Dress Code: We are encouraging people to dress-up for the occasion. Programme Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741)

         Violin Concerto in E major RV 269 ‘Spring’

         Allegro – Largo – Allegro

         Violin Concerto in G minor RV 315 ‘Summer’

         Allegro non molto – Adagio e piano, Presto e forte – Presto

         Violin Concerto in F major RV 293 ‘Autumn’

         Allegro – Adagio molto - Allegro

         Violin Concerto in F minor RV 297 ‘Winter’

         Allegro con molto – Largo – Allegro

Programme Note Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons (1723) stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved works in the classical music repertoire. Composed as a set of four violin concertos, each one is inspired by a different season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. What makes The Four Seasons unique is its vivid portrayal of nature; each concerto is inspired by a sonnet, likely written by Vivaldi himself, that describe scenes like birds singing in spring, thunderstorms in summer, and the biting winds of winter. This connection between music and narrative made The Four Seasons one of the earliest examples of programmatic music, where the composition tells a story or paints a picture.

These works have a timeless appeal and the ability to connect with listeners across generations. Vivaldi masterfully captures the spirit of each season through his music, evoking vivid emotions and imagery that continue to resonate beyond the 18th century.

Vivaldi was known as the "Red Priest" due to his red hair and his time spent as a priest. Despite his religious vocation, he was more famous for his teaching and compositions. Vivaldi was also a pioneer in his time, pushing the boundaries of what the violin could do and influencing composers for centuries to come.

Artist profile

Stefan Calleja - Soloist

Born in 1995, Stefan Calleja began violin lessons at age seven under Fiona Giambra. He later achieved the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music with Mario Bisazza's guidance. In 2017, Stefan graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Music Studies under Natalia Filipenko.

In 2020, Stefan earned a master's degree from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where he was a Trinity London College Scholar and Barbara and David Allen Scholar, studying with Clare Thompson. He interned with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and performed with prestigious ensembles, including the European Union Youth Orchestra, Mediterranean Youth Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, allowing him to tour across North America, Europe, and Asia.

As a soloist and chamber musician, Stefan has given numerous recitals in Malta and performed as a violin and cello duo with his wife, Desirée Calleja. His quartet, Malkonia Quartet, won first prize in the Sir John Barbirolli competition in 2019. From 2013 to 2019, he was concertmaster of the Malta Youth Orchestra.

Stefan has performed as a soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and worked with renowned conductors such as Gianandrea Noseda and Vasily Petrenko. He was a finalist for the Malta Arts Council's Young Artist of the Year award in 2018 and 2019. Stefan is currently the principal second violin with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and teaches violin and chamber music at the Malta School of Music.

Valletta Baroque Ensemble ViBE

Launched in December 2012, the Valletta Baroque Ensemble (ViBE) is the resident ensemble of the Valletta Baroque Festival. ViBE has delivered memorable performances of large-scale works, including Handel’s Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks, Messiah, and Dettingen Te Deum, as well as Monteverdi’s Vespro della Beata Vergine and Bach’s St John’s Passion. ViBE also performs at other events like the Three Palaces Festival and Malta International Organ Festival.

In addition to its festival appearances, ViBE organises standalone concerts focusing on Renaissance and Baroque works, with special attention to Maltese composers such as Girolamo Abos and Mikiel Anġ Vella. The ensemble has toured internationally, performing Maltese Baroque music in Madrid, Berlin, Paris, and Belgium.

ViBE collaborates with leading early music experts including Steven Devine, Catherine Martin and Mahan Esfahani, and regularly performs alongside KorMalta, Malta’s National Choir.