Birgu - a vibrant city
As a member of the Birgufest organising committee in my capacity as honorary historical adviser, I feel I should congratulate the chairman, Martin Morana, for the excellent way he co-ordinated and executed all the activities relating to the historical,...
As a member of the Birgufest organising committee in my capacity as honorary historical adviser, I feel I should congratulate the chairman, Martin Morana, for the excellent way he co-ordinated and executed all the activities relating to the historical, cultural, social, educational and religious aspects of this historic city.
The crowds who flocked to Birgu are now fully aware that this old medieval city, steeped in history and tradition, is also a vibrant city, fully conscious of its modern role, a city fully "alive with the sound of music".
While the Baroque concerts so splendidly performed to appreciative audiences in the collegiate parish church of St Lawrence and the Dominican church of the Annunciation, as well as the classical concert at historic Fort St Angelo proved highly successful, the light entertainment aspect in the form of rock opera and modern music was also highlighted.
It was on my suggestion that the programme included excerpts from the rock opera We Will Rock You, which had been so highly acclaimed by music critics after performances in Fort St Angelo a few months ago. The rock opera epitomises contemporary Birgu - a rich and varied mix of old palaces, churches, museums, medieval streets blending harmoniously with lively band clubs, active social and civic organisations, sports and drama clubs and an indefatiguable local council.
The rock opera, for the second year running, served as a catalyst to get all the young people of Birgu and their friends together, cutting across the political and parochial divide, two abominations which had plagued Birgu in the not so distant past. Music lovers are avidly looking forward to the next two performances of We Will Rock You at the St Agatha Auditorium in Rabat on November 1 and 2.
On my part I have not the least hesitation in including excerpts of the next rock opera for the next Birgufest. Of course, certain limitations and constraints which the cast had to contend with in a public square will be rectified and a higher stage erected in the future.
On the last evening of Birgufest the historic lofty bastions in the Couvre Porte complex reverberated to the brilliant sounds of the Versatile Brass Ensemble - a young group of exceptional soloists; and as the last lingering notes of Glen Miller and Ennio Morricone tuned wafted across Galley Creek in the balmy evening air, we all felt like little 'Olivers' asking for more.