Gold medal for Oliver Friggieri

The gold medal of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for 2003 has been awarded to the writer and literary critic Oliver Friggieri.

Professor Friggieri was chosen by the society's council in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to Maltese culture in Malta and abroad", and received his award from President Guido de Marco at a ceremony held at Palazzo De La Salle, Valletta.

In his opening speech, society president Paul Asciak said the society felt it had to reward Professor Friggieri for his contribution to Maltese culture.

Details of Professor Friggieri's distinguished career were given by Dr Mario Tabone Vassallo, and this was followed by a short piano recital by Oriana Fenech.

Professor Friggieri has addressed some 70 international congresses in various countries and is the author of numerous scholarly articles published both in Malta and in international academic journals. His books have been translated into various languages. He writes in Maltese, English and Italian.

The event, which was also attended by Youth and the Arts Minister Jesmond Mugliett, ended with the conferment of the gold medal on Professor Friggieri by President de Marco.