A group of students forming part of the University of Malta Junior College orchestra was recently hosted by the Istituto Verga of Modica, Sicily.

It was a unique learning experience for the young musicians who attended master classes offered by the Sicilian institute, which operates in liaison with the Messina Conservatory.

Together with Italian students they gave a vocal and instrumental concert at the historic Teatro Garibaldi in Palermo under the direction of Mro Manoel Pirotta.

During their stay in Sicily the students visited places of historical interest such as Noto, Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa.

They were also hosted by Modica mayor Ignazio Abbate, who emphasised the importance of such exchanges, and expressed the hope that others would follow, so as to strengthen relations between the two islands.

The activity was coordinated by the Junior College Eurocentre and the students were accompanied by Mro Pirotta and Gerald Bugeja.