Malta's annual International Baroque Festival returns to Valletta from 10th to 24th January 2015 with a packed programme of performances from a host of renowned Maltese and international artists.

The historic Phoenicia Hotel, set beside the city gates, is a sponsor of the festival and is offering room-only rates from just £57.50 per person sharing for a balcony room*, but be quick as many dates and concerts are already filling up.

Sales and marketing director Rob Bruno comments, “The number of advance bookings has exceeded expectation and certainly shows that the Valletta International Baroque Festival is now held in very high esteem across the globe.”

With 21 events taking place in a variety of spectacular venues throughout the UNESCO World Heritage City, with some offered free and others from as little as €10 per person, classical music enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice.

British countertenor Iestyn Davies will perform Handel Concert Arias with The King's Consort orchestra and choir on Wednesday 14th January in the Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest in Europe. Malta's Philharmonic Orchestra will perform works inspired by the baroque period including Ravel, Foss, Strauss and more on Saturday 17th January, and on Monday 19th January Bach's 'St John's Passion' will be performed in the breathtaking setting of St John's Co-Cathedral by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Other famed artists and ensembles include La Cappella Mediterranea, Belgian violinist Sigiswald Kuijken, Dutch chamber choir Nederlands Kamerkoor, celebrated Italian group Concerto dei Cavalieri, acclaimed Cologne-based orchestra Die Kölner Akademie and many more.

The finale will be the Baroque Festival Masked Ball, to take place in La Sacra Infermeria at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on Saturday 24th January, with tickets just €30.

The Phoenicia Hotel offers an ideal base for the festival, within walking distance of most events. Guests can dine in the hotel's acclaimed Pegasus and Phoenix restaurants and enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant Palm Court Lounge or a post-concert drink in the colonial Club Bar.

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

For the complete festival programme and to book concert tickets visit: http://www.vallettabaroquefestival.com.mt/ 

Fly to Malta from a host of UK departure airports with airlines including Air Malta, British Airways, easyjet and Ryanair. Prices for January 2015 start from as little as £68.98 return**.

ENDS

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

Notes to editor

*Based on 15-18 January 2015 for pre-paid online bookings, minimum three-night stay. Sterling price may fluctuate with exchange rate.

**Based on travel from London Gatwick with easyjet, departing 15/1/15 and returning 19/1/15 www.easyjet.com