The 14th edition of the Victoria International Arts Festival kicks off today. The opening concert will be a recital on the newly-acquired harpsichord, featuring top British harpsichordist Bridget Cunningham.

The harpsichord, which has been bought by funds from the Eco-Gozo programme, is a 1785 Antunes masterpiece and has been restored to its former glory by master-craftsman Colin Booth. Prior to being purchased by the VIAF Foundation, it had been exhibited at the famous Finchcocks Collection of Musical Instruments, Kent.

Mr Booth, himself a renowned harpsichordist, has lately recorded a CD of Bach’s Goldberg Variations on this instrument. The CD won rave reviews from critics and is available on www.soundboard-records.co.uk

This evening’s performer, Bridget Cunningham, is an award-winning harpsichordist, conductor and early music specialist. She has given lecture recitals and performances at the Royal College of Music, the National Gallery, and the Royal Academy of Art, apart from being guest harpsichordist for the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace. She has broadcast extensively for ITV, Sky Arts, and BBC television, and the Finzi Trust awarded her a research scholarship to study Handel’s exciting visit to Ireland in 1741. In fact, she has just recorded a new CD, Handel in Ireland, which was voted CD of the month for May 2011. The concert, being held at St George’s Basilica, Victoria, starts at 8 p.m.

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