The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra led by Marcelline Agius will perform the Messa da Requiem by Antonio Nani on April 15 at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta.

The Requiem Mass will be held in collaboration with the Metropolitan Chapter and the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation. It will see the participation of Gillian Zammit, Nino Batatunashvili, Charles Vincenti and Anthony Montebello, and the Pro Canto Choir (choir master Josef Bugeja) under the direction of Emanuel Spagnol.

Soprano Gillian Zammit is a versatile performer with a repertoire that ranges from Baroque to 20th century opera.

Following her role as Gilda in Rigoletto during the Manoel Theatre Opera Festival, the international magazine Opera described her as "having all the qualities Verdi demands of his Gilda, which should fit her for an international career".

Mezzo-soprano Nino Batatunashvili was born in Georgia in 1981 and studied at the State Conservatory of Tbilisi. She has taken part in many operatic productions in Italy and this performance of Nani's Requiem will be her third appearance in Malta.

Tenor Charles Vincenti has taken part in a number of operas including Tales Of Hoffmann, Gianni Schicchi, Tosca, Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Un Ballo in Maschera, Otello, Romeo et Juliette, Candide, Dido and Aeneas and Cavalleria Rusticana.

For bass Anthony Montebello, this performance of Nani's Requiem is not his first and during his long career he has sung numerous principal roles and main parts in operas, oratorios and cantatas.

After his early musical training with his father Nazzareno, Emanuel Spagnol joined the Manoel Theatre Orchestra and the National Orchestra as principal horn.

The concert, which will be held under the patronage of President Eddie Fenech Adami, is supported by Vodafone Malta Foundation, Bank of Valletta, Frank's Perfumery, Air Malta and Music Link.

The concert starts at 8 p.m. and entrance is free. Patrons are reminded that the wearing of stiletto and narrow heels is strictly prohibited.