After welcome drinks served by immaculately attired waiters, the highlight of the evening was a one hour acoustic set played by former Genesis legend, Steve Hackett (who will also be performing tonight at the Classic Rock Festival in the same venue).

Hackett was accompanied by his brother Paul on flute.

The rock legend was in a decidedly benign mood as he spoke to the audience in between breaks, describing the music and the background of each piece. The set was chiefly composed of solo pieces from Hackett’s past albums but also included a number of classical pieces by Satie, certainly an important influence on the artist’s music, with a smattering of Bach arrangements and some jazz.

At times, the haunting sounds of Hackett’s guitar seemed to waft across the silent walls (in a terrible state) of the once magnificent fort, coupled with the subtle lighting effects and the awesome backdrop of the capital city, a truly unique experience.

After the concert, Minister for Urban Development and Roads, Jesmond Mugliett also made a short speech, reaffirming the government’s commitment to assist the developers of these massive projects and also informing that the much awaited road linking Manoel Island to the Msida arterial junctions should start being built at the end of 2005.

MIDI chairman, Albert Mizzi also thanked everyone involved in all the projects and re-affirmed his confidence in such a spectacular endeavour. Mr Mizzi said the Tigne South development should be ready by the end of this year and work on Manoel Island proper was also about to begin by the end of this year.

The event came to an equally spectacular end with a lavish reception on the Couvre Port with the subtle sounds of Freddie Mizzi and his band providing the entertainment.

After welcome drinks served by immaculately attired waiters, the highlight of the evening was a one hour acoustic set played by former Genesis legend, Steve Hackett (who will also be performing tonight at the Classic Rock Festival in the same venue).

Hackett was accompanied by his brother Paul on flute.

The rock legend was in a decidedly benign mood as he spoke to the audience in between breaks, describing the music and the background of each piece. The set was chiefly composed of solo pieces from Hackett’s past albums but also included a number of classical pieces by Satie, certainly an important influence on the artist’s music, with a smattering of Bach arrangements and some jazz.

At times, the haunting sounds of Hackett’s guitar seemed to waft across the silent walls (in a terrible state) of the once magnificent fort, coupled with the subtle lighting effects and the awesome backdrop of the capital city, a truly unique experience.

After the concert, Minister for Urban Development and Roads, Jesmond Mugliett also made a short speech, reaffirming the government’s commitment to assist the developers of these massive projects and also informing that the much awaited road linking Manoel Island to the Msida arterial junctions should start being built at the end of 2005.

MIDI chairman, Albert Mizzi also thanked everyone involved in all the projects and re-affirmed his confidence in such a spectacular endeavour. Mr Mizzi said the Tigne South development should be ready by the end of this year and work on Manoel Island proper was also about to begin by the end of this year.

The event came to an equally spectacular end with a lavish reception on the Couvre Port with the subtle sounds of Freddie Mizzi and his band providing the entertainment.