A lunchtime concert of Christmas carols taking place today in Valletta is a sure fire way to sprinkle some holiday spirit into the season.

Dorothy Baldacchino (soprano) and Bernard Busuttil (tenor) will be singing some of the world’s most loved and popular carols such as O Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night. The programme also includes perhaps lesser-known numbers from other countries such as Fum Fum Fum from Spain, Un Flambeau Jannette, Isabelle from France and Tu scendi dalle stelle from Italy.

These lunchtime concerts are aimed at giving a platform to local and foreign artists while creating a space for the audience to experience the best music the world has to offer in the charming oratory of St Francis.

The oratory has an interesting history. Before alterations carried out at the beginning of the 20th century, the large chamber was used as the refectory for the religious community. It was then transformed into an oratory, adorned by magnificent baroque paintings, a magnificent gilded altarpiece and original monks’ benches.

■ The concert is being held today at 12.30pm at the Oratory of St Francis in Valletta. This lunchtime concert series is raising funds for the Franciscan church which is undergoing an extensive restoration project. Tickets can be obtained from the venue itself half an hour before the concertbegins. For more details, phone 7968 0952 or send an e-mail to baroccomalta@gmail.com.