30 Apr 2024 - 12:30
Evergreen Songs – well-loved classics
Barocco Foundation in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa invites you for a captivating lunchtime concert featuring promising soprano Mardy Farrugia accompanied by talented pianist Elaine Mercieca. This recital will take place at the magnificent Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 30 April 2024 at 12:30pm.
The mezmerizing programme opens with “Stizzoso mio Stizzoso” from G. Pergolesi’s comic opera La Serva Padora and the heartfelt plea of the aria from Gianni Schicci, “O Mio Bambino Caro” by Giacomo Puccini. This will be followed by a captivating aria, “Vedrai Carino”, from W.A. Mozart’s timeless opera Don Giovanni and the bittersweet song of lost love by G. Fauré, “Nell”. Pianist Elaine Mercieca will play a piano solo, F. Chopin’s Nocturne, Op.37, No. 1, which showcases the composer’s mastery of the piano and his ability to evoke profound emotion.
This intruiging recital unfolds with C. Debussy’s mesmerizing song of celestial beauty, “Nuit d’étoiles” and the vibrant Italian song that celebrates the beauty of dawn, “Mattinata” by R. Leoncavallo. Then on to V. Bellini’s tender melody and heartfelt lyrics of “Ma rendi pur contento”. This enchanting concert contines with “Ständchen” which is a timeless serenade by F. Schubert, followed by a song which pays homage to the memory of departed loved ones by R. Strauss, “Allerseelen”. The spirited melody and humorous lyrics of “Art is Calling for Me” from V. Herbert’s operetta The Enchantress will conclude this memorable concert.
Besides enjoying the fascinating music, the Church of Our Lady of Victory itself is worth a visit. Seeping with history and rich in architecture and artistic works, mainly due to it being the first church of Valletta and its painted baroque ceiling by Alessio Erardi, Our Lady of Victory is one of Malta’s richest treasures. Built by Grand Master de Valette and the Order of St John after their victory in the Great Siege of 1565, it has been restored by Din l-Art Ħelwa, voluntary National Trust of Malta.
After the concert, patrons are invited for free to the cellar of the church to watch a short audio-visual show about the building, history and the restoration of this gem.
Evergreen Songs – well-loved classics: will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 30th April 2024 at 12:30pm. Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of €10. One can obtain the tickets prior to the concert from the venue itself or by email: baroccobookings@gmail.com
