Ad Caelum – Sacred Baroque Arias and Psalm

Barocco Foundation, in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, invites audiences to a special lunchtime recital on Tuesday 31 March at 12:30pm, taking place at the magnificent Our Lady of Victory Church, Valletta.

Titled Ad Caelum, the concert presents a reflective programme of sacred Baroque music performed by the well-known Maltese mezzo-soprano Clare Ghigo, accompanied by the talented pianist Elaine Mercieca. Set within the beautiful and historic surroundings of this early Baroque church, the recital offers a moment of musical contemplation during Holy Week.

The curated programme brings together expressive sacred works by two great masters of the Baroque era. From George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Theodora (HWV 68), audiences will hear the deeply moving arias “Defend Her, Heaven” and “Angels Ever Bright and Fair.” 

These will be complemented by selections from Antonio Vivaldi’s Nisi Dominus (RV 608) — a powerful setting of Psalm 127 — including Nisi Dominus, Vanum est vobis, Surgite, Cum dederit, Sicut sagittae, Beatus vir, Gloria Patri et Filio, Sicut erat in principio, and Amen.

Together, these works create a programme of spiritual depth and lyrical beauty, making Ad Caelum a particularly fitting musical offering during this solemn period of the liturgical calendar.

This lunchtime concert forms part of the Barocco Foundation’s ongoing mission to promote high-quality performances of Baroque and early music in Malta while celebrating the island’s remarkable artistic heritage.

Ad Caelum – Sacred Baroque Arias and Psalm: will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 31 March at 12:30pm. Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of €13.  One can obtain the tickets prior to the concert from the venue itself or by email: baroccobookings@gmail.com/baroccomalta@gmail.com or phone 79680952.