We are half way through the baroque festival. I am delighted with the overwhelming and enthusiastic response elicited by the public who have, one and all, vindicated my confidence that yes, there is a demand for baroque music and that yes, celebrating our capital city does make sense. I am delighted that I can look at all those people who supported the idea, primarily the Government, in the eye and tell them that the gamble they took at my instigation has paid off.
The intellectual and cultural spinoffs for us will bear fruit. In addition, the people who came from overseas especially for the festival and who have marvelled at the treasures found in the various Valletta venues used are our best advertisements who will ensure that next year’s festival will be even better than this year’s despite the very narrow margin left for improvement. Therefore one can look at a serious festival like the Valletta International Baroque Festival as a long-term investment which will reap all sorts of dividends.
The two concerts by the Malta Philharmonic and violinist Carmine Lauri at the Palace started the festival off with a bang. Having the Quattro Stagioni played was a treat rarely enjoyed but...
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