Ten of the best events around Europe for fans of classical music and opera

As many people’s minds turn to planning trips abroad, Cathy Desmond looks at some of the best events for fans of classical music and opera

The scene at Torre del Lago in Italy for the Puccini Festival

1 Valletta Baroque Festival Malta, Jan 12-28

If you are looking for a winter getaway in a mild Mediterranean setting, this relative newcomer to the festival scene looks very tempting, with some of the best contemporary Baroque exponents on the bill. Inaugurated in 2013, the Valletta International Baroque Festival seeks to capitalise on its Unesco World Heritage status. Valletta hosts the coveted European Capital of Culture in 2018 the line-up looks to reflect that prestige in the calibre of the performers with performances by the Dunedin Consort and The Sixteen amongst others.