The Ninth Edition of The Valletta Baroque Festival is here and happening, despite the extraordinary circumstances that we find ourselves in globally.
The original programme for the 2021 edition of the festival was postponed to 2022, opting instead for a festival on a smaller scale, adhering to social distancing guidelines. The festival will be performed to reduced audiences, with a line-up of thirteen concerts, happening within the safe confines of Manoel Theatre, and one final concert happening in the secure venue of the Basilica of St George in Gozo. This year, seven out of the thirteen concerts will be live-streamed at no cost to audiences who are unable to attend this year’s festival.
During his visit to Manoel Theatre, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera stated that, “Valletta is known as a baroque city, our buildings, our palaces are all from this period, so naturally it is extremely important to promote a baroque music festival that highlights our heritage, within the Manoel Theatre, a prominent gem from this period.”
Manoel Theatre Chief Executive Officer Massimo Zammit said that, “It is important to keep the festival alive, not only for the artists, but our audiences too, both local and foreign. A large portion of our Valletta Baroque Festival audience is made up of international visitors, and since the audience within the theatre will have to be limited this year, we have decided to livestream seven of the thirteen concerts.”
Artistic Director Kenneth Zammit Tabona concluded, “An audience is extremely important for the artist, the applause is his lifeblood, and to keep the arts alive, these small-scale concerts and performances are necessary. This year’s festival will be a miniature of festivals past, without compromising quality and variation. We are extremely proud to be holding this festival despite all odds.”
The COVID-secure 2021 programme features performances from local and international artists, including Marvic Monreal, Claire Debono, Gillian Zammit, the Valletta Baroque Ensemble, KorMalta, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the Goldberg Ensemble, Abchordis Ensemble, Andrea Buccarella, Teodoro Baù, La Petite Écurie, Luis Aguilar, Gjorgji Cincievski, Marco Mencoboni, and Cantar Lontano.
For more information and tickets, visit www.vallettabaroquefestival.mt.
