Societa' Filarmonica Nazionale la Valette this morning launched the programme for its 140th Anniversary. The philharmonic society was founded by Pawlu Darmanin in 1874, and was originally set up to form a band to participate during the feast of St Paul in Valletta. Maestro Luigi Carabott held the role of the first band conductor, and the band club held its first public performance at the Manoel Theatre in May 1875. The first band march was then held in July of the same year, at the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The band club won the award for International Band in 1927 in Italy. Former Prime Minister George Borg Oliver held the role of president for the club for 30 years, between 1950 and 1980.
The band club will be participating in this year's Notte Bianca, as well as the Como Anniversary Concert in Floriana.
On Foundation Day, 19th October, the band will be marching through Republic Street and celebrating mass at St Paul's shipwreck church.
The band club also offers tuition to young musicians.
