The Sliema Youth Band started the year with a distinguished event – a concert that was held at the new Auditorium of the Convent of the Sacred Heart in St. Julian’s under the musical direction of Sigmund Mifsud.

This concert saw the Sliema Youth Big Band engaging in a varied programme that was truly appreciated by all present. In fact the audience gave a merited standing ovation at the end of the performance.

The programme varied from vocal to instrumental numbers, with an entertaining Xandru and Nirvana who animated the show. Vocal numbers were interpreted by Vittorio Gauci, Gloriana Arpa, Martina Borg, Ludwig Galea and Ritienne Azzopardi. Once again, Socjeta’ Filarmonica Sliema gave a platform to young local artists to show their talent.

There were some outstanding interpretations, such as Dimmi Come by Gloriana Arpa, Martina Borg who sang Fever, Ritienne Azzopardi with her impeccable interpretation of the local number Malta and also in the duet from the Phantom of the Opera with the unmistakable voice of Ludwig Galea. The latter also stole the show during an entertaining rendition of You can leave your hat on and Crazy little thing called love. Young Vittorio Gauci opened the concert with an upbeat version of the song Let me entertain you.

The band, together with Mro Sigmund Mifsud also involved the audience in an amusing interpretation of the numbers Minnie the Moocher and Pennsylvania 6-5000.

At the end of the programme, the baton was handed to Leslie Tabone for a last number, For a fistful of dollars by Ennio Morricone, with a solo trumpet performed by Sigmund Mifsud in a special dedication to the President of Societa’ Filarmonica Sliema, Dr Tonio Portughese.

The concert was under the patronage of Dr Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister for Tourism and Culture who during his short speech highlighted the importance that needs to be given to support any initiative to promote the local talent and such cultural events. He congratulated the band, singers and musical director for the high quality concerts organised by the Sliema Youth Band. The President of Societa’ Filarmonica Sliema Dr Tonio Portughese also presented Dr Francis Zammit Dimech a CD of the Concert held at the MCC by the Socjeta’ Filarmonica Sliema in October 2007 with the participation of the tenor Kaludi Kaludow.

The programme ended with the Inno Sliema by Mro Cardenio Botti that was first performed by the Sliema Band 75 years ago under the direction of Mro Botti himself.

Definitely another success story for the Sliema Youth Big Band and a memorable night for all those present.