From Mr A. J. Chetcuti

My attention was drawn to the article by Aurelie Herbemont entitled “In the heart of Maltese traditions”, (TMIS, 17 July).

With all due respect, it is a real pity that your correspondent seems to know only the Hamrun and Sliema band clubs and has never heard of the over 80 other band clubs spread all over Malta and Gozo that contribute so much to Maltese traditions. She should also know that many of these clubs like the Sliema one, have also been abroad.

Moreover, your correspondent stated that she did not find one Maltese band club that had performed in France. For your correspondent’s information and that of all the readers of her article, the Socjeta’ Filarmonika G. M. Fra Antoine de Paule, Banda Kristu Re of Paola performed in the city of Marseilles in 1999 when France’s second largest city celebrated its 26th century anniversary since its foundation “La Massalia”. For your correspondent’s edification I am giving details of the programme which can also be viewed on the society’s website www.socjetadepaule.com where she can also see details of other visits abroad, besides the vast range of activities held by the society during the year.

Visit to France

On Monday 14 June, a concert in the church of Ste Marguerite marked the band’s first appearance in Marseille. In a church packed to the rafters, the Maltese musicians were at their very best and were warmly applauded by the audience after every musical work they performed. Among those present were a number of people of Maltese descent.

The second performance by the Banda Kristu Re was held on Tuesday 15 June, in Septemmes les Vallons, a village not far from Marseilles. This concert was held in the presence of a sizeable audience led by the mayor who congratulated the band on its fine performance and presented it with a memento.

A walking parade held on Saturday 19 June was the highlight of the tour. It was one of the many cultural activities organised by the “La Massalia” to celebrate the 26th century anniversary of the founding of Marseilles. The 2000 participants, which were divided into 13 groups, walked from the Boulevard Longchamp to the Esplanade St Jean where every group gathered on an enormous stage.

Banda Kristu Re was placed in group number one called “The Tambourinaires” made up of 270 participants. The Paola band marched smartly all the way playing the Ballada Maltese composed by Mro Miqueu Montanaro for this special occasion.

Over 300,000 people watched this grand parade, which was given great publicity by the French media and was shown live on TV station France 3.

The band’s last performance of this tour was a musical programme held on Sunday 20 June in the village of Bouc Bel Air. It had been planned to hold this concert in the open air at the Place de l’Hotel de Ville but as it was too windy it had to be held indoors.

During the tour the band was under the direction of Mro Archibald Mizzi and performed works by Lehar, Morricone, Gerschwin, Elton John and Mascagni. The audiences enjoyed listening to the Ballada Maltese by M. Montanaro as well as the most popular festive band marches by Mro Mizzi.

Other visits abroad

In April/May 1995 the Banda Kristu Re also played in Canada and the United States of America. In fact it was the first ever Maltese band to visit and perform in the United States. In April of the following year the band went to Austria and Germany while in August of 1997 it again performed in Austria and Hungary. The society received other invitations from overseas that had to be declined as it had to concentrate its energy and finances on the refurbishment of its premises.

Invitation

I hope that on her next visit to Malta, Aurelie Herbemont, will have the opportunity not only to listen to the Banda Kristu Re of Paola but also have the time to visit the premises of the Societa’ Filarmonika G. M. Fra Antoine de Paule where she will be most welcome.

A. J. Chetcuti

Public Relations Officer

Socjeta’ Filarmonika G. M.

Fra Antoine De Paule

Banda Kristu Re

PAOLA