MALTA
Valletta International Baroque Festival January 15–21, 2021 from £2295 per person | with Ashley Solomon
St John’s Co-Cathedral
• Bask in the superb playing of artists including harpsichordists Steven Devine and Mahan Esfahani and early music ensembles Les Passions de L’Ame and Combattimento Consort Amsterdam • Join the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment for Handel’s Apollo & Daphne • Delve into Malta’s fascinating history with a visit to the island of Gozo, inhabited for thousands of years One of two European Capitals of Culture in 2018, Valletta has for several years offered a magnificent annual festival celebrating some of the finest Baroque music in the world. Our festival tour will encompass not only performances by world-class musicians, but we will also gain an insight into the vibrant history of a country with foundations stretching back to some of the world’s oldest civilisations. Opening both our tour and the 2021 festival are Swiss baroque ensemble Les Passions de l’Ame. Known for their fresh, lively playing as well as their individual specialisms in early music, these celebrated musicians are sure to offer fascinating interpretations of Bach’s Four Orchestral Suites. A treat lies in store at our second concert, as Steven Devine – Principal Keyboard Player with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment – brings us solo harpsichord works by Rameau; his recent recording of these pieces received acclamation from BBC Music Magazine, who described his playing as “excellent”, “spirited” and “thoughtful”. Devine will
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also broaden our experience of Bach’s timeless versatility in a concert featuring none other than the moog synthesizer – certainly an evening not to be missed! Midway through our tour, the Combattimento Consort Amsterdam, specialising in music composed between 1600 and 1800, will collaborate with Dutch soprano Claudia Patacca to bring us works on the intriguing theme of ‘lust and love lust’. Music from an international line-up of composers – including members of the Bach family, Marais and Dowland – will also feature when celebrated German cellist Isang Enders and Iranian-American harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani take to the stage. Rounding off our festival tour in style, Handel’s secular cantata Apollo & Daphne, inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, will come to life through the inspirational playing of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Alongside the music, the ancient history of Valletta is investigated in the prehistoric temples and walled city of Victoria on the island of Gozo, while the island’s Roman heritage is presented in Rabat’s Domus Romana Museum. We will stay throughout in Valletta’s fivestar Phoenicia Hotel, a recently renovated luxury hotel with magnificent gardens, located a short walk from the major visits on our tour. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour involves extensive walking within Valletta and during our excursions to Mdina and Gozo. Participants should be comfortable walking over uneven ground and have a good overall level of fitness.
This tour will be led by Ashley Solomon, FRCM, FRAM, Chair and Head of Historical Performance at London’s Royal College of Music and Director of the Baroque ensemble Florilegium.
Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change nearer the time. The festival’s musical programme is subject to confirmation, and the order and nature of our visits may also be adjusted once the performance venues have been confirmed.
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1125 on Air Malta, arriving Malta 1535. Transfer to the Phoenicia Hotel for six nights. Welcome and introduction followed by evening festival performance featuring Les Passions de L’Ame: Bach Four Orchestral Suites, BWV 1066-1069. Day 2 Whole day ferry excursion to island of Gozo: prehistoric temple of Ggantija, Dwejra Bay (Fungus Rock of the Knights), Victoria and St John’s Basilica. Day 3 Morning lecture followed by late morning festival performance featuring Steven Devine (harpsichord): works by Rameau. Afternoon visit to Palace of the Grand Masters (Palace Armoury and State Rooms). Evening festival performance featuring Combattimento Consort Amsterdam with Claudia Patacca (soprano): ‘Lust and love lust’ – programme to be announced. Day 4 Rabat for Domus Romana Museum (mosaics) and St Paul’s Catacombs. Afternoon: Mdina for cathedral and museum. Evening festival performance featuring Art of Moog: ‘Preludes and Moogs’ – programme to be announced. Day 5 Morning lecture followed by visit to Co-Cathedral of St John and Oratory (important masterpieces by Mattia Preti and Caravaggio). Lunchtime festival performance featuring Isang Enders (cello) and Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord): works by the Bach family, Marais, Dowland and others. Afternoon visit to Casa Rocca Piccola. Day 6 Morning lecture followed by visits in Valletta – ‘The Three Cities’ tour. Evening festival performance featuring the Orchestra of the Age of the Enlightenment: Handel Apollo & Daphne, HWV 122. Day 7 Illustrated morning lecture: The Baroque Flute – its History, Development and Repertoire. Some free time. Depart Malta 1655, arriving London Heathrow 1925.
Cost of £2295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a superior twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, superior double room for single use supplement £280. TOUR CODE: VALL21
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