The Valletta Baroque Festival has officially returned for the 12th edition and is currently running its three-week programme between 11 and 28 January, of which the first week out of three already drew to a close.

Festivals Malta is producing more than thirty high calibre concerts in collaboration with Teatru Manoel and under the artistic direction of Kenneth Zammit Tabona.

Although January is known as a shoulder month for tourism, this festival has managed to constantly attract worldwide audiences who are flying exclusively to experience with great eagerness the authentic spirit of baroque. So far, the festival has been well received with positive reviews from international platforms such as BachTrack and Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk.
The festival is a celebration of baroque music and the varied programme is hosting audiences in at least fifteen historic baroque venues around the island, some of the nation's own cherished treasures. These include the Verdala Palace in Siġġiewi, San Anton Palace in Attard and St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

On January 11, the festival opened its doors with a grand opening of the concert "St John's Passion" BWV 245 by Johann Sebastian Bach in St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, with a performance by the Valletta Baroque Ensemble (ViBE) and KorMalta under the direction of Riccardo Bianchi.

La Serva Padrona by Pergolesi, which has been adapted for a younger audience, with musical direction by Sarah Spiteri and stage direction by Jacob Piccinino, will close this festival on January 28th. The same production was also specially staged for schools last Tuesday. Robin Pharo, Zefiro Ensemble, Alon Sariel, Holland Baroque with Wu Wei, Lucile Boulanger, Vox Luminis, and Les Contre-Sujets are among the exceptionally talented international musicians who have participated or will participate in this festival.
"The festival remains as eclectic as ever, incorporating traditional early music disciplines alongside rock and jazz, making it one of the most appealing festivals in Europe with something for everyone. From its very inception this festival enjoyed a strong international reputation and has established itself among the top ten festivals of its kind in Europe," says artistic director Kenneth Zammit Tabona.

Moreover, the line-up showcases the immense talent of local artists by inviting several local musicians, including Festivals Malta's own Valletta Baroque Ensemble (ViBE) and Abos Project & Consort, who add a distinct Maltese flavour to the festival.
The concert BaRock, led by The Rock Troupers and ProMużika Ensemble, will also return at  Teatru Manoel in Valletta, which concert has now become a household favourite among audiences. Furthermore, the festival has presented a series of concerts of Bach's piano concertos by some of the best local pianists in collaboration with The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and under the baton of Michael Laus.
The festival presents a remarkable display of musical talent that will stay in everyone's hearts and minds, all while charmingly fusing music, history, and beloved Maltese heritage.
The Valletta Baroque Festival is produced by Festivals Malta in collaboration with Teatru Manoel and Visit Malta, and supported by the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.

Tickets and more information are available on www.festivals.mt/vbf.