Chanson D'Amour

Barocco Foundation in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa presents emerging soprano Gabrielle Portelli accompanied by versatile pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa during a romantic lunchtime concert at the beautiful Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta.  This recital will take place on Tuesday 21 November 2023 at 12:30pm.

The charming programme contains various German and French arias, melodie and lieder revolving around different aspects of love, such as Winmung by R. Schumann, Mandoline and Nuit d’étoiles by C. Debussy.  Other classical and timeless compositions include Auf Flügeln des  Gesanges by F. Mendelssohn, Gretchen am Spinnrade and Wohin? by F. Schubert together with the spirited and dramatic piece  Kommt ein Schlanker Bursch Gegangen from the opera ‘Der Freischütz’ by C. Weber. 

This delightful programme includes two piano solos by Ramona featuring the enticing Flower Duet from ‘Lakmé’ by L. Delibes and the mesmerizing Barcarolle from ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ by J. Offenbach.  Gabrielle will also sing Edvard Grieg’s masterpieces Solveig’s Song and Ich Liebe Dich. Other emotional pieces include Das Rosenband by Strauss-Kahn, the lively aria Mein Her Marquis from ‘Die Fledermaus’ by Straus-Kahn II as well as Les Ouiseaux dans La Charmille from ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ by J. Offenbach. This engaging recital will conclude with G. Fauré’s romantic pieces Les Berceaux and Chanson d’Amour.

The Church of Our Lady of Victory, with its painted ceiling by baroque artist Alessio Erardi, is the first church of Valletta and a magnificent setting for the cultural events. It was 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 documentary about the building, history and the restoration of this gem. 

Chanson d’Amour will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 21 November 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.