Lullaby – A Cradle Musical Journey

Barocco Foundation, in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, is pleased to present its final lunchtime recital before the Christmas break—a serene and evocative musical offering held at the historic Our Lady of Victory Church in Valletta. 

Taking place on Tuesday 9 November at 12:30pm, the concert features the graceful voice of Italian soprano Bianca Simone, accompanied by the sensitive artistry of pianist Natalia Rakhmatulina. Together they offer an intimate programme that weaves through centuries of music inspired by the theme of the lullaby—a repertoire closely tied to the spirit and imagery of the Christmas season through the cradle song from the 18th century to the present day.

This beautifully crafted programme opens with two beloved cradle songs: Mozart’s gentle Wiegenlied, followed by Brahms’s timeless Wiegenlied, a melody cherished around the world for its warmth and tenderness. The journey continues with the delicate colourings of Cyril Scott’s Lullaby and the haunting simplicity of Manuel de Falla’s Nana, drawn from his Siete canciones populares españolas. The Italian tradition of the ninna nanna is represented through Tosti’s touching contribution to the genre, leading into Schubert’s Moment Musical in A-flat major (Op. 94, No. 2), a reflective piano interlude that deepens the contemplative atmosphere.

The programme then turns distinctly towards sacred and devotional lullabies, further enhancing its Christmas resonance. Two works by Saint Alfonso Maria de’ Liguori—Fermarono i cieli and Quanno nascette ninno—bring an expressive spiritual dimension, echoing the Neapolitan and pastoral origins of these cherished songs. 

Katherine Wright’s modern carol Child in a Manger offers a contemporary reflection on the nativity theme, while José Ramón Gomis’s A la nanita nana enriches the concert with its Spanish melodic charm. The recital concludes with Adolphe Adam’s radiant O Holy Night, a favourite of the festive season and a fitting culmination to this musical exploration of comfort, wonder, and reverence.

Lullaby: will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 09 December 2025 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 or phone 79680952.

The lunchtime concert series at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta will resume on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. We look forward to welcoming you back for another year of enriching midday music