Following the success of last year's event, the International Baroque Festival returns to Valletta from 10th to 26th January 2014, sponsored by the Phoenicia Hotel which will be hosting many of the acclaimed artists, whilst also offering up to 20% off standard rates for all guests, with prices for executive rooms from just £84 per person per night* including breakfast.

The inaugural festival in 2013 attracted 700 overseas visitors to Valletta, and the creators at Manoel Theatre are keen to establish this as an annual event on the global cultural calendar, with continued success under artistic director Kenneth Zammit Tabona.

An exciting programme for January includes the world premiere of a parody of Rameau's opera Hippolyte et Aricie in collaboration with the Centre de Musique de Versailles, along with performances of three further works by this great French composer, to mark the 250th anniversary of his death.

There will be a total of 23 events, taking place over two weeks at venues across the city including baroque masterpiece St John's Co-Cathedral, the exquisite Manoel Theatre which is one of the oldest in Europe, plus the magnificent President's Palace and other churches and cathedrals. The festivities will begin with Handel's Messiah in Ta' Ġieżu Church on Friday 10th January.

Attracting renowned international talent as well as leading Maltese artists, the impressive roster of performers includes countertenor Max Emanuel Cencic, sopranos Gillian Zammit and Camille Paul, alto Claire Massa, tenor Nicholas Mulroy, guitarist Simon Schembri, The Goldberg Ensemble, The Anon Ensemble, the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra and the Valletta Festival Baroque Ensemble, amongst others.

Children can take part too, with three free workshops on offer, and there will be a sensational Baroque Costume Ball on Saturday 25th January at the Manoel Theatre from 9pm, with tickets just €25.

Phoenicia Hotel's sales and marketing director Rob Bruno commented, "We're delighted to be a part of the International Baroque Festival which showcases Valletta at its very best and will appeal to a broad spectrum of visitors with its varied programme, world-class performers and spectacular settings." Situated by the city walls, the Phoenicia offers easy access to all the festival events and boasts a host of wining and dining options including the famed Phoenix Restaurant, the Pegasus Brasserie with its healthy Mediterranean menu which is sourced from the kitchen garden on site, the elegant Palm Court Lounge and the Club Bar.

To book visit www.phoeniciamalta.com or call 0800 862 0025.

For the festival programme and tickets see: www.vallettabaroquefestival.com.mt

Flights to Malta from the UK in January start from as little as £83 return, including taxes and charges.**

ENDS

For further information contact Dee Gallagher or Dawn Comber at Spice PR on 0845 0940 396 or email dee.gallagher@spicepr.co.uk or dawn.comber@spicepr.co.uk

Notes to editor

*Based on winter rates offer for an executive room on 18-21 January 2014 for pre-paid online bookings, minimum three-night stay. Total price for two adults, for three nights on b&b basis €595.26/ £501.22. Sterling price may fluctuate with exchange rate.

**Based on travel from London Gatwick with easyjet, departing 18/1/14 and returning 19/1/14 www.easyjet.com