Leone goes Pop

The Leone Band of Victoria has once more proved its ability to adapt to our time. On May 17 the band played an unusual concert at Independence Square, Victoria. Instead of the traditional selections from classical and operatic music, for which the band has always been renowned, this time it played with perfection 14 selections of pop music from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. This success was achieved thanks to its energetic director, Mro Colin Attard.

The young band members blended nicely with the older ones, and thanks to its able young soloists, the concert turned out to be a big success. It was as if a new spring time had arrived for the Leone Band!

It was a surprise for me, who spent a lifetime with music bands in Malta and Gozo, to hear those beautiful selections played so well with their fast or slow rhythm. I could not believe my ears. The old and venerable Leone Band sounded like a big band!

The band members were also dressed for the occasion. It was an unusual sight to see young and old musicians dressed in fashionable black T-shirts. The use of lights as in a nightclub, with a big screen on which were projected the titles of the selection played, helped to create a suitable atmosphere for the occasion.

The Leone Band donned a new and modern garment and all who packed the square for the concert enjoyed every minute of it and wished it would never end.

I don't want to forget to mention the young singers who took part in this concert. I am sure we will hear more from them. A word of thanks goes to the members of the Leone committee and to all those who made this evening memorable.

We hope this concert will be the first of many more.