Sacred Arias

Best-Loved Arias

The successful weekly lunchtime concert series at the Oratory of St. Francis in Republic Street, Valletta will continue on Tuesday 8^th March 2016 at 12:30pm. The regular performances present varied performers and musicians, offering sparkling and stimulating classical music on a weekly basis.

Charlene Portelli is a talented artist who has made a name for herself in Malta for her clear and beautiful soprano voice.  She will be giving a recital of sacred arias when she will be singing some of the world’s best-loved arias.

After studying the piano, Portelli started vocal training under Claire Massa at the Johann Strauss School of Music. Charlene formed part of Vocalise, Minigig and Teatru Manoel Youth Opera. She has participated in a number of summer master classes both locally and abroad namely Lidal North Opera Workshop in Oslo and Atelier Lyrique in Malta. Portelli played the role of the 2^nd witch in Dido and Aeneas, the Novice in Suor Angelica, Midinettes in Il Tabarro and Despina in Cosi Fan Tutte. Other credits include sacred and secular works by Maltese composers namely Burlo, Bugeja, Azopardi, Mallia-Pulvirenti, Isouard and Attard. She has also had the opportunity of participating as a soloist in the Annual Christmas Concert, Movie Spectacular and recently, the Teatru Manoel Youth Opera with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. Portelli has participated as a soloist in Christopher Muscat’s Stabat Mater which has been released on a CD. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Art and Music and an ALCM diploma in pianoforte. She is currently pursuing her vocal studies under the guidance of Bulgarian soprano Andriana Yordanova.

The venue, the baroque Oratory, was originally the friars’ refectory.  Over the years, it had been transformed into an oratory, hence it is beautifully adorned by magnificent baroque paintings, an elaborate gilded altarpiece and monks’ benches. The lunchtime concerts are a wonderful way to visit and enjoy the beautiful chapel. 

The events are fund raising events for the Franciscan Church, which is undergoing extensive structural restoration. Tickets for the lunchtime concerts, costing 8 euro, can be obtained from the venue itself half an hour before the concert begins. For more details phone 7968 0952 or email: baroccomalta@gmail.com

W.A Mozart

Alleluia