The eighth edition of the Valletta Baroque Festival was launched on Wednesday.

This festival is an initiative of Teatru Manoel, which falls within the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government.

"This edition is promising to be yet another spectacular celebration of baroque music in magnificent churches, theatres and palaces."

The forthcoming festival edition is predominantly secular, with various concertos from all over Europe, also infused with a dose of local talent.

Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici was present for the launch and said that "the festival has consistently gone from strength to strength, establishing itself in the baroque scene, whilst also enhancing our local cultural experience." 

Thanks to an indicative first survey which was done in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, the 2020 edition will focus more on paying further attention to the experience of concert-goers. 

"This falls in line with our strategy to make culture more accessible, in fact, this survey also highlights the economic benefits brought by the festival which gives tourism a boost during January," Bonnici continued. 

Minister Bonnici also announced an extra baroque opera, which has not been performed in living memory. The opera Pelopida, by Maltese composer Girolamo Abos, was composed in 1747 for Teatro Argentina in Rome and will open the 2020-2021 Teatru Manoel season in September.

Just like last year, the festival has branched out of Valletta for the 2020 edition, exploring beautiful baroque settings such as the Verdala Palace in Buskett and the St Philip of Agira Church in Ħaż-Żebbug, bringing baroque music to the places it was composed for. 

Some highlights for this year include the music of Pedro Riumonte in St John's Co-Cathedral, Music From the Missions by Florilegium which will bring music spanning from eight decades to the Jesuits' Church in Valletta, the Sacred Vivaldi Concert by La Serenissima at the Collegiate Church of St Paul in Rabat and the Bel Canto from Naples by Simone Kermes & Amici Veneziani at the Teatru Manoel, which will be closing off the festival in style. 

Teatru Manoel Artistic Director Kenneth Zammit Tabona spoke about how the festival offers something for everyone. In his address, he said that "we have reached the 8th edition of the festival and the tangible support we are receiving is undoubtedly a tribute to its success."

The 8^th edition of the Valletta Baroque Festival will be held between the 10^th and 25^th January 2020.