21 Mar 2023 - 12:30

Celebrating Early Music Day

Barocco Foundation in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa presents its popular weekly lunchtime concert hosted at  Our Lady of Victory church in Valletta on Tuesday 21 March 2023 at 12:30pm. This week’s special recital celebrates Early Music Day, which honours the spirit of music and rejoices in it, features brilliant soprano Charlene Portelli, accompanied by versatile talented pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa.

The recital celebrates the two great baroque composers, J.S. Bach and Handel. Among the exquisite pieces the programme includes some baroque masterpieces such as Dixit Dominus from Tecum Principium and V’adoro, pupille from ‘Giulio Cesare’ by G. F. Handel and J.S. Bach’s Quia Respexit from ‘Magnificat’. Ramona will  perform two piano solos namely Jesus Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach and Passacaglia by J.F. Handel/Halvorsen. This delightful recital will proceed with Rejoice from ‘Messiah’ and Ombra mai fu from ‘Serse’ by G.F. Handel and concludes with Aus Liebe Passion from ‘St. Matthew’ by J.S. Bach.

The Church of Our Lady of Victory, with its painted ceiling by baroque artist Alessio Erardi, is the first church of Valletta and a magnificent setting for the cultural events. It was 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.

Celebrating Early Music will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 21 March 2023 at 12:30pm. Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of 10 euro.  One can obtain the tickets prior to the concert from the venue itself or by email: baroccomalta@gmail.com or phone 79680952.