The Societa' Filarmonica Nazionale la Valette is celebrating its 140th anniversary today (19 October).  The philharmonic society was founded by Pawlu Darmanin in 1874, exactly on 19 October, and was originally set up to form a band to participate in Valletta's the Feast of St Paul. Maestro Luigi Carabott was the society's first band conductor, and the band club held its first public performance at the Manoel Theatre in May 1875. Its first band march was held in July 1875 at the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  The band club today also offers tuition to young musicians.The band club won the best International Band award in 1927 in Como, Italy. Former Prime Minister George Borg Oliver had served as the Society's President for the 30 years between 1950 and 1980.  The current President is Charles Camilleri, a well-known Valletta-born businessman who has been at the helm of the Society for the past four years.The Society's premises are at the upper part of Republic Street.  An imposing Palazzo, the premises previously known as Manchester House, and are spread on three floors.  Whilst the ground floor foyer hosts two competition-sized billiards and snooker tables, and a bar and restaurant, the First floor is dedicated exclusively to the Society's members.  The Archives Room holds one of the largest band and classical music score collections, all passionately taken care of by the Society's Archivist.  The Members' Reading Lounge is adorned with historical photos of the Society's committees, presidents and Bandmasters.  A large imposing painting of Grand Master la Valette dominates the room.  Painted in 1884 by an unknown artist, it has recently been restored by The Art Boutique.The Committee Room and the formal Sitting Room house the Society's Trophy cabinets, precious artefacts of historical importance and relics.  The grand Murano chandeliers adorn the painted ceilings.Various activities will be held up to Sunday 16 November, highlighting the rich history of the Society, its achievements and more importantly its future plans to transform the premises into an interactive Museum.  The recent embellishment and restoration works carried out by the Society have given a new look to the Club.  As the Society's Treasurer Antoine Portelli pointed out, the premises are the first publicly accessible palazzo as soon as one enters Republic Street.  The Maltese and tourists who walk in to have a look at this magnificent palace all express their surprise about the hidden gems within these walls.  He adds, "It is up to us to conserve this rich history and present it to today's audience, yet we have to struggle to beat off competition from other events.  We have to remain relevant to tomorrow's audiences."As part of the 140th Anniversary celebrations, the Society inaugurated an exhibition of statues created by Paul Aquilina.  Additionally, various band clubs from Malta and Gozo exhibited their club's Standard at the premises.  These ceremonial flags will be part of the band march and corteo being held today, starting from the club at 8.45am through Republic Street and proceeding to St Paul's Shipwreck Church in St. Paul's Street.  A High Mass concelebrated by Archbishop Paul Cremona will be held at 10am.