“MA’ (with) TA’ (of)” is inspired by the Maltese word TAMA – hope. It reminds us that hope is never solitary; it is something we build with others, something we carry as part of society.
It is a one-off event of live music, poetry, and shared voices in a collective celebration of hope on the occasion of the Jubilee of Culture within the Year of Hope happening on Saturday 18 October, with doors opening at 11am. This special gathering invites the community to come together in a space where literature, live music, and open mic performances intertwine.
The event will feature Malta’s pioneering contemporary folk band Etnika, in their rare acoustic four-piece formation, with Alison Galea on keys and vocals, Oliver Degabriele on base, Andrew Alamango on guitar and Walter Vella on flute and alto saxophone – joined by upcoming classical talent Matthias Conrad on cello. Founded in the year 2000, Etnika’s mission is to reimagine, re-interpret and revive Malta’s traditional music.
Since their formation, the band has toured extensively across Europe and North Africa, with a stop, on the 18th of October 2025 at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, to perform a one-time only set, including the sounds of Cellist Matthias Conrad, as they navigate the audience through poetry, prose and words of hope on the Jubilee of Culture within the Year of Hope.
The event will offer a space for writers, musicians, and participants to share and witness reflections on the universal sentiment of hope. It is a moment to connect, listen, reflect and contribute, whether through performance or simply presence, in an atmosphere that honours togetherness. The aim is to weave a tapestry of personal experience and cultural confluence, highlighting voices from diverse backgrounds.
The event is being curated by Artistic Director Annalisa Schembri with the support of Andrew Borg Wirth and Sera Galea from the Office of the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture. Click here to buy tickets. The event is supported by APS Bank and the Mdina Metropolitan Chapter.