Strings and Poetry of Love

The much-loved lunchtime concert series returns to the historic setting of Our Lady of Victory Church on Tuesday 5th May at 12:30pm, offering a richly evocative musical and literary experience. Presented by the Barocco Foundation in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, this special recital brings together the expressive power of the classical guitar with the beauty of the spoken word.

Renowned Maltese guitarist Bernard Catania will lead audiences on a captivating journey through Latin and Spanish-inspired soundscapes, performing a programme that blends passion, nostalgia, and virtuosity. The recital opens with the timeless Adagio from Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo, whose hauntingly lyrical lines have become emblematic of the classical guitar repertoire. Works by great Spanish masters follow, including the fiery Asturias (Leyenda) by Isaac Albéniz and the graceful Danza Española No. 5 by Enrique Granados, alongside the shimmering tremolo masterpiece Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega.

The programme broadens its palette with the tender lyricism of Cavatina by Stanley Myers, famously associated with The Deer Hunter, and the atmospheric beauty of La Petite Fille de la Mer by Vangelis Papathanassiou. From Latin America, the lush romanticism of Julia Florida by Agustín Barrios adds a deeply expressive voice, while arrangements by Miguel Llobet evoke Catalan folk traditions in El Noy de la Mare and El Testament d’Amèlia. The concert also ventures into the virtuosic Romantic repertoire with works by Johann Kaspar Mertz, and concludes with beloved Spanish traditional melodies such as Romanza and Malagueña, brimming with warmth and character.

Enhancing this musical journey, the recital will be interwoven with a selection of rich and evocative poetry, beautifully delivered by Miriam Agius. Her readings will complement the programme’s emotional landscape, creating a dialogue between music and words that deepens the audience’s experience.

Strings and Poetry of Love: will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 05 May 2026 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.