On 21 February, the historic Manoel Theatre, which on 9 July 1965 was the scene of the launch of Din l-Art Ħelwa, will again provide the appropriate background for the celebration of the organisation's Golden Jubilee with a concert commemorating that important event.
There has been a build-up to the launch of this celebratory year by the heritage and environment NGO. A 50th anniversary committee, led by Din l-Art Helwa council member, Albert P. Mamo, has mapped out a series of cultural and educational events and a special corporate logo has been designed. The Gran Soccorso Art exhibition heralded the year at the Casino Maltese, Valletta, in November 2014 and just last week, a new Mediterranean grove of 200 indigenous trees was planted at Majjistral Park to augur environmental sustainability for our countryside so heavily threatened by the onslaught of poor planning and inappropriate development.
Born at a time when conservation of heritage was still a relatively new concept and soon after the island achieved independence, Din l-Art Ħelwa was founded by a group of visionary citizens, all volunteers, led by Judge Maurice Caruana Curran who were concerned with the preservation of the island's rich built and natural heritage as the island's architecture and open spaces came under attack from the fast economic boom brought by tourism. The organisation has been true to its mission ever since and has gone on to save 40 national monuments and landmarks and several works of art since its foundation, succeeding in heightening awareness through its example, and by constantly lobbying with the authorities for improved legislation, education and enforcement.
For the concert, Din l-Art Ħelwa has enlisted the presence of world-renowned violinist Carmine Lauri who will perform together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Mro. Brian Schembri. The concert is under the Distinguished Patronage of H. E. The President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and has been made possible by the HSBC Malta Foundation with the support of the Teatru Manoel.
This will also be the occasion for the launch of a marvellous hard-cover book entitled Din l-Art Ħelwa, Heritage Saved, 1965-2015 by Stanley Farrugia Randon. The author, who is a DLĦ council member and is the guardian of Wignacourt Tower in St Paul's Bay, recounts 50 years of Din l-Art Ħelwa's efforts and achievements. It is a homage to the passionate work of the six executive presidents and of the hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated thousands of hours to the preservation of "Our beautiful land". Orders for the book, which has been published with the support of the Francis Miller Memorial Fund, will be taken during the interval of the concert and all funds will be in favour of Din l-Art Ħelwa's restoration projects.
Several other events will take place as the year unfolds, including the launch of a Golden Jubilee commemorative postage stamp in collaboration with MaltaPost on 9 July. This will constitute a unique piece for philately aficionados. A public talk in September will be given at the Old University of Malta in Valletta by guest lecturer and keynote speaker, the environment and planning lawyer Simon Molesworth, QC, president of the International National Trusts Organisation who will visit Malta for the occasion.
September will also see the opening of the old doors of Our Lady of Victory Church for the public to view the Alessio Erardi ceiling in all its glory. The scaffolding, which has been hiding the ceiling, has for years been the workplace of the conservators from the Courtauld Institute of Art, London. The magnificence of the scenes of the life of the Blessed Virgin, painted on the vaulted stone ceiling by Alessio Erardi, are bound to alter the pages written about Malta's history of art. The saving of this masterpiece is probably Din l-Art Ħelwa's most precious achievement and this will aptly be celebrated in October with a concert at Our Lady of Victory Church, the oldest building and first church in Valletta.
For Din l-Art Ħelwa and for all who love and care for this precious arcipelago, 2015 will be a year to celebrate and to augur well for the future. Din l-Art Ħelwa invites members of the public to become Heritage guardians by joining it on Facebook and Twitter, following its Facebook Save the Countryside campaign or by becoming members or volunteers. To know more about the organisation and the historic sites it has restored for the nation visit www/dinlarthelwa.org
Bookings for the concert, which will be held on 21 February at Teatru Manoel at 8pm, can be made through Teatru Manoel.