Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1330252
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 JANUARY 2021 4 MUSIC 15 – 24 JAN 2021 THE 9TH EDITION OF THE VALLETTA BAROQUE FESTIVAL IS HAPPENING! tickets: vallettabaroquefestival.mt We've put together a 13-concert strong, socially-distanced programme in the historical gem that is Teatru Manoel. The Valletta Baroque Festival is back THE 9th Edition of the Vallet- ta Baroque Festival has offi- cially launched. The opening performance on Friday 15th by Abchordis Ensemble set the stage for 10 days of the festival. This year, the concerts are being performed to small audiences, and most of the concerts will be taking place within the safe confines of Teatru Manoel. One final concert will be happening in the secure venue of The Ba- silica of St George in Gozo. In previous years, the festival was held at varying locations around Malta, showcasing the island's historical baroque locations. The decision to host all of the events under one roof was nec- essary in order to keep the Val- letta Baroque Festival alive. Comprising of thirteen con- certs in Teatru Manoel, and one in Gozo, between the 15th and 24th of January, the fes- tival programme consists of both local and international artists. This weekend the Te- atru Manoel stage saw Andrea Buccarella and Teodoro Bau, a dynamic harpsichord and viola da gamba duo and Abchordis Ensemble. Andrea Buccarella and La Petite Ecurie will close off the first weekend of the fes- tival, with their performances on Sunday 17th, at 11am and 7.30pm, respectively. This week, the festival will see local artists gracing the stage, including the Malta Phil- harmonic Orchestra, Mezzo Soprano Marvic Monreal, So- prano Gillian Zammit, Maes- tro Micheal Laus, Soprano Claire Debono, the Goldberg Ensemble and the Valletta Ba- roque Ensemble along with KorMalta. Teatru Manoel has adopted new ways of operation, to en- sure audiences safety through- out the past year. The amount of people inside the theatre has been reduced, with seats left vacant to ensure appropriate social distancing. Three sepa- rate entrances/exits have also been established and the the- atre is regularly sanitised pri- or to events. Audiences are to keep their masks on through- out their visit inside the thea- tre. The Valletta Baroque Festi- val is a true testament of local talent, and a game player of the international scene. While the festival is usually flocked with international guests, this year the international audience can access some of the concerts online, through a livestream on Facebook. The Valletta Ba- roque Festival and Teatru Ma- noel have successfully managed to uphold tradition, in quality and repertoire. The 9th edition of the festival, is a product of hard work and determination, defying all odds, and providing audiences with a chance to es- cape into a world of grandeur, music and beauty. The festival will feature con- certs every day until the 24th of January. For more informa- tion, programme of events, and tickets, visit vallettabaroquef- estival.mt or follow the Vallet- ta Baroque Festival (@vallet- tabaroquefestival) and Teatru Manoel (@teatru.manoel) on social media.