Culture in Gozo

I would like to join Fr George Mercieca (May 21) and congratulate once again the Leone Band for its outstanding performance of the Leone Goes Pop And Movies, a concert of contemporary music held on May 10 at Independence Square, Victoria.

As Fr Mercieca articulated correctly, the show given by the Leone Band under the baton of Colin Attard turned out to be simply splendid. The contemporary choice of music with a mixture of film soundtracks and pop music, including a tribute to the local group the Tramps, was very much appreciated by all those present.

This genre of music attracts audiences to open air concerts like the one organised by the Leone Band.

The band, together with the two singers Mario Caruana and Pamela Bezzina, also interpreted the music selection in an excellent way.

What I would like to add to Fr Mercieca's relevant contribution is that the concert was for free. The audience could enjoy all this wonderful live music, aided with adequate light and visual projections, without forking out a single cent. Sometimes we tend to forget that such events are only organised with a substantial financial budget and need long hours of rehearsals.

Of course, sponsors played their part in making this memorable evening possible.

However, the helping hand and contribution of numerous volunteers (including the bandsmen themselves) is an added value.

It is the team spirit of these volunteers that makes it possible to organise an event with such dedication and professionalism. I was not surprised when compère and TV personality Jean Claude Micallef announced that a repeat concert will be held at Marsalforn Bay on July 28, again for free. This is the of contribution to the culture in Gozo that you expect from this society.

It is the same dedication that this society holds, to have the guts and organise a full-scale opera like Aida on October 10 this year.