Bank of Valletta is supporting the orchestral concert by the World Youth Orchestra being held on the 1 December at the University of Malta, and is the main sponsor of the Roots of Mediterranean Folk Music Workshops. Both events are being organised by the Malta Council for Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Institute of Mediterranean Studies of the University of Malta and MusicaEuropa – Art is Life.

MusicaEuropa founded the World Youth Orchestra in 2001. It is the resident orchestra of the International Festival of Young Musicians and is made up of 74 students representing 30 countries, chosen from the best students at universities, academies and conservatories from five continents. The orchestra directed by Damiano Giuranna, offers high-level courses and master classes with prestigious guest musicians from some of the most important orchestras in the world.

Head of PR, Communication & Corporate Branding at BOV Michael Galea, presented the sponsorship to Executive Director of the Malta Council for Culture and Arts, Dr Paul V Mifsud.

During the presentation Dr Mifsud explained how, through music, the Roots of Mediterranean Folk Music Workshops are intended to promote a cultural dialogue between Northern and Southern European nations. “The main aim is to promote a new concept of intercultural and social commitment by simultaneously congregating youngsters from all five continents.” Dr Mifsud further stated: “Through these workshops, music becomes both a real and an abstract tool to promote and bring to light frequently neglected human and social dramas. The workshops which will be open for students as well as the general public will culminate in a concert on 4 November at the Nicolo Isuoard Hall, Manoel Theatre”.

Michael Galea stated that BOV’s support towards this concert and particularly towards the workshops is another link in the bank’s contribution towards the appreciation of performing arts in Malta. It also goes to consolidate the strong link BOV has with the arts and culture scene. He explained that the bank is committed to be an active player in the community in which it operates. “BOV prides itself as being a leading patron of local arts and culture and our support towards arts and culture is evident from the large number of artistic, cultural and heritage initiatives that we support and promote,” concluded Mr Galea.