As in painting, sculpture, music, literature and dance, fashion had an important role in the history of Baroque where detail, exuberance and grandeur were the defining features of this style. The style started around 1600 in Rome and spread to most of Europe. Between 1600-1650, Western European clothing is characterised by the disappearance of the ruff in favour of broad lace or linen collars.

Waistlines rose through the period for both men and women. The silhouette, which was essentially close to the body with tight sleeves, gradually softened and broadened. Sleeves became very full, and in the 1620s and 1630s were often paned or slashed to show the voluminous sleeves of the shirt or chemise beneath. Between 1650 and 1700, rapid change ensued. Men's clothing started featuring decorative exuberance where the broad, high-waisted silhouette of the previous period was replaced by a long, lean line with a low waist for both men and women. This period also marked the rise of the periwig as an essential item of men's fashion.

For women, the wide, high-waisted look of the previous period was gradually superseded by a long vertical line with horizontal emphasis at the shoulder. Full, loose sleeves ended just below the elbow at mid century and became longer and tighter in keeping with the new trend. The body was tightly corseted, with a low, broad neckline and dropped shoulder. In later decades, the overskirt was drawn back and pinned up to display the petticoat, which was heavily decorated.

Baroque extravagance and opulence will come to the fore as a final tribute to the first edition of the Valletta International Baroque Festival 2013, which will come to a close with a Grand Ball inside Manoel Theatre next Saturday, 26 January.

The Grand Baroque Ball will feature a live brass and wind ensemble conducted by Sigmund Mifsud which will be performing a baroque-inspired repertoire and all those attending will be expected to turn up in their best period costume attire. Alternatively, guests may also opt for black tie and Venetian masks.

Doors to the Manoel Theatre open at 9pm and the limited tickets are available at €20 per person. For an additional €50, couples or small groups can also book one of the theatre boxes where they can rest and enjoy the ball and the atmosphere in a more relaxed environment.

“The Baroque festival will be a feast of all that is Baroque – from the music performed on period instruments to the baroque venues that will host the various concerts and finally, the baroque stage that Valletta is bound to become. Therefore, celebrating the conclusion of this first edition of the festival with a Grand Baroque Ball will be a most natural event to host inside our prestigious Manoel Theatre,” states Kenneth Zammit Tabona, artistic director of the Festival.

When it comes to Baroque costumes, Manoel Theatre is indisputably one of the best sources. Over the years, the Theatre’s wardrobe has managed to build a vast collection of costumes. As such, those wishing to hire a costume for the Grand Baroque Ball may contact the Theatre’s wardrobe department on 2559 5524 or 2122 2618.

To book seats, phone the booking office on 2124 6389; email [email protected]

A lunchtime concert by

As part of the Valletta International Baroque Festival, nine musicians from the Combattimento Consort Amsterdam which will be in Malta for two performances of the Baroque Festival, will be giving a Lunchtime Concert on Tuesday between 12.15pm and 1.15pm at the Manoel Theatre’s Sala Isouard.

The one hour programme will feature a variety of baroque compositions ranging from those by the earlier baroque composers such as B. Marini (1587 - 1663), T. Merula (1595 - 1665), Antonio Bertali (1605 - 1669), J. H. Schmelzer (1620/23 - 1680) to the later composers such as H. I. F. von Biber (1644 -1704), H. Purcell ( 1659 -1695) and A. Vivaldi (1678 - 1741)

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Combattimento Consort Amsterdam are one of the main performers at this year’s Valletta International Baroque Festival during which they will be staging two separate productions namely G.P. Telemann’s comic opera Pimpinone inside the Throne Room of the President’s Palace on Wednesday, followed by a programme of Bach cantatas at the Jesuits’ Church on Thursday both conducted by Jan Willem de Vriend. These two performances both start at 7.30pm.

Founded in 1982 by violinist Jan Willem de Vriend, the Combattimento Consort Amsterdam has developed into a close-knit ensemble specialising in music between 1600 and 1800. In view of the repertoire, concerts comprising small and medium-sized groups of instruments are given, but each year, the ensemble also programs oratorios and operas. Combattimento's musicians perform on instruments built in the 19th century.
Entrance to the Lunchtime Concert by Combattimento Consort Amsterdam is free of charge however, those interested in attending should contact the Manoel’s booking office on 21 246389 or by email on [email protected] to reserve a seat.