Le Méridien Phoenicia Malta is launching an appeal on behalf of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation to raise funds to restore “The Flagellation” that hangs in the sacristy of the co-cathedral.
It was painted in 1572 by a very accomplished Florentine artist, Stefano Pieri (1513–1600). The importance of this work, from an art historical point of view, is that Caravaggio is bound to have known this work and it had probably still hung over the altar of the chapel of the English Langue while he was in Malta.
Caravaggio is known to have had an exceptionally good visual memory and applied the ideas gleaned from it after he had left the island.
The Pieri painting is considered by art historians to be an outstanding example of his school. The work at present is in a poor state of preservation. With the passage of time and the accumulation of candle grease, the varnish has darkened to such an extent that it is becoming difficult to appreciate the painting. This beautiful and important work of art is in desperate need of restoration.
Le Méridien Phoenicia has been a part of Malta’s heritage since it opened in 1947, as the first 5-star hotel. Ben Sington, general manager of the hotel says, “It is vitally important that business in Malta supports the community at large. St John’s Co-Cathedral is the most visited tourist attraction in Malta. We have many guests who come to Malta to experience Malta’s rich history. This appeal to raise funds for the restoration of an important masterpiece at the Cathedral is our way of harnessing Malta’s business to help preserve Malta’s heritage.”
To launch the appeal for funds, Le Méridien Phoenicia is organising an event on Thursday. Voices Choeur International will give a concert at Le Méridien Phoenicia at 7pm followed by a reception, supported by Wands Ltd and Delicata, in the gardens of the hotel.
Voices Chœur International was created in January 1989 by Bonnie Woolley, an American choir director and singer and is attending the International Sacred Music Festival - 2006. Voices is unique in France for its repertoire and the international origins of its singers.
Voices has over 50 experienced choir members, from countries all over the world, who join together to share their love of American a capella choral music. In Paris, Voices Chœur International has gained a following of listeners who appreciate its authentic approach performing religious songs of the pilgrims to the energetic work songs of the pioneers, from Negro Spirituals to jazz. Voices also perform works by such 20th century composers as Bernstein, Britten, Rutter and Gorecki.
An auction of outstanding prizes will also be held to raise additional funds, which will go towards the appeal. These include:
• A trip to Paris, with accommodation at Le Meridien Etoile, dinner at a Michel Rostang restaurant and tickets to Paris’ leading Jazz Club.
• The first ever sale of a Jereboam (3Lts) of Marsovin Grand Maitre wine.
Tickets cost Lm5 per person plus Lm10 donation, all
of which will go directly to the fund. Tickets are
available from Karen Coppini on 2291 1041 or
[email protected]
There will also be a collection box at St John’s Co-Cathedral and Le Méridien Phoenicia for visitors.