Grand choral concert brings Victoria arts festival to a close

The 14th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival came to an end with a grand choral orchestral concert at St George’s Basilica, Victoria, on July 11.

Participating in the concert, under the direction of Joseph Vella, were the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, cellist Simon Abdilla Joslin, soprano Miriam Cauchi, the basilica’s resident choir and festival organiser the Laudate Pueri Choir, and the Girls and Gentlemen of Rochester Cathedral Choir.

The concert featured works by Britten, Mozart, Barber and Vella’s Concertino for Violoncello and Orchestra. This year’s festival saw performers from 16 countries, including Sicily, China and Korea, among others.

Around 30 cultural events were spread over a five-week programme that featured Baroque masterpieces on the newly-acquired 1785 Antunes harpsichord, orchestral concerts, bands, choirs and chamber music.