Teatru Manoel is presenting Concertos for Strings from 17th century Europe performed by the Valletta International Baroque Ensemble (Vibe) at the beautiful Auberge d'Aragon on Sunday, 28 June at 7.30pm.

Concertos for Strings from 17th century Europe is an invitation to explore one of the most innovative musical forms that developed during the Baroque period.

By the 1700, the concerto grosso had become the dominant instrumental genre, whereby musical material is passed between a small group of soloists (the concertino) and full orchestra (the ripieno or concerto grosso). However, for certain composers of the younger generation, the concerto grosso had run its course and offered nothing to satisfy their compositional sensibility. Composers like Antonio Vivaldi felt the need to make their instruments sing in a new way. Thus, was born another form of concerto, where the whole ensemble was given prominence, where composers juxtaposed or combined, in an almost painterly fashion, a variety of timbres and colours to create a multitude of musical effects.

The full programme includes Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Strings in E minor RV134 and Concerto for Strings in G minor RV156, Georg Friedrich Handel's Concerto Grosso op 6 no 1 in G major, William Boyce's Symphony 2 in A major and Unico van Wassenaer's Concerto 1 in G major.

Vibe was formed in 2012 and is the resident ensemble of the Valletta International Baroque Festival. The group plays on period instruments and comprises of professional Maltese-based musicians collaborating alongside internationally established early instrument specialists. 

Vibe made its debut at the 2014 festival with a very well received performance of the Monteverdi Vespers. Ambitious plans for the future are now being put in place following the group being awarded core funding from the Maltese government. Vibe is honoured to have Dame Emma Kirkby as its patron.

The 28 June concert at the Auberge d'Aragon, Independence Square, Valletta (opposite St Paul's Anglican Cathedral) is a culmination of a weekend masterclass given by top baroque musicians to members of Vibe. Tickets are €12 and can be purchased online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt. Capacity is limited so book early to avoid disappointment.