Bank of Valletta has signed up as a sponsor of the performance of Antonio Nani’s Messa da Requiem being held at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, on 15 April.

The performance will feature the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Mro Emanuel Spagnol.

The soloists taking part are Gillian Zammit, Nino Batatunashvili, Charles Vincenti and Anthony Montebello. Also taking part is the Pro Canto Choir (choir master Josef Bugeja).

Michael Galea, executive head at the CEO’s office, Bank of Valletta, presented the sponsorship to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra chairman, Lino Attard.

“We are delighted to support this performance of a major musical work by one of Malta’s most well known composers,” said Mr Galea.

Antonio Nani is, in fact, considered to be one of the best composers of the romantic period and wrote three lyrical operas and various religious pieces such as Missa Solemnis, Dixit Dominus, Laudate Pueri and Messa da Requiem. In 1866, Nani’s Messa da Requiem was awarded the Gold Medal at the London Universal Exhibition.

“We are pleased to be supporting a high quality production featuring some of Malta’s leading artistic talent and providing yet another opportunity for the Maltese public to appreciate the richness of our cultural heritage,” added Mr Galea.

He wished Mro Spagnol, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and all the singers a memorable experience.

Thanking Mr Galea for the bank’s support, Mr Attard said that he “is looking forward to further collaboration between the bank and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in order to further strengthen the orchestra’s mission of promoting Maltese music both locally and abroad.”

He highlighted the fact that this performance is being organised as part of the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the orchestra.

The performance, under the patronage of President Edward Fenech Adami, is being held in collaboration with the Metropolitan Chapter and the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation.