Back in 1946, a small Church orchestra was set up in Żebbuġ, Gozo. The members of this orchestra all came from the village, including its founder and conductor, Antonio Mallia, who also composed a number of works.

Among these was the music for a Mass played on special occasions, mainly the liturgical celebrations on the occasion of the village feast dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady.

Since its establishment, the Żebbuġ parish orchestra always consisted of local people with the support of other musicians from outside the village.

As an elderly villager, who witnessed the birth and history of this village orchestra, I am quite disappointed at the manner in which those who recently took over its management decided to change what managed to survive for over 71 years.

A case in point is what happened on August 16. For over seven decades,  the music played during the Santa Marija liturgical functions was always that composed by Antonio Mallia, an esteemed villager who is still remembered by many.

However, this year someone thought better and decided to discard Mallia’s music which had been proudly preserved as the work of a talented villager for such a long time.

But what saddens me most is how a number of youngsters, who in recent years voluntarily offered their services to this orchestra, were eliminated from the new set-up.

Considering how this small orchestra thrived and survived in an era where most of its members were illiterate, I find it difficult to understand this decision, that more or less disregards local talent.

Certainly, this is not the way to promote culture and voluntary work among youths in this day and age.