Last week I attended Canta Italia: Pop Meets Classic at the Manoel Theatre. The concert was presented by the Malta Police Force Band and attracted a near-capacity audience. There were people right up to the Gods. It was a special occasion as it celebrated the fortieth anniversary of Maestro Anthony Cassar's first appointment as Musical Director of the band.
Her Excellency the President of Malta with Police Commissioner Gafa on her left and other guests
As soon as I entered the theatre, I felt a sense of anticipation. The atmosphere was warm and festive, with banners and flashing lights on the stage. The audience looked ready for an enjoyable evening of familiar Italian favourites.
Only a handful wore ties and certainly in the heat who is going to bother to turn up with a jacket. However, the CEO of the theatre, Edward Zammit and artistic director, Adrian Mamo, keep up standards and were both looking dapper in a jacket.
The concert brought together an excellent line-up of Maltese singers together with the distinguished Peruvian tenor, Gabriel Arce. The presenter, Joseph Chetcuti, guided the evening with ease and charm. An early highlight came when he entered through the main door of the theatre playing the violin, which created an effective and unexpected opening.
A section of the band all looking smart and ready to entertain the audience
The programme began with Verdi's triumphant Marcia Trionfale from Aïda, immediately setting a grand tone for the evening. The musical journey that followed combined classical masterpieces with beloved Italian popular songs. We enjoyed La Solitudine, sung by Laura Bruno, and Per Sempre Sì, performed by David Joseph Sammut. This was my first time hearing him sing, and I was impressed by the strength and quality of his voice.
One of the highlights was undoubtedly the performance of Gabriel Arce. His renditions of Luna, Nessun Dorma, and Caruso showcased his powerful tenor voice and captivated the audience. The duet Con Te Partirò, sung by Ruth Sammut Casingena and Gabriel Arce, was especially touching and received enthusiastic applause.
The singers worked well together, creating a sense of joy and celebration.
There were plenty of lively moments throughout the concert. Songs such as L'Italiano, Azzurro, Bella Ciao and Volare soon had the audience tapping their feet and, in some cases, joining in. It is at moments like these that I wish I possessed even a modest singing voice. In another life I should like to sing like Piaf. Impossible. She is unique. Any singing from me would not only raise her eyebrows but even raise her from the dead.
Years ago, a British composer told me I had perfect pitch. To this day I have no idea what gave him that impression. As far as I can tell, I have little pitch at all. At school, during singing lessons, I was more often invited to turn the pages of the score by our teacher, than to contribute vocally.
Maestro Anthony Cassar leading the Police Band with great enthusiasm
I kept on hoping they would sing some favourites of mine which I remember my mother humming: Non Ti Scordar di Me, Parlami d'Amore Mariu, Passione and a couple of others. But there were no encores. Next year I shall ask the good maestro to please put them on the programme.
The concert ended with the magnificent Brindisi from Verdi's La Traviata, performed by all the singers holding glasses of prosecco. It was followed by the Maltese national anthem, a fitting conclusion to a memorable evening.
I was also pleased to learn from the programme, that several of the arrangements had been done by Maltese musicians including Sean Anthony Scicluna, a member of the band, Ray Spiteri and tenor Brian Cefai. There are others. This added a local touch to this celebration of Italian music.
The H.E. the President attended the first half of the programme, which underscored the importance of the event.
Above all, I came away with renewed admiration for Maestro Anthony Cassar. Forty years after his first appointment as Musical Director, his enthusiasm and commitment show no sign of fading. The concert was a fitting tribute to his remarkable contribution and a thoroughly enjoyable evening that left many of us looking forward to the next one.