A festival of brass and wind bands extravaganza will be held at Mellieha Parish Square from Sunday, 11th April to Thursday, 15th April 2004.
The Mellieha International Band Festival will bring some of the best European bands to play live along the two brass bands hailing from Mellieha, namely Ghaqda Muzikali Imperjal and Socjeta Filarmonika La Vittoria. The concerts start at 7.00pm on each evening.
Sponsored by Cisk Lager Beer and supported by the Mellieha Local Council and the Malta Tourism Authority, the international band festival offers music lovers the opportunity to enjoy a series of local and international talent.
The organizer, Mr Joe Deguara announced: “It is my pleasure to launch the second Mellieha International Band Festival which will be held at the beautiful square facing the 19th century Mellieha Parish Church. Three bands from Norway, Switzerland, Wales and two British bands will be joining the Imperjal and La Vittoria Bands to give five days of free public concerts.”
Brand Executive for Cisk Lager, Ivan Filletti, said: “ We are delighted to support the Mellieha International Band Festival. It is a five-day manifestation of Maltese culture and music with a mix for foreign flavour. We augur that this international festival will be a success and eventually become an annual Easter event.”
Programme:-
Sunday, 11th April 2004:
Royal Welsh College of Music (Wales)
Doncaster Concert Band (United Kingdom)
Manger Musikklag (Norway)
Monday, 12th April 2004:
Belvedere Concert Band (United Kingdom)
Universal Brass Band (Switzerland)
Tuesday, 13th April 2004:
Socjeta Filarmonika La Vittoria (Malta)
Doncaster Concert Band (United Kingdom)
Manger Musikklag (Norway)
Wednesday, 14th April 2004:
Royal Welsh College of Music (Wales)
Belvedere Concert Band (United Kingdom)
Universal Brass Band (Switzerland)
Thursday, 15th April 2004:
Ghaqda Muzikali Imperial (Malta)
Manger Musikklag (Norway)
The Bands:-
- Royal Welsh College of Music (Wales):
This brass group is formed of 10 students who attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. This college is one of the most important colleges in the United Kingdom for young musicians and artists. The musical director of this brass group is Christopher Mowat who, for many years, has been the principle trombonist with the BBC National Orchestra.
- Doncaster Concert Band (United Kingdom):
From Doncaster, near Manchester this band was formed in 1993 and made its first public appearance in 1994.
- Manger Musikklag (Norway):
One of the top European brass bands, they have recently placed fifth in the last European Championships held in Bergen, Norway. Manger Musikklag have won the Norwegian Championship five times.
- Belvedere Concert Band (United Kingdom):
From Belvedere in Kent, this band was formed in 1982. Composed of 45 musicians, their ages range from 12 to 75. This band is associated with the Royal Artillery Band and have over the past years given joint concerts with this prestigious band.
- Universal Brass Band (Switzerland):
Universal Brass Band is one of the leading brass bands in Switzerland. Formed in 1986, this band has developed into one of the most versatile bands with a vast repertoire which appeals to all music lovers.
The Mellieha International Band Festival promises to be a great show of international bands. Entrance for the concerts is free. Further information can be obtained either from the website: www.plusmalta.com/festival or else one may email festival@plusmalta.com or call 7961 8251.