The Valletta International Baroque Ensemble (Vibe) gave a concert at a packed All Souls church in Valletta. The programme included Purcell’s Chacony in G minor, Michel’Ang Vella’s Sonata a tré No 6, Handel’s Musette from Concerto Grosso Op 6, Corelli’s Ciaconna in G major op. 2, Vivaldi’s Concerto for 4 violins from L’Estro Armonico.

This was the culmination of a three-day masterclass, the purpose of which was to offer the opportunity to Maltese musicians interested in trying out baroque instruments and working with three excellent baroque tutors.

Vibe is a very important offshoot of the established Valletta International Baroque Festival which takes place every January and is organised by the Manoel Theatre. It is jointly coordinated by Sally Jackson from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Sarah Spiteri from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

The ensemble is already affiliated to the Ambronay Festival, one of the leading opera and early music festivals, through the European Creative Project Emerging European Ensembles. This project includes partners from France, Italy, the UK, Germany, Slovenia, Romania and Latvia.

Vibe is also to be included in an international project that will showcase Maltese art that can be exported by our embassies abroad.

The next masterclasses for voice and baroque wind and brass, which will also culminate in a public concert, will take place on October 12. Following this, the ensemble will perform at two concerts during the Valletta International Baroque Festival 2015.