La Scatola Magica has achieved popularity over the years and has become part of our cultural calendar. How did it all start? We associate it with Dr Anna Porcheddu who inspired it. "Ten years ago, in 2013, I was having lunch with Dr Salvatore Schirmo, then director of the Italian Cultural Institute. We both had a brilliant idea about a new activity to start at the Italian Cultural Institute. We thought of calling it La Scatola Magica (Magic Box) because that was exactly what we had in mind: a different topic with a different guest each month. But it was not just that. It had to be both a cultural as well as a social event, so that people could meet, enjoy the conversation and talk to the guest or guests.

For the official start, Dr Porcheddu was lucky to be able to use a proper magic wand, borrowed from a very young Austrian friend, Katharina, daughter of the Austrian Ambassador in Malta at that time. "And it worked magic! Our first guest was Prof. Joseph Brincat who talked about some university courses, mainly in management, computer science, etc. which were offered only in English at Bocconi University, in Milan. It was a very interesting start. It was followed by other topics in many different fields ranging from Italian cuisine - we had one on pizza, given by a great friend, Carmelo, which was really appreciated - sport, art, Italian cars and bikes (we had Fiat 500 and Vespa), Italian regions, music, and many other topics." Whatever the topic was, people were happy to join La Scatola Magica event, month after month, year after year. "So here we are, still going on after 10 years and looking forward to more and more events."

The next Scatola Magica event will be taking place on Wednesday, 15 March at 6pm, at the Church of St Catherine of Italy and all those present can enjoy music from the choir Gruppo Vocale MusiKa, from the area around Villar Perosa, about 40km southwest of Turin, Piedmont region, northern Italy. They started their activity in 2011 and have performed in Italy and abroad under the direction of Maestro Ivan Giustetto.

It is not a large choir, but they are great friends and they really enjoy meeting and learning new pieces together. Some of the members have already had previous experiences in other choirs, mainly large choirs, of at least 40 people, but Gruppo Vocale MusiKa is a completely different experience, with a limited number of members and different singing techniques.

Their a cappella repertoire ranges from traditional music from different Italian regions to very well-known international pieces, including spirituals. They promise a wonderful evening indeed.

Entrance is free.