What it is

Guitar Classics is an intimate evening of classical and flamenco guitar performed by the Maltese guitarist Karol Aquilina at the Secret Garden in Attard on Sunday 14 June 2026 at 8pm, paired with a specially curated dinner - a long, slow Mediterranean summer night of music and food in one of the island's loveliest garden settings. The programme traces a journey through the many voices of the guitar, from the fiery rhythms of Spain to the poetic lyricism of Latin America and the refined clarity of the Baroque. It opens with the dramatic sweep of Albeniz's "Asturias", whose flamenco-infused intensity sets the tone, followed by Piazzolla's smoky, tango-tinged "Invierno Porteno" and Barrios's deeply spiritual "La Catedral", which moves from quiet contemplation to virtuosic brilliance. A moment of Baroque poise arrives with Bach's Prelude from the Lute Suite in E major, and the contemporary Maltese composer Karol Aquilina adds a Mediterranean flavour with his own works "Taranta" and "Ima Gieri". The Spanish thread runs deep: Tarrega's nostalgic "Capricho Arabe", Castelnuovo-Tedesco's theatrical "Capriccio Diabolico", and Albeniz's lively "Sevilla", before flamenco legend Paco de Lucia's atmospheric "Granaina" and Lecuona's bold "Malaguena". The evening also celebrates the guitar's brilliance and playfulness - Tarrega's shimmering "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" with its famous tremolo, Barrios's buzzing "Las Abejas", and Dyens's witty "Tango en Skai" - closing with Gallardo del Rey's "Anda Jaleo" from the Lorca Suite, a joyful, folk-infused finale. It is a genuinely rich, well-balanced recital that will reward anyone who loves the instrument, and is accessible enough to enchant newcomers too (the event is suitable for ages 5 and up). Just as important is the setting and the meal. The Secret Garden in Attard, in the grounds of the Corinthia Palace area in the centre of the island, is a beautiful spot for a summer evening, and the concert comes with a curated dinner menu - from raw tuna battuta and calamari fritti to ricotta-and-lemon ravioli, pizza calabrese, grilled meats and fish, finishing with a selection of sweets and cakes. The combination of fine guitar playing and a relaxed garden dinner makes this far more than a standard recital; it is a complete evening out. For a visitor, it is an elegant, distinctly local cultural night - a Maltese performer, a thoughtfully chosen Spanish-and-Latin-American programme, and a garden-dinner setting that captures the easy pleasure of a Maltese summer evening. Attard is central and easy to reach by car or taxi from across the island, and the seated, ticketed format with dinner means you simply arrive and enjoy. A few practical notes. The concert is on a single date, Sunday 14 June at 8pm, and because it is paired with dinner in a garden setting, places are limited and worth booking ahead. Tickets are sold through ShowsHappening, with a refundable-booking option available at checkout if you are unsure of your plans. Dress for a warm summer evening outdoors. As an intimate, high-quality recital with a full dinner in a lovely garden, Guitar Classics is one of the more refined and rewarding ways to spend a June evening on the island. Check the ShowsHappening page for ticket types, the dinner details and any updates before you book.

Where it is

Good to know

Links

Similar events