I have to say that the setting up of a foundation to organise and coordinate national festivities under the chairmanship of Professor Oliver Friggieri is an excellent idea. My sincere hope is that the Foundation will ensure that any celebration planned will not be simply a celebration of an anniversary but a celebration of all things Maltese – a celebration of the complex heritage which makes our beloved nation what it is today.

Unfortunately one of the most important aspects of our collective creativity, the Maltese musical heritage, is normally ignored at the public sector level, even though government provides most of the finances public cultural boards need to be able to function. The kindest excuse, though not justifiable, one can advance for this is ignorance. At the other end of the spectrum the reason may be a cynical devaluation of its worth – and the motives may be various.

I hope as a Maltese I will not have to be submitted to a celebratory programme of a Maltese anniversary based on the musical achievements of other nations. I do not like my country given the role of a colonial musical prostitute. It is not merited.

At the moment, I am writing a book, requested by APS Bank, on Maltese composers. Currently, I am finalising my chapter on Girolamo Abos and this has lead me to a reconsideration of his creative merits and achievements. Indeed he is very probably the most important musical talent our musical legacy can boast of.

Abos was born in Valletta on November 16, 1715, so the year 2015 will be the 300 anniversary of his birth. Probably this important anniversary will not fall within the remit of the Foundation but certainly within that of the MCCA.

It is high time that we start giving importance and preference to what is ours and makes us proud to be Maltese.

Joseph Vella Bondin

St Venera