Today saw the launch of the Eighth Valletta Baroque Festival. Another spectacular celebration of Baroque music from across Europe will be held in Malta’s magnificent churches and palaces as well as at the world famous Manoel Theatre.
Beginning with an exquisite excerpt from the Goldberg Variations on the highly prized Kennedy harpsichord by Joanne Camilleri, the event was well attended by the press and the patrons of the Manoel Theatre.
Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici was present for the launch and commented ‘the festival has consistently gone from strength to strength, establishing itself in the baroque scene, whilst also enhancing our local cultural experience’.
He was thanked by management team as led by Kenneth Zammit Tabona and presented with a glorious official pink rug and umbrella – gifts which will also be available to attendees of the outdoor events to guard against potential inclement weather.
Thanks to an indicative first survey which was done in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, the 2020 edition will offer an improved experience for the concertgoers. ‘This falls in line with our strategy to make culture more accessible, in fact, this survey also highlights the economic benefits brought by the festival which gives tourism a boost during January,’ Owen Bonnici continued before thanking the team for their considerate gifts.
As in 2019, the festival has branched out of Valletta for the 2020 edition, exploring beautiful baroque settings such as the Verdala Palace in Buskett and St Philip of Agira Church in ĦażŻebbug, bringing baroque music to the places for which it was composed.
Some highlights for this year include the music of Pedro Riumonte in St John’s Co-Cathedral, Music From the Missions by Florilegium which will bring music spanning from eight decades to the Jesuits’ Church in Valletta, the Sacred Vivaldi Concert by La Serenissima at the Collegiate Church of St Paul in Rabat and the Bel Canto from Naples by Simone Kermes & Amici Veneziani at the Teatru Manoel, which will be closing off the festival in style.
You can follow the festival on the following channels:
Contacts: Kenneth Zammit Tabona - artistic director - kenneth.zammit-tabona@teatrumanoel.mt
Thomas Grima - festival manager - festivals@teatrumanoel.mt
Ann Laenen - PR & Marketing - ann-maria-l.laenen@teatrumanoel.org.mt
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Content supplied by TEMPLE Magazine
Image of Hon MP Owen Bonicci and Kenneth Zammit Tabona - Clodagh Farrugia O'Neill
Image of Sacred Vivaldi concert by La Serenissima: Courtesy of Manoel Theatre
Edited: TEMPLE Team
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