AFM band impresses

The Armed Forces of Malta band received high praise for its performance of Verdi's Aida at Modena, Italy, where they performed at the 11th "Festival Internazionale Bande Militari".

The Gazzetta di Modena had further praise for the director of the Italian Choir and the AFM Bandmaster for their "impresa titanica".

The festival takes place in the Officer Cadets' Military Academy with the main shows being held in the famous Piazza Roma, in addition with Palazzo Ducale for seated programmes.

Bands and military dance teams from six countries, including Malta, participated in this year's festival, that attracted more than 17,000 spectators during the six performances held over a five-day period.

Shots of the same festival, including the AFM Band's performances, were shown daily on the Italian TV channel TRC, and occasionally even on the Canale 5 channel.

The AFM band was made up of acting Bandmaster WOII Carmel Pace and 41 bandsmen, including the acting Trumpet Major WOII Raymond Cremona. Accompanying them was Lieutenant Mark Mallia as their officer commanding.