The Republic Hall at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, on Friday hosted ballet, play and musical performance The Crystal Palace.

Held as part of the 50th anniversary of Russian-Maltese diplomatic relations, the show included a recreation of the atmosphere of the 18th century using original Baroque decorations and costumes, based on historical archives.

The music on the night was of the famous contemporary composer Alexey Shor, which was specially selected for this performance.

A specially erected palace, where the walls, the bed and even the flowers are made of ice

Mr Shor, like no other, connects Russia and Malta through his musical pieces.

Born in the former Soviet Union, he is now a composer-in-residence with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Academy.

The Crystal Palace takes place in 1740, at the court of the Empress Anna Ioannovna.

During a luxurious celebration, the Empress learns about two sweethearts and orders them to marry.

But the hearts of the lovers are not filled with joy. For the bride and the groom, by the order of the Empress, must spend the winter night after the nuptials in a specially erected palace, where the walls, the bed and even the flowers are made of ice.

Celebrities and special guests from Russia and Malta took part in the production.

They included soloists of the Bolshoi and Mikhailovsky Theatres, ballet dancers of leading Moscow theatres, as well as the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the Malta Children’s Choir and students of the Maltese Brigitte Gauci Borda School of Ballet.