Bands extravaganza in Mellieha festival
A brass and wind bands extravaganza will be held in Mellieha parish square from Sunday to Thursday when the Mellieha International Band Festival will bring some of the best European bands to play live along the two brass bands of the town, the Imperial...
A brass and wind bands extravaganza will be held in Mellieha parish square from Sunday to Thursday when the Mellieha International Band Festival will bring some of the best European bands to play live along the two brass bands of the town, the Imperial and La Vittoria band clubs. The free concerts start at 7 p.m.
Sponsored by Cisk Lager Beer and supported by Mellieha local council and the Malta Tourism Authority, the international band festival offers music lovers the opportunity to enjoy local and international talent.
On Sunday the programme kicks off with the Royal Welsh College of Music under the baton of musical director Christopher Mowat, a former principal trombonist with BBC National Orchestra.
The brass group consists of 10 young musicians who attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. They will be followed by the Doncaster Concert Band from the UK, which this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary since their first appearance in 1994. The brass band Manger Musikklag from Norway will round up the first night. Manger Musikklag is one of the top European brass bands, and obtained fifth placing in the last European Championships held in Bergen, Norway.
The Belvedere Concert Band from Kent, UK will open the Monday performance. Founded in 1982, the band is composed of 45 musicians and is associated with the Royal Artillery Band. The Universal Brass Band is one of the leading bands in Switzerland. It was set up in 1986 and has developed into one of the most versatile bands with a vast repertoire which appeals to all music lovers.
La Vittoria Band will perform on Tuesday followed by Doncaster Concert Band and the Manger Musikklag. Founded in 1907, La Vittoria Band Club is the oldest band in Mellieha. It gives regular concerts and has performed in Sicily and Tunisia. For this occasion La Vittoria Band will provide some wonderful Maltese traditional band music.
On Wednesday the programme opens with the Royal Welsh College of Music, followed by The Belvedere Concert Band. The evening's concert concludes with the Swiss Universal Brass Band.
The final evening kicks off with the Imperial band, which was founded in 1928. Over the years it has given numerous concerts both in Malta and overseas. The Norwegian Band Manger Musikklag will continue to showcase its repertoire and the evening will conclude with a grand finale.
Further information can be obtained by email to festival@plusmalta.com or call 7961 8251.
www.plusmalta.com/festival