The Malta Police Force Band serves as a bridge between the general public and the Police Corps. There are quite a few success stories to relate about this band but not today.  I was looking forward to the second edition of their Grand Anniversary Concert held at the end of last month at the Manoel Theatre to benefit the Community Chest Fund. 

A programme in big bold print was handed to me at the door. It looked most promising. An aria or two, a couple of wellknown songs, popular excerpts from opera...just what I needed for a relaxing evening; a musical journey woven with elegance and emotion -from the proud patriotism of The Chimes of Liberty to the poignant serenity of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, the second movement played skillfully by Natalie Cachia Bonavia.

The evening was compered with competence by TV personality Etienne Schembri, who gave us interesting information about each piece.

Soprano Claire Caruana sang Casta Diva.  Pure magic. Hearing it live, especially with a soprano channeling the spirit of Maria Callas, was sheer pleasure. The band played Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5, a whirlwind of energy and always a crowd pleaser. I love all Brahms' Hungarian dances. Some more than others.

International Tenor Gabriel Arce gave us Canto della Terra which brought a modern, soaring intensity to the programme before the band launched with great energy into the dramatic flair of Von Suppé's Light Cavalry Overture.

Nessun Dorma - what a soul-stirring choice. That final "Vincerò!" always feels like it lifts the whole theatre into the heavens. Before the concert started as I was looking for my seat a beautiful tenor voicewas singing this very aria from the stage, a recorded version. My daughters tell me, aren't you tired of it? What a thing to suggest, never, I can listen to it several times a day and still enjoy it.

The band included excerpts from Carmen - so full of fire and flirtation - and Vesti la giubba... the heartbreak wrapped in Puccini's melancholic aria is simply unforgettable. The Attar Choir contributed to the evening in no small way. 

Claire and the tenor Gabriel Arce accompanied by the Attar Choir  gave us The Merry Widow Waltz and they walzed a little. They also sang in duet Con Te Partirò  arranged by Capt George Debono.

Claire changed her evening dresses three times. Why not? This is a show after all. However as a widow of 40 years myself I have to say that there is nothing merry about this state, but I do love Lehar's music.

The Formula 1 Theme added a jolt of adrenaline to the evening while The Malta Police Corps of Drums brought a visual and auditory thrill. First six of them appeared in two boxes then they were on the stage in no time. Very smart. We also enjoyed The Malta Police Pipe Band, very smart.

An Arabesque paired with exotic visuals on the big screen added more  glamour.  It transported me someplace faraway and mystical. There's something lovely about discovering unfamiliar pieces in such a vivid way - it broadens the soul and delights the senses.

My choice in music is eclectic. Even the most devoted enthusiast of the classical needs a breather now and then. This was just the evening I needed.
Now behind all this music was Maestro Anthony Cassar and his baton. He has been director of the Malta Police Force for some forty years and yet he is still enthusiastic and full of energy. 

Hector the Hero is such a poignant Scottish lament, composed by James Scott Skinner in 1903 to honour Major-General Hector MacDonald. Hearing it played from one of the theatre boxes by a violinist  created a haunting, almost ethereal effect . It was a beautiful staging choice.

As for The Legend of Maracaibo this was a discovery to me. It's a dramatic concert piece by José Alberto Pina, inspired by the legendary ship Santo Cristo de Maracaibo and the fierce naval battles in the Ría de Vigo, Spain. The composition is known for its cinematic energy and vivid storytelling, often performed by symphonic bands with full percussion and brass.

Then there was Rossini's William Tell Overture, galloping in with its iconic finale, practically begging the audience to cheer, which we did. And to close with Brindisi from La Traviata - a toast to joy itself - sung twice by popular demand, no less. That's the kind of encore that makes people linger long after the curtain falls. And no! I am not tired of that either.

Ending with the National Anthem gave the concert a full-circle sense of pride and belonging. It was a true celebration of musical heritage and emotional resonance. I so enjoyed my solo evening of self indulgence.

I enjoy performances that stir the soul and spark the imagination. I left the theatre on a wave of orchestral splendour... perhaps band rather than orchestral...but does it matter...