The Società Filarmonica Nazionale La Valette celebrated its 150th anniversary this October with an extensive program of events, marking a significant milestone for Valletta’s first band, founded in 1874.
The festivities, organized by the current Management Committee, were officially launched on 20th October 2023, with a procession honouring Grand Master La Valette, followed by a solemn mass at the Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck. The month-long celebrations featured a series of prestigious concerts, including performances by renowned conductors Marco Frisina, Jacob de Haan, and Mauro Ivano Bengalia.
A highlight of the anniversary was the “Omaggio a La Valette – 150 Years of History” concert, where the La Valette Band performed compositions by former headmasters, under the baton of current Headmaster Dominic Darmanin, with soprano Rosabelle Bianchi joining the performance.
In addition, an exhibition titled “La Nostra Arte”, showcasing sacred art by the Camilleri Cauchi family, was inaugurated at the band’s headquarters. Seven Maltese musical bands, including those from Żejtun, Birkirkara, and Gozo, were invited to participate in marches and programs held between 18th and 20th October.
A key event was the band’s performance at the Malta International Band & Majorette Festival in St. George Square. Another poignant moment came when the Steering Committee visited the Addolorata Cemetery, paying tribute to past members and placing wreaths at the home of the band’s founder, Pawlu Darmanin, as well as the monument of Grand Master La Valette and the former Prime Minister and Society President, George Borg Olivier.
The celebrations culminated in a Solemn Pontifical Mass at St Paul’s Shipwreck Parish, led by Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, with musical contributions from the La Valette Ensemble, Saulus Choir, tenor Charles Vincenti, and soprano Rosabelle Bianchi.
The closing reception, attended by H.E. the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono and other distinguished guests, honoured the philharmonic societies’ role in preserving Maltese cultural traditions.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking 150 years of success for the Società Filarmonica Nazionale La Valette.
Newsroom
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