Festivals Malta launches the 15th edition of the Valletta Baroque Festival
The Valletta Baroque Festival, organised by Festivals Malta, returns between the 7th and 24th of January 2027, marking the 15th edition of one of Malta's most prestigious cultural events. Once again, the festival will celebrate the richness and diversity of Baroque music through an extensive programme of performances featuring acclaimed local and international artists, presented in some of Malta's most magnificent historic venues.
Since its establishment in 2013, the Valletta Baroque Festival has sought to bring Baroque music back into the extraordinary architectural settings that Malta possesses in such abundance.
Festivals Malta CEO, Frans Agius, remarked, “For Festivals Malta, a festival of this calibre also represents an important opportunity to further strengthen our collaboration with the cultural and tourism sectors, attract visitors from different countries, and continue to foster greater appreciation of the arts among local audiences. At the same time, it allows us to provide a high-quality platform for both local and international artists, while increasing the visibility of the cultural heritage that makes Malta so unique.”
Under the artistic direction of its founder, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, the 15th edition presents an extensive and varied programme, bringing together celebrated composers of the Baroque period alongside lesser-known works and diverse musical traditions. Reflecting on the festival's development, Zammit Tabona remarked, "Fifteen editions later, I am delighted to say that what began as a rather personal obsession has developed into a festival of international standing, attracting distinguished musicians and audiences from far beyond our shores. But I am particularly proud that, despite its international reputation, the festival has never lost its distinctly Maltese identity."
This year's programme features compositions by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Pergolesi, Scarlatti, Hasse, Lotti, Biber, Couperin, Lully and Charpentier, among others. Audiences will also have the opportunity to discover sacred music from New Spain, Croatian and Italian Baroque traditions, as well as contemporary interpretations inspired by the Baroque legacy.
The programme encompasses intimate recitals, sacred choral works, opera, orchestral performances and innovative musical collaborations. Among the highlights are Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, which will feature in the opening concert at St John's Co-Cathedral, and Handel's Giulio Cesare in Egitto, which will bring the festival to a close at Teatru Manoel. The opera will feature acclaimed countertenor Raffaele Pe in the title role and Maltese soprano Claire Debono as Cleopatra.
Among the new additions to this year's festival is Palazzo d'Aurel in Gudja, a magnificent private residence which will open its doors to the festival for the first time. The venue will host a performance by distinguished violinist Charlie Siem, featuring works by Johann Sebastian Bach.
The festival's distinctive character is further enhanced by its choice of venues. Churches, palaces and historic theatres across Malta will once again serve as settings for the performances, creating a special connection between the music and the islands' architectural heritage.
Over the years, the Valletta Baroque Festival has established itself as an important fixture on Malta's cultural calendar, attracting both local audiences and international visitors. Through its commitment to artistic excellence, cultural heritage and international collaboration, the festival continues to contribute to Malta's cultural landscape while celebrating the enduring appeal of Baroque music.
The Valletta Baroque Festival will take place between the 7th and 24th of January 2027. The festival is organised by Festivals Malta in collaboration with Teatru Manoel, supported by Visit Malta and the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, and sponsored by Schweppes.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.vbf.mt Photos by Jake Gialanze
