For two weeks in November, one of the most famous churches in the Maltese Islands turns into a concert hall. The Malta International Piano Festival 2026 opens on Sunday 1 November at the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, just outside Għarb in Gozo, and Gozo event listings show evening concerts there right up to Sunday 15 November. Entry is listed as free.
What to expect
The festival describes itself as a two-week international classical music event that brings together well-known pianists, experienced musicians and young artists at the start of their careers. The full line-up and the programme for each night had not been published when we wrote this, so check the organisers’ announcements or the Gozo events calendar before you choose a date.
Ta’ Pinu is a special place to hear live music. The basilica stands alone in open countryside, with a tall bell tower and a stone interior that carries sound beautifully. On a calm November evening the drive out there, with the church lit up against the dark fields, is part of the experience.
Times and tickets
- Dates: 1 to 15 November 2026
- Time: concerts listed at 20:00, finishing around 21:30
- Venue: Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, Ta’ Pinu Road, Għarb, Gozo
- Price: listed as free; seating is usually first come, first served
Tips for visitors
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early on weekend nights to get a good seat.
- This is a working church, so dress respectfully and keep phones silent.
- Bring a light jacket: November evenings in the Gozo countryside can feel cool once the sun goes down.
- Make a weekend of it. The Prince of Egypt musical in Victoria runs from 13 November, and our guide to things to do in Gozo has plenty of ideas for the daytime.
How to get there
From Malta, take the Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, which runs around the clock. From Mġarr it is about a 25 minute drive to Ta’ Pinu through Victoria, and there is parking next to the basilica. Buses from Victoria serve Għarb, but late evening services are limited, so a car or taxi is the easiest way to get back after the concert. If you are planning a wider trip, see what else is on in our Malta in November guide.