Few places in Malta suit a big romantic symphony as well as St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina. On Friday 20 November 2026 at 19:30, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra brings Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 into the cathedral as part of its 2026/27 symphony season. It is one of the season’s stand-out evenings and a rare chance to hear a full orchestra under a baroque dome rather than in a concert hall.
What to expect
Bruckner’s Seventh is a long, slow-building work of about an hour, famous for its warm opening theme on the cellos and the deeply moving Adagio, which the composer wrote while thinking of Wagner’s death. The music was built for big stone spaces, and the cathedral’s echo gives the brass chorales a sound you simply do not get in a theatre. Expect a calm, attentive audience and no interval drinks bar, as this is a church setting.
Tickets and practical tips
- Tickets were listed on ShowsHappening from about €12 to €30. Prices and remaining seats can change, so book early.
- The conductor and any other works on the programme were not confirmed in the listings we checked. Check the orchestra’s booking page before you go.
- Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. Seating in a cathedral is on benches and sightlines vary, so earlier arrivals get the better spots.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders covered, and bring a light jacket. Stone churches feel cool on November evenings.
Getting there
Mdina sits on a hill in the centre of Malta, next to Rabat. Buses to Rabat stop a short walk from the Mdina Gate, and there is paid parking outside the walls, as cars are not allowed inside the old city. From the gate, walk straight through the narrow streets to St Paul’s Square; the cathedral is impossible to miss. If you have time before the concert, our Mdina guide covers the best viewpoints and quiet corners to explore at dusk.
Planning more evenings out this month? Browse our list of things to do in Malta and Gozo to pair the concert with a dinner in Rabat or a weekend of sightseeing.