Kate De Cesare, director at the Eden Leisure Group, Simone Mizzi, former President of Din l-Art Ħelwa with Robert Buhagiar, organ restorer.Kate De Cesare, director at the Eden Leisure Group, Simone Mizzi, former President of Din l-Art Ħelwa with Robert Buhagiar, organ restorer.

The restoration of an 18th century positivo organ at the Our Lady of Victories Church in Valletta is nearing completion. 

Din l-Art Ħelwa is carrying out its restoration through Robert Buhagiar who is putting the final touches before an inaugural concert on December 5, as part of the Malta International Organ Festival.

The rare historic instrument, which is made up of 271 pipes was kept in storage for safe keeping by the Valletta Regeneration Committee.

When played it still projects the original timbre and pitch intended for it in the 18th century.

Its own original antique carved wooden cabinet was also discovered in the church by Din l-Art Ħelwa together with its ‘finto’ pair. Painstaking restoration of both revealed original gilt and paint in the Sicilian decorative style below layers of grey overcoat. Eden Leisure Group supported the restoration of the instrument.

Organist Hugo Agius Muscat who has personally followed the history of this organ for several decades will play the organ during the inaugural recital, accompanied in parts by baritone Joseph Lia.

The musical programme, chosen specially for an organ of this pitch and age will contain excerpts from Corelli, Bach and Zipoli, among others.

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