The Central Committee of the Victory Philharmonic Society said it has been invited by the Maltese Band Clubs Association to participate in the annual feast of Saint Cecil in the capital city Valletta on Saturday 21 November 2009. The last similar service by the Victory Band of Xaghra took place in November 1981 (i.e. 28 years ago). Saint Cecil is the patron saint of musicians and its feast day is celebrated annually and universally on 22nd November. Many musicians still feel to celebrate this day by participating in Mass and Holy Communion.

The Victory Band of Xag]ra was founded on 25th October 1898 through the initiative of Reverend Joseph Diacono, the first Archpriest of the parish, and Mro. Eduardo Farina. Unfortunately, the first Committee was dissolved because of disputes between its members. Luckily enough, in 1934, the Victory Band of Xag]ra was re-activated. During its 111th years of history, the Victory Band had many successes and was directed by capable music directors such as Mro. Mikiel Farrugia (1934 – 1960), Joseph Camilleri A.MusLCM (1960 – 1971), Nazzareno Refalo (1971 – 1977), Anton Bonni`i (1977 – 1993) and Joseph Galea LCM (1993 – present). During the year, the Victory Philharmonic Society organises two main concerts namely the Sacred Music Concert as part of the Holy Week celebrations and the Annual Feast Concert as part of the titular feast of the Nativity of Our Lady celebrated in Xaghra parish. Between 19th September and 3rd October 2004, the band played festive marches in Canada – it was in fact the first local band to play in this country.

The Nativitas Choir within the same society was founded on 16th April 1999 through the initiative of Mr. Michael Cini, the then President of the Victory Philharmonic Society and under the direction of Mr. Michael Curmi, at present the Vice Rector of the Sacred Heart Seminary in Gozo. The choir performed in several churches around the island, namely Saint Francis Church in Victoria, the National Sanctuary of the Assumption of Our Lady (Ta’ Pinu), Saint Paul’s Church in Marsalforn, the Collegiate Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady in Xag]ra and others. In September 2009, the choir launched its first CD containing religious hymns – the CD is entitled “Infa]]ruk bil-Kant”. At present, the Nativitas choir is led by Silvana Agius with the help of Assistant Director Ivan Attard.

The programme of activities regarding the feast of Saint Cecil in Valletta will be as follows:

5.30pm: At Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Solemn Mass with homily with the participation of the several local bands committees. This mass will be animated by the Nativitas Choir.

Before mass, organist Ivan Attard plays short pieces on the majestic organ of the Cathedral.

Between 6.30pm and 8.15pm: The Victory Band of Xag]ra (A.D. 1898) plays several festive band marches along the main streets of the capital city Valletta. The band will be under the direction of Mro. Joseph Galea LCM.