The year 2018, during which Valletta will be the European Capital of Culture, will also mark the second centenary of the death of the world famous Maltese composer, Nicolò Isouard.

Even during the long years when he lived in Paris, Isouard never stopped declaring his Maltese origin, of which he was very proud.

Although his actual place of birth is not so clear, there is no doubt that he was baptised at St Dominic’s Church in Valletta, where his family had their principal abode.

A concert hall at the Manoel Theatre complex is named after Isouard, as are streets in St Paul’s Bay, Mosta and Gzira, but we feel that more should be done.

A bust of the composer was placed on the façades of both the Théâtre de l’Opéra-Comique and the world famous Palais Garnier, while one of the streets in Paris carries his name. The street is in the 16e arrondissement, in the Muette Quarters (on the left side of the Trocadero).

From time to time, there have been a number of studies, including the extensive book edited by Can. John Azzopardi and published in 1991 by The Friends of the Cathedral Museum, Mdina in conjunction with The Alliance Française de Malte.

Recently there was a grand concert of his sacred music at St John’s Co-Cathedral, sponsored by APS. Richard Deville from Canada carried out an in-depth study, through which he obtained a doctorate degree.

We the undersigned, together with many others, feel that as part of the bicentenary of his death, Malta should erect a proper monument in some suitable location, preferably in Valletta, to this famous Maltese who has an international reputation.

With some 42 operas to his name, surely this would be the best homage and an honour not only to him but also to Valletta, a city he was always proud of.