Voyage entre rêve et réalité

Voyage entre rêve et réalité — Opening the Sixth Season of Lunchtime Concerts at Our Lady of Victory, Valletta

The historic Church of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta will once again welcome music lovers on 6 October 2026 at 12:30pm, as it proudly launches the sixth consecutive year of its much‑loved lunchtime concert series. This year’s opening event, Voyage entre rêve et réalité, promises an exquisite musical experience that gently carries listeners between dream and reality through the finest French mélodies.

The concert features soprano Maria Grazia Grech, whose radiant voice and expressive artistry have made her a favourite with Maltese audiences, alongside pianist Sofia Narmania, celebrated for her refined touch and poetic sensitivity. Together, they will guide listeners through a beautifully curated programme that glows with atmosphere, elegance, and emotional nuance.

The recital unfolds through the shimmering world of French song: Duparc’s L’invitation au voyage sets the tone with its lush romanticism, followed by Chausson’s delicate Le Colibri and the poignant Les Berceaux of Fauré. Hahn’s L’Heure exquise offers a moment of pure stillness, while Debussy’s Chevaux de bois and Apparition bring colour, movement, and dreamlike imagery. Chausson returns with Le Temps des lilas, a work steeped in longing, before Fauré’s beloved Après un rêve invites listeners into a world of tender introspection. The programme concludes with Delibes’ sparkling Les Filles de Cadix, a joyful burst of virtuosity and flair.

Set within the intimate beauty of Our Lady of Victory — Valletta’s first church and a jewel of Maltese heritage — this opening concert is more than a musical event. It is a celebration of continuity, culture, and community, a strong collaboration between Din l-Art Helwa and Barocco Foundation, two organisations which both strive to enhance and preserve Maltese heritage.

Voyage entre rêve et réalité invites all who attend to pause, breathe, and be transported by music that speaks directly to the heart. It is a fitting beginning to another season of inspiring performances in one of Valletta’s most treasured historical churches.