Join us for the Three Palaces Festival in Siġġiewi, where we had the pleasure of attending Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Recomposed in Palazzo Verdala.
Did you ever think you would have the opportunity to stroll through Malta's grand, historic palaces, each room resonating with the sublime sounds of world-class orchestral performances? Well, now you have the chance to do just that.
Welcome to The Three Palaces Festival, where Malta's rich history and vibrant culture merge into an unforgettable celebration of music and heritage. If you're a travel enthusiast passionate about immersive cultural experiences (I’m a huge fan of this!), this festival should be at the top of your must-visit list.
The Three Palaces Festival is Unlike Any Other
The Three Palaces Festival, organized by Festivals Malta, is more than just a series of concerts. It is a journey through time and art, set against the backdrop of Malta's most beautiful palaces (while we went to Verdala Palace in Siġġiewi, different shows are located in different cities and towns around the island). The festival transforms these historic venues into intimate concert halls, creating a unique atmosphere that enhances the musical experience. Attendees can expect a carefully curated program featuring a diverse range of performances, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.
Dr. Michelle Castelletti, the artistic director of The Three Palaces Festival, eloquently describes the festival's essence in her foreword: “This year marks Marco Polo’s 700th anniversary, the legendary traveler, writer, explorer, merchant [...] that triggered Venice, and a whole array of possibilities in my head. Firstly, I looked at the music of this great city through another iconic Venetian figure in Western classical music culture.” This celebration of this incredible time in history includes everything brings forth a "world of colour," reflecting the festival’s versatile and inclusive spirit.
The Splendour of Verdala Palace
Stepping into Verdala Palace is like wandering into a painting. Situated in Siġġiewi, Malta, this 16th-century marvel sits atop a hillside surrounded by the serene Buskett Gardens. Originally built as a hunting lodge for the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John, the palace now serves as the official summer residence for the President of Malta, though for the evening, it graciously opened its doors to festival-goers. The architectural style is a splendid blend of Maltese limestone and Italian Renaissance influences, with imposing walls and elegant archways that are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Inside, the palace is a dreamscape of intricate frescoes, grand staircases, and opulent chandeliers that illuminate the stone walls with a golden glow. Each detail tells a story of Malta’s rich heritage, from the gilded carvings to the antique tapestries that hang like silent witnesses to centuries gone by. The sheer elegance of the palace amplifies the experience, grounding the evening in history and giving a regal backdrop to the performance. To sit in the same halls that once housed knights, nobility, and dignitaries, all while anticipating a modern take on Vivaldi, added layers of depth to the evening.
I was so glad that I had dressed to the nines, as nothing short of this would have done any justice for this gorgeous location! Frans Agius, CEO of Festivals Malta, emphasizes this unique experience: “All of these buildings are historical backdrops that captivate our audiences for an excellent cultural and artistic experience.”
An Intimate Palatial Performance
The Three Palaces Festival is known for its cozy, close-up performances, and this one was no exception. The intimate setting featured a small audience of just about 60 people, lending the evening a sense of exclusivity and charm. Verdala’s grand hall, with its high ceilings and ornate Baroque style, provided an ideal acoustic cocoon for the evening’s concert. Unlike a typical concert hall where you feel part of a large crowd, here it felt as though each attendee was personally invited, sharing a secret musical experience in an ancient treasure.
The orchestra was set up at the far end of the room, their instruments gleaming in the warm glow of chandeliers. As the musicians took their places, there was an anticipatory hush, and the whole room seemed to hold its breath in shared reverence. The high, frescoed ceiling and exquisite details of the hall created a visual feast that complemented the evening’s music beautifully, adding a kind of visual harmony to the sonic experience. It’s hard to imagine a setting more fitting for a reimagined rendition of Vivaldi’s masterpiece, and the festival organizers deserve applause for choosing such a venue. Being surrounded by the beauty of the palace made the music feel even more like an opulent offering to each listener, enhancing the feeling that we were part of something unforgettable.
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Recomposed
The evening’s performance was a modern take on The Four Seasons, arguably one of Vivaldi’s most celebrated works. Originally composed in 1723, the piece captures the essence of each season through music, weaving a narrative that has enchanted listeners for centuries. This particular rendition, The Four Seasons Recomposed, offered a fresh interpretation while remaining rooted in the genius of Vivaldi’s composition. It felt like rediscovering a beloved classic with new eyes (or rather, ears), where familiar melodies were layered with inventive harmonies and rhythmic twists.
From the first notes of spring, the musicians brought each season to life with such vividness that you could almost feel the warmth of the sun on your face or the bite of winter’s chill. The violins soared, at times as joyous as birdsong, then suddenly sweeping into a stormy crescendo that made you hold your breath. The energy and precision of the players were nothing short of breathtaking, each musician as engaged in the storytelling as Vivaldi might have imagined.
Summer was intense, almost volatile, with rapid, swirling violins and deep undertones that evoked thunderstorms and sizzling heat. Autumn brought a harvest of richness, a warm, mellow dance of sound that resonated through the hall. Winter felt as if it was a study in contrasts—delicate and biting, soft yet intense.
I found myself wide-eyed and on the edge of my seat during some parts, yet relaxed with eyes closed to absorb the music into my very being at other times. The entire performance was a reminder of Vivaldi’s genius, but also of how music can evolve while still preserving the heart of the original. For anyone even remotely familiar with classical music, this experience was a rare delight, offering new layers to a classic that has already transcended time.
All in All
If you love travel and culture, The Festival Malta's Three Palaces Festival is an experience you won't want to miss. This festival offers a rare opportunity to enjoy world-class music in some of Malta's most historic and beautiful settings.
While this year, the event occurred between October 30th and November 3rd, you can visit their website to stay up-to-date on when the event will be back next. Let The Three Palaces Festival be your gateway to discovering Malta's rich heritage and enchanting beauty.
Your visit to Malta looks amazing, and so much fun! Thanks for sharing your visit to the Three Palaces Festival in Siġġiewi!
I love so much that your visiting Siggiesi during their Three Palaces Festival. Your not only showing the location, but also the culture. Perfect!
Such a vivid description of the enchantment and mystery of
Malta.
Time to book tickets to experience the beauty of Malta firsthand!