Bank of Valletta is the main sponsor of the commemorative concert being organised on 3 April at the Mediterranean Conference Centre to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. The concert will feature the National Orchestra under the direction of Michael Laus performing Ludwig Van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the participation of Maltese soprano Miriam Gauci and mezzo soprano Claire Massa. The University Vocal Ensemble, Collegium Musicum, under the direction of Dion Buhagiar will also be taking part. Speaking during the press conference launching this event, Bank of Valletta’s chief executive officer, Tonio Depasquale said, “We are delighted to be the main sponsors of this prestigious cultural event – indeed the main cultural event that is marking the Maltese celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. It is our pleasure to support this concert which is bringing together some of the finest elements of Maltese talent and I would like to congratulate the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany for taking this initiative.”

Mr Depasquale said that the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957 marked the starting point of an important economic and political project. “Malta has benefited directly from the economic integration project that started off 50 years ago with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. Indeed, Malta witnessed its first economic boom in the Sixties when the economic activity that was taking place as a result of the creation of the European Economic Communities had a direct influence on the economic success that was then registered in Malta,” said Mr Depasquale.

“Bank of Valletta, as a major player in the Maltese economy, was an integral part of the economic development that Malta has seen during the past 50 years and, today, it is natural for us to participate in these celebrations and to provide our full support to the main cultural event marking this important anniversary,” he added.

Mr Depasquale said that Bank of Valletta has developed a strong reputation for backing high-profile artistic and cultural events. “We pride ourselves in being the leading patron of arts and culture in Malta with one of the main pillars of BOV’s community programme being focused on our support of the arts. The sponsorship of this prestigious anniversary concert is yet another initiative that marks BOV’s active involvement within the Maltese community,” concluded Mr Depasquale.