Recently, there was some bad publicity in the media about the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO). It is not my intention to go into the merits of the case. Unfortunately, as happens in such cases, the media picked up on this single news item and painted a very dark picture of the MPO, ignoring, in the interim, all the professional work carried out and the dedication of the Board and management of the orchestra.

I think it is only just that your readers are given a more balanced picture by mentioning some of the ongoing work being carried out and the achievements of the Board and management of the National Orchestra. For example, as a parent I can attest to the huge progress in the activities and in the annual orchestral programme of the Malta Youth Orchestra backed by master classes and tuition by local and foreign professional music performers. Another initiative worth commending is the strategy of the Chairman to support young Maltese talent in their musical career with a view to plan for the future of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. 

These are a few examples out of the many I could mention, which unfortunately go unreported by the media thus not portraying a true and just representation of the facts. Public opinion is biased and is not well served in the process.

Jesmond Cutajar

Sliema