Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565 and consequently adorned by its eight langues, Valletta not only had to serve as a powerful fort, but was also to become a strongpoint of culture, economy and politics in the world. Embellished at the height of the baroque period, Valletta rose to become a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen. The Valletta International Baroque Festiva
l has been conceived purposely as a celebration of this baroque identity of Valletta. During the Festival Valletta resounds with music from the period when it was built. More importantly, an international festival like this forthcoming edition will continue to, not only confirm and enhance Valletta’s prestige but, also show Europe that this small historical outpost in the Mediterranean has over the centuries played a vital role in European history. Centring around the Teatru Manoel, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe which also happens to be the only one in Europe that fulfils the role of a National Theatre, the Festival extends to the magnificence of St John’s Co-Cathedral, the atmospheric Valletta churches, the splendid Grandmasters’ Palace, the auberges and other baroque edifices. No stone has been left unturned in securing some of the best contemporary Baroque exponents of the moment, both from the international sphere as well as locally. Finally, the high calibre programme that has been put together should not only give this Festival the international status that it deserves but also extend the Baroque map of Europe to Malta.
