Valletta primed for baroque assault

The festival - whose events will take place primarily at the Manoel Theatre but also across assorted historical locations in Valletta - was announced by Minister for Tourism and Culture Mario de Marco during a press conference last Thursday.

Addressing the need to foster an inclusive cultural programme - which would do away with all notions of "elitism" - de Marco said that the baroque aesthetic is an essential part of Maltese culture, and given that this aspect of Maltese culture and history comes out very strongly in Valletta, organising such an event was a logical step.

The minister also highlighted the fact that a high-profile festival of this kind - which will boast many big names in the field of baroque music, opera, dance and art - will help establish Valletta as a niche tourism location during the traditionally 'slower' winter months.

Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Artistic Director for the festival, also highlighted the fact that Malta is inextricably bound to the baroque - citing not just traditional art and architecture but also feasts as examples - while assuring that the organisers "have left no stone unturned in securing high calibre performers whose participation will give this festival the international status that it deserves".

The festival will open at the President's Palace, with Vivaldi's Quattro Stagioni performed by internationally acclaimed Maltese violinist Carmine Lauri and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of its resident conductor Michael Laus. There will be a further MPO concert at the Manoel Theatre with the participation of counter tenor David Hansen.

For more information log on to www.vallettabaroquefestival.com.mt.