Now commonly and affectionately known as the VIBE, the Valletta International Baroque Ensemble is simply that. It has a core of local gifted musicians who collaborate with other musicians from different countries devising their own concerts and playing on period instruments.
Since in every major European capital there are such ensembles, the need for one was felt here especially with Valletta 2018 on the ever approaching horizon. It was born of collaboration between Sarah Spiteri, the distinguished violinist and viola player, and Sally Jackson, a Briton with a Maltese grandfather.
The latter specialises in a number of period wind instruments, particularly the ancestors of, among others, the bassoon.
The Ensemble was ready for its public very well-attended debut in December 2012 at St Paul’s Anglican pro-Cathedral, with the participation of the celebrated soprano Dame Emma Kirkby, one of the leading singers of the baroque repertoire.
This was a foretaste of the first edition of the VIBM Festival which was just round the corner and kicked off in January 2013. The VIBE has taken part in every edition since, including the much acclaimed Monteverdi Vespers (1610) in 2014. Perhaps it is kind of fitting that this year’s two concerts which VIBE is presenting during the festival will both take place at the Anglican Cathedral.
It may not be a strictly baroque edifice but its neoclassic diversity goes well with the musical menu prepared for the first concert on Saturday at 4.30pm.
There is a lot to be said for afternoon concerts since some music lovers are not always free in the evening. The vocal and instrumental banquet VIBE is presenting features soprano Gillian Zammit, tenor Charles Daniels and bass Albert Buttigieg, all of whom are highly respected and experienced soloists.
The music is drawn from three different countries, namely England, Germany and where it all started: Italy. From the latter there is music by among the greatest: Monteverdi and Giovanni Gabrieli and also Tarquinio Merula born: well, well, in Busseto.
The English contribution comes from the pen of celebrities like Byrd, Dowland and Purcell and for good measure, is Robert Parsons while Germany’s comes from the country’s two greatest pre-Bach composers Heinrich Schütz and Samuel Scheidt.
On Tuesday, January 26 at 7.30pm, always at the Anglican pro-Cathedral of St Paul, the VIBE will present Unity in Diversity and will include Antonio Vivaldi’s Sinfonia in E minor for strings and continuo RV 134 and a Concerto for Four Violins.
• Tickets may be obtained by e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt, online from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt or by calling 2124 6389.