The Classique Foundation

bute in no small measure towards the realization of such events. Although it was formally constituted in 2009, the underlying mechanism of the Foundation has been in place for quite a number of years and has been operating on an informal basis since 2000. The idea of embarking on this project to promote classical music was born after a vocal and orchestral concert, Celebrity Concert, was organized at the Gozo Cathedral on the 28th April 2000. This was followed by another concert Verdi in concerto commemorating the 100th anniversary of the composer’s death. This was held in Victoria, Gozo, at the Don Bosco Oratory Theatre on the 5th May 2001. In 2002, the Foundation’s current artistic/music director was the mastermind behind the successful organisation of the Malta Première of Giacomo Puccini’s first opera Le Villi (in concert version). This was held at the Cathedral Square, Victoria, Gozo and at the President’s Palace Courtyard, Valletta, Malta. This opera featured the National Orchestra of Malta together with three international renowned singers. This première was also attended by the grand daughter of the composer and President of the “Istituto di Studi Pucciniani”, Dr. Simonetta Puccini. Another highly acclaimed orchestral concert, Celebrity Concert 2003, was organized in 2003 at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, San Anton, Malta. In 2008, a concert was organized with a view to mark the 150th anniversary of Puccini’s birth. This concert, Puccini 150 – Anniversary Concert, was held at a fully-booked Aurora Opera House. Featuring in this concert were two internationally renowned singers accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of the young and energetic artistic/music director of the Foundation Joseph Debrincat. The huge success following Puccini 150 – Anniversary Concert in November 2008 set the ball rolling to have the organization of these concerts set in more formal terms and the Classique Foundation was formally constituted and entrusted to continue with such projects. The Foundation looks to its bright future with great optimism and enthusiasm and commits itself to continue its tradition of promoting culture in the Maltese Islands. In 2011, the Foundation organized another operatic concert Grand Operatic Concert featuring soprano Alessandra Rezza, tenor Franco Anile, the Malta Philharmonic orchestra under the direction of Mr. This concert was once again held at the Aurora Opera House.