Jacob Portelli – Qualified Harpist in Malta

Proficient on both the Celtic and the Concert Grand Pedal Harp, Jacob is a highly sought-after harpist in Malta.

Jacob was personally invited to perform with Cordia Quartet to perform for H.M the Queen of England.

In high demand for both Church and Civil Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions, Jacob Portelli is renowned for creating just the right romantic touch for the couple’s special day. His harp-playing has also brought comfort to those bereaved, during funerals and memorial services for their loved-ones.

He is regularly engaged to perform in prestigious events such as State Dinners and national gala events presided by the President of Malta and Prime Minister, at Verdala Palace, San Anton Residence and the Grand Master’s Palace. In 2016, he was personally invited to perform to H.M the Queen of England, Elizabeth II during a Commonwealth event at Malborough House, London. Other high-profile events have included performances during CHOGM 2015 meetings, performances for Presidents of EU Heads of State during Arraiolos 2017 and dinners for EU Maltese Presidency 2017.

Other prestigious concerts have included collaborations with Fra Alessandro and The Priests. He has also performed in productions of Phantom of the Opera, Faure’s Requiem and Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. Furthermore, Jacob regularly performs for company dinners, commemorative ceremonies and corporate events.

Performing in State Dinners and National Gala Events

Jacob holds Diplomas in Harp Performance with Distinction from both the Malta School of Music as well as from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

Jacob owns two high quality instruments manufactured in Piasco Italy from the world-renowned Harp Manufacturers – Salvi.

A gifted musician, Jacob is also proficient in all the other string instruments – violin, viola, cello and double bass – with Performing Diplomas to his name. His fascination with music has also led him to explore a somewhat unusual instrument – the psalter-bowed and plucked. Jacob performs with major ensembles in Malta such as ProMuzika Ensemble, the St James Consort, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and various other orchestras and chamber music formations throughout the concert season.

Cordia String Quartet

Jacob is a founder member of Cordia String Quartet. Together they have been invited to perform in numerous prestigious concerts both locally and abroad, including the Victoria International Arts Festival in Gozo, the August Moon Ball, for Austria’s National Day, in New Delhi and Calcutta under the auspices of Maltese Ambassador for India, at Marlborough House in London for her Majesty the Queen as part of the Commonwealth Celebrations.

He is also a member of the Valletta International Baroque Ensemble (VIBE – the resident ensemble of the prestigious Valletta International Baroque Festival), with whom he plays the harp continuo and baroque cello.

                       Portrait done by Mr Dione Borg