November is right around the corner, and what better way to start the month than to relish in the beauty of our extraordinary palaces coupled with unique performances? The Three Palaces Festival returns with a five-day programme of events, characterised by a sublime repertoire, historic venues and a marvellous line-up of local and international artists.

Happening between the 30th of October and the 3rd of November, this year’s edition pays homage to Marco Polo on his 700th year anniversary from his death, drawing inspiration from his birthplace – Venice, Italy. The programme outlines a musical journey inspired by the enriching voyages of The Silk Road, which was an ancient trade route that connected the Eastern and Western hemisphere. Using this as a springboard, the festival is visually represented through Antonio Vivaldi, who was also a prominent Venetian figure, and his work – The Four Seasons. This can be seen through the intricate imagery and artistic visuals which highlight this year’s edition.

The festival takes you on an extraordinary artistic journey through unique historic venues around the Maltese islands, which include the magnificent Gran Salon at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, the Presidential summer residence of Verdala in Siġġiewi, and the recently restored Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, to name a few. These grand venues, coupled with the sublime repertoire curated by Artistic Director Michelle Castelletti promises a unique festival experience that celebrates Malta’s rich and vibrant heritage.

While boasting a unique programme which treats its audience to a repertoire of classical performances coupled with unique elements, this year’s highlights include ‘Come and Sing’, ‘Roses, Carnevale and Angels Unmasked’, and ‘Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons’.

‘Come and Sing’ is an engaging performance that invites audiences to join the Amadeus Chamber Choir and the St Paul’s Choral Society in a glorious concert held at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. The performance will include works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach, Handel and others, promising a night of musical splendour. If you want to be part of this experience, registration is open until the 28th of October. If you don’t want to participate, we still recommend that you attend this concert as an audience member, to experience this concert live.

 A first for The Three Palaces Festival is the event ‘Antionio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons’. The event invites you to the Verdala Palace in Siġġiewi for a concerto by the Valletta Baroque Ensemble featuring soloist Stefan Calleja, which will celebrate Antonio Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’ followed by a masked Venetian ball. This is truly a unique treat if you enjoy dressing up and would like to get a taste of one of Venice’s unique customs.

Another highlight event is ‘Roses, Carnevale and Angels Unmasked’, featuring harpist Alexander Ryder who will perform a world premiere of Lauren Scott’s ‘Flight of the angel (behind the mask)’ among other works at the beautiful Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar. A special addition to this concert is an artisanal market with mosaics, lace-making, filigree and other hand-made creations, that will be hosted by the Palace prior to the performance. 

The Three Palaces Festival and Festivals Malta, in collaboration with Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant, Malta's Region of Culture 2024, will host a number of Four Seasons themed children's activities.

Children are invited to join in on the 2nd of November across various localities with the participation of 6 local councils: Ta' Xbiex, Msida, Swieqi, Sliema, Għargħur & Pembroke.

Want to find out more about The Three Palaces Festival? Make sure to visit Festivals Malta for more information about this year’s programme and to buy your tickets. Don’t forget to follow the festival’s Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates.

The Three Palaces Festival is organised by Festivals Malta and supported by the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government.

Will you be joining this year’s edition of The Three Palaces Festival?