was named after Mars, the god of war. If you are in Gozo during March, you’ll surely think you are back in Roman times! Image: Good Friday pageants © www.visitgozo.com

The Gozitans are very passionate about religion, with a strong sense of popular religiosity. During the month of March Gozo is a whole hub of activities in preparation for the Good Friday processions, and pageants, which provide real life re-enactments of the life and passion of Christ. On Saturday, 21st March a pageant entitled ‘The Road to Crucifixion’ will take place around the streets of Victoria. Another pageant associated with the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows will take place on the 27th March in Xewkija. A number of temporary artistic exhibitions around the island will also mark this special period. The religious life of the island offers a peek into times and traditions lost elsewhere. Ta’ Pinu Church is a national shrine where it is said that Our Lady appeared to a Gozitan woman from G˙arb. During Lent, G˙ammar hill in front of this Church attracts a good number of pilgrims who pray on the way of the Cross. The Hill is in fact dotted with marble statues depicting the passion and crucifixion of Christ. It is a spiritual walk in all senses as this journey takes the traveller on a rugged but spectacular path surrounded by peace and nature. Image: Life-size exhibition of the Last Supper © www.visitgozo.com

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Image: Ûfin Malta © Emma Tranter

March will also feature the 26th edition of the Gozo International Celebration that will be held on the 21st March in Qala, with the participation of the Joy Gospel Singers and the Qala Magnificat Choir. However, March is not only about Lent and religion. Gozo provides a full and active cultural calendar. The 21st March will see the premiere in Gozo of the newly set up National Dance Company, ‘Ûfin Malta Dance Ensemble’, at the Astra Theatre in Victoria. Their performance, which is called Erbg˙a, will feature new pieces by Spanish choreographer, Jose Agudo, and Francesca Tranter. A third piece, will be by Mavin Khoo, an international dancer and choreographer of the Company. The last piece is a 2011 duet choreographed by rising star Iván Pérez. So if you are in for either a taste of culture or for an experience of events tied to a deep rooted sense of local religiosity, Gozo is definitely the place to be.

Gozo Intricately beautiful

www.gozo.gov.mt

Image: Sunrise over valley from Ûebbu© - © Daniel Cilia, Ministry for Gozo

“L’Elisir d’Amore” at Teatru Manoel On 12, 13 and 15 March Teatru Manoel will stage its new production of Gaetano Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore”. A story about love with a happy ending. The production features two casts of soloists appearing on alternate performances. They were chosen from almost 100 applicants from all over Europe besides Malta. Among the renowned Maltese artists playing the main roles are Cliff Zammit Stevens (alternating with Matteo Mezzaro) in the role of Nemorino and Francesca Aquilina and Rosabelle Bianchi who alternate in the role of Giannetta. Madina Karbeli and Shoushik Barsoumian share the role of Adina, Philippe-Nicolas Martin and Valdis Jansons play Belcore and Emilio Marcucci and Luciano Miotto play Dulcamara. Supporting the soloists is the Teatru Manoel Opera Chorus which is made up of some of the top opera talent we have on the Island. The orchestra is the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Philip Walsh. Director, Denise Mulholland commented, “The characters are a delight and the story is captivating. It is a fairy-tale which fills you with joy. Our mission with this piece, which is set on the Amalfi coast in the 1950s, is to transport the audience back to that nostalgic time when the sun always shone, when the days were long and when there was always an adventure just waiting to be discovered”. Incidentally, one previous production of “L’Elisir d’Amore” at Teatru Manoel, featured a young Joseph Calleja at the start of his career in the part of Nemorino. If what happened next is anything to go by, it is surely enough incentive to watch this production if only to say “I was there”. Performances start at 19.30 with a pre-opera talk for ticketholders at 18.45. To book: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or tel: 2124 6389.

Philip Walsh conducts Elisir d'Amore Cliff Zammit Stevens plays Nemorino

Francesca Aquilina plays Giannetta Luciano Miotto plays Dulcamara

Philip-Nicolas Martin plays Belcore Madina Karbeli plays Adina

Matteo Mezzaro plays Nemorino

Shoushik Barsoumian plays Adina

Valdis Jansons plays Belcore

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First Time In Malta! International Ballet Gala

Malta loves dance, Malta has style, and Malta deserves the best of quality. Star team which will be performing on the 7th of March at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. This is without exaggeration la crème de la crème from legendary theatres in St.Petersburg and Moscow.

Prima ballerina Anna Antonicheva and leading soloist Andrey Merkuriev (The Bolshoi Theatre-Moscow), leading soloists Elizaveta Cheprasova and Sergey Manuilov (Stanislavsky Music Theatre of Opera and Ballet – Moscow), leading soloist Elena Evseeva amd principal dancer Evgeny Ivanchenko (Mariinsky Theatre – St.Petersburg), leading soloists Sabina Yapparova and Andrey Kasjanenko (Mikhailovsky Theatre – St.Petersburg). With the leading soloist of Mariinsky Theatre Elena Evseeva, also a graduate of Vaganova ballet academy- – Ivanchenko will be performing pas de deux from "La Corsaire" and "Sleeping beauty". Passion and drive of pas de deux from "Don Quixotte" and pas de deux Diane and Acteon from "Esmeralda" that will definitely be the hit from leading soloists of Stanislavsky Music Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Moscow from young pair Sergey Manuilov and Elizaveta Cheprasova. Cheprasova, born in 1988 in Kiev, former prima ballerina of National Opera of Ukraine, at present she is a leading ballet dancer in the Stanislavsky Music Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Moscow and she is absolutely a rising star. Winner of many ballet competitions already Cheprasova continues to conquer ballet Olympus. Besides various repertoire in the theatre her last success was participation in the new ballet "Great Gatsby" where she was starring with Denis Matvienko, international ballet star from Ukraine and also a choreographer of Great Gatsby. Manuilov has a vast experience in international projects with Nacho Duato and Jorma Elo, world famous choreographers. Although ballet did not originate in Russia, the country contributed much to its development and today Russian ballet is renowned the world over. Russian ballet for many decades has been regarded as the barometer of classical dance: where it leads, others follow. While young girls all over the world long to become ballerinas, their dreams have been influenced by great Russian ballet dancers and wonderful Russian ballets that have enchanted audiences all over the world. This event is being organised in collaboration with Living Dance Malta under the direction of Christiane Borg Manche. Tickets are available online on www.mcc.com.mt

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Qassatat

March is traditionally a time of fasting in preparation for Easter. But the Maltese always find a way around things. This is also the case in food. A traditional snack which is available all year round, is given a twist especially at this time of the year. Qassatat are pastry bags filled with either ricotta or peas, but a speciality for the Lenten period is the spinach filled qassatat. You find these sold from the various pastizzerias all around the Maltese Islands or you can have them comfortably in every coffee shop. These small pie-like savouries have been part of Malta's food culture since the time of the Knights of St. John. Over the years, with more attention being made to healthy eating, the way qassatat are prepared is less fattening and this helps such a traditional snack keep its popularity. Although nowadays qassatat are sold all year round, once you are around and attending the various processions and pageants in almost each town in Malta and Gozo treat yourself to a couple of these traditional snacks while observing the no-meat tradition during such a period. You will soon discover that they are so good that it is hardly considered a sacrifice to consume them instead of meat!

LIVING IN MALTA & GOZO A PLACE IN THE SUN Malta and Gozo are becoming increasingly popular locations for the purchase or rental of second homes.

Freedom Day

Situated at the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea, with easy access from all major cities in Europe, North Africa and neighbouring states, the Islands have many advantages to offer, including the following:

WHY MALTA • An excellent climate with pleasant all year round weather. • Genuinely friendly and hospitable people who will make it easy to integrate within the local community. • Very low levels of crime which make Malta one of the safest places in the region. • A member of the European Union since 2004, Malta is an independent republic enjoying political stability. • English is one of the two official languages of the Islands and is spoken fluently by everyone. • The Island boasts a high standard of hospital and medical services, both private and public. • Excellent schooling, often exceeding international standards, with a choice of English-speaking schools and University. • A relatively low cost of living. • A stable property market offering a wide variety of properties in all price ranges, and good prospects for capital growth. These, together with an abundance of historical and cultural attractions, crystal clear seas, a variety of sporting facilities (including world class diving) and a lively calendar of events, make these Islands a favourite for those seeking their dream ‘Place in the Sun'. Moreover, the residency conditions are very attractive and include a favourable tax regime and the absence of Rates or Council taxes.

FLYING TIMES Malta – London 3.05hrs Malta – Frankfurt 2.35hrs Malta – Rome 1.15hrs

Freedom Day or as it is known in Maltese Jum Il-Óelsien is celebrated on March 31. This is the anniversary of the withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta in 1979. For the first time in a millennia, Malta was no longer a military base of a foreign power and it became independent de facto. Malta's history is characterized by constant and ongoing occupations. The latest of these was the British occupation which saw Malta enduring two World Wars as a British military and naval base. Whilst it served as a base in both instances, Maltese soldiers joined British troops to fight around the world, and soldiers hailing from different parts of the British Empire but mainly British, were brought to Malta for care and rehabilitation. It was during World War II that Malta was awarded the George Cross for valour, and that cross is since then represented on Malta's national flag.

Malta – Amsterdam 3.05hrs Malta – Paris 2.35hrs Malta – Cairo 2.25hrs

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY BY NON-MALTESE BUYERS It is quite easy for a non-Maltese to purchase property in Malta and Gozo. Naturally, some conditions apply including certain restrictions regarding the minimum value of property that can be purchased and the use that the buyer will make of the property. Some buyers may also require a special permit.

MORE INFORMATION For further information and assistance, we recommend that you contact one of the excellent local Estate Agents who can offer professional guidance and advice to help you make the best choice.

If you are an expatriate living in Malta or Gozo...

you may regularly receive a link to the online version of this monthly magazine in your email. Simply e-mail us on: info@impactpr.com.mt

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The significance of Freedom Day is not only tied to the tangible removal of the British base from Malta but also to the representational significance of the final release of Malta from foreign rule. A break with the past, a break with conquest and a step towards an independent future. Celebrations on this national holiday start in the morning with a wreath laying ceremony by the nation's key political personalities who pay their respects to the national significance of the impressive Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa which represents the last British officers leaving Malta and exchanging the British flag with that of Malta. The afternoon is dedicated to a competitive regatta with traditional Maltese boats known as 'dg˙ajsa' competing for a the shield on the Grand Harbour. This is surely an event not to be missed if you happen to be in Malta on the 31st March.

D A Y B Y D A Y

Your Money is Supporting Various Industries Do You Know Which These Are? Ethical and green investment has never been more popular. It is estimated that in 2014 over ÂŁ13.5 billion was invested in UK green and ethical retail funds. Collectively our money plays a huge part in the global economy but have you ever thought about what your money is being used for? If there are issues that you care about, such as production of weapons & armaments, animal testing, nuclear power, mining, climate change, human rights or gambling, the reality is that your current investments are almost certainly supporting companies that make a profit from or exploit these areas. What is the alternative? Ethical investment allows individuals, companies and charities to invest in a socially responsible way, without compromising their beliefs and principles. There are competitive solutions available that will allow you to hold a basket of funds that suit your beliefs, so that you can make a positive statement with your money. The careful selection processes involved in ethical investment can help to identify companies that have the potential to do well, both socially and financially How to find out more? We have worked with a number of clients in Malta and Gozo over the last 10 years to create bespoke ethical portfolios that reflect their own values, whilst still delivering good investment returns. If you would like to discuss your situation please call Michael Lavin on 2131 6298 or email mlavin@hollingsworth-int.com. Hollingsworth International Financial Services Ltd is licensed by the Malta Financial Services Authority to provide investment services under the Investment Services Act, 1994. Enrolled Insurance Broker under article 13 of the Insurance Intermediaries Act, (Cap. 487). Registration Number C32457

Michael Lavin Expat Financial Expert

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On The Path Of Restoration The old church in the quaint village of G˙ajnsielem may be well hidden but the path leading to it is well trodden by locals and tourists alike. This church is a veritable treasure chest housing important works of art that enrich the heritage of our islands. Bank of Valletta took upon itself the restoration of the titular painting of 'Our Lady of Loreto' by Mikiel Busuttil, as well as six paintings, bearing testimony to Giuseppe Cali’s versatility. This project forms part of the Bank’s commitment to actively support the rich heritage of our islands. The painting of ‘Our Lady of Loreto’ was brought to the old parish church by procession from Nadur in 1820 and placed above the main altar. Almost 200 years later, the painting was in dire need of conservation and with BOV’s support, works on this veritable masterpiece commenced. This project was entrusted to Emanuel Zammit. The restoration process is an interesting study in its own right. It was revealed that parts of the original painting were painted over by Giuseppe Calì himself. The restorer meticulously removed the top layer of paint to reveal the original painting underneath. Today, this masterpiece is to be found in all its former glory at its original place, for the faithful to enjoy. Meanwhile, restoration on Cali’s paintings is making good progress, with three restored paintings already in place.

Images - The painting of ‘Our Lady of Loreto’ before and after restoration

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