A grand performance of Handel’s Messiah will be staged at Valletta’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral in aid of the €3 million appeal to save the iconic building from collapse.

The performance will feature the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the Goldberg Ensemble, and a special appearance from the University of Western Australian Choral Society.

The Valletta Skyline Appeal said today that the Australian performers were flying over especially from Perth to take part in the fund raising show.

With a history stretching over eight decades, the society has performed along the likes of Luciano Pavarotti in front of crowds in Verona, New York, Vienna, Moscow, and St Petersburg.

The highly anticipated performance will be conducted by Maestro Michael Laus, featuring leading Maltese singers Gillian Zammit, Claire Massa, Juan Gambina, and Albert Buttigieg.

The appeal’s co-chairman Martin Scicluna told reporters at a press conference earlier today that Handel’s Messiah, “one of man’s grandest musical achievements”, had a particular connection to Malta as it was believed that the Baroque composer performed the piece for the first time using the organ that is today housed in the Valletta pro-cathedral.

Asked about the restoration appeal, Mr Scicluna said efforts were underway to obtain planning permits to cover restoration works, which they hope will begin in the first quarter of next year.

Some €560,000 have been raised so far and Mr Scicluna said the appeal is hoping to tap into some EU funds to help the cause.

The pro-cathedral’s tower and 60-metre spire, built between 1839 and 1844 have both deteriorated dramatically in recent years and risk collapse.

Prince Charles and billionaire theatrical producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh have both donated to the cause.

Read: Billionaire donates €100,000 to Save the Valletta Skyline fund

Tickets for the performance – which will take place at the pro-cathedral on Friday, January 12, at 7pm – will be available from the Manoel Theatre booking office on a first come, first serve basis from today.

Price categories are €75 for gold tickets, €55 for silver, and €35 for bronze.

A group of choristers from the University of Western Australia's Choral Society are flying to Malta to help raise funds for the appeal.A group of choristers from the University of Western Australia's Choral Society are flying to Malta to help raise funds for the appeal.

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