Glorious Baroque: An Organ Recital with Soprano

Barocco Foundation in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa presents a special lunchtime concert at the historic Our Lady of Victory church in Valletta, featuring talented soprano Maria Grazia Grech accompanied by Mro. Abraham d’Amato on the church’s 18^th century pipe organ.  This recital takes place on Tuesday 15 October 2023 at 12:30pm

This varied and engaging programme opens with two serene and spiritually rich pieces, “Tantum Ergo”, part of the hymn by St. Thomas Aquinas, composed by Giloramo Abos, who was a Maltese composer during the 18^th century.  This will be followed by the graceful aria “Bist du bei mir (BWV 508)” attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, but composed by the prolific Baroque composer G. Heinrich Stölzel for the opera Diomedes.  The intriguing programme continues with two baroque pieces from Stabat Mater by G.B. Pergolesi, “Cujus Animam Gementem”, which is one of the most sacred works of the Baroque period that expresses the Virgin Mary’s deep sorrow at the foot of the cross, followed by “Vidit Suum Dulcem Natum” which continues the theme of maternal anguish, portraying Mary’s suffering as she gazes upon her son’s torment.

The next part of the programme features two solo organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach.  Mro. Abraham d’Amato will showcase the instrument’s versatility and his skill in “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” from Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147, followed by “Prelude in F Major, BWV 557”, which is a bright and uplifting piece.  This exquisite recital comes to an end with two pieces from the Messiah by G.F. Handel,”How Beautiful are the Feet HWV 56”, a graceful aria which celebrates the messengers who bring the good news of peace, and “I Know that my Redeemer Liveth HWV 56”, which is a declaration of faith and resurrection, followed by “O Mysterium Ineffabile” by J. Lallouette a stunning example that refletcts the profound awe and reverence surrounding the mystery of the divine and “Offertorio: Assumpta est Maria” by Maltese composer Francesco Azzopardi, a joyful and celebratory piece honouring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

 Glorious Baroque: An Organ Recital with Soprano -: will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 15th October 2024 at 12:30pm. Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of €10.  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.