Ave Maria Variations

The popular weekly lunchtime concerts organised by Barocco Foundation in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa will feature well-known soprano Marita Bezzina accompanied by versatile pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa.  The talented duo will perform a varied selection of Ave Maria compositions at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta, on Tuesday 31 October 2023 at 12:30pm.

This concert will showcase the diverse variations that have been created over the years, reflecting the profound spiritual and artistic significance of this beloved theme. One can expect to be transported on a spiritual journey while listening to Ave Maria compositions by renowned composers such as G. Verdi, J. Arcadelt, A. Gibilaro and Schubert as well as two local composers namely C. Camilleri and G. Fenech.  Ramona will perform piano intervals with the same timeless piece by Bach/Gounod and Lorenc.

Besides enjoying the enthralling music, the Church of Our Lady of Victory itself is worth a visit. Seeping with history and rich in architecture and artistic works, mainly due to it being the first church of Valletta and its painted baroque ceiling by Alessio Erardi, Our Lady of Victory is one of Malta’s richest treasures.  Built by Grand Master de Valette and the Order of St John after their victory in the Great Siege of 1565, it has been restored by Din l-Art Ħelwa, voluntary National Trust of Malta.  

After the concert, patrons are invited for free to the cellar of the church to watch a short audio visual show about the building, history and the restoration of this gem. 

Ave Maria Variations – A Musical Journey of Devotion will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 31 October 2023 at 12:30pm. Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of 10 euro. One can obtain the tickets prior to the concert from the venue itself or by email: baroccobookings@gmail.com or phone 79680952