The Leone Band went “Pop” once more, in its fourth edition on June 7, a public holiday, at Independence Square (It-Tokk), Victoria.
It was a calm, hot evening and the square was packed with enthusiasts, old and young alike!
This programme took place in collaboration with Victoria local council on the occasion of Victoria City Day that falls on June 10.
This time, the repertoire consisted of 15 well-known pieces of music: Pop Looks Beethoven, Yellow River, Hold Me Now, The 60s Collection, My Dream, A Tribute To Frank Sinatra, What a Wonderful World, Bon Jovi Rock Mix, Radio Italia (The Best Of Edoardo Vianello), Hello Dolly, Lady Gaga Dance Mix, Billie Jean, You’re The Devil In Disguise, When Love Takes Over, The Show Must Go On and Music (John Miles). All these catchy tunes are so popular that they can be enjoyed by one and all. And those present showed their appreciation.
The young and not-so-young musicians in black T-shirts were led as usual by Colin Attard. Joseph Debrincat directed Lady Gaga Dance Mix. Singers Thea Garrett, Neville Refalo and Mario Caruana enhanced the evening with their voices. The new compère, Carlo Borg Bonaci, presented the items with enthusiasm and warmth. I missed Jean Claude Micallef, I must say! David Portelli and Emi Vella were soloists. The production was in the hands of young Matthew Sultana. Other contributors were: Joelene Tabone and Deborah Agius (choreographers), Luke Azzopardi (concept and design), Emi Vella and Norbert Fenech (coordinators and logistics), Donald Camilleri (lights operations), Antoine Debrincat (sound engineer), Teddy Mizzi (stage), Mario Abela (artworks) and Philip Sultana (layout). All these and more, contributed to the big success of the evening.
It was a real big success! It is amazing how the Leone Band keeps itself so busy all year round with lots of concerts and band participation around the clock, not to mention the mammoth work that the yearly opera entails. The Leone Goes Pop is no more the simple concert as in the olden days of my golden childhood and youth but, year by year, has become a spectacular big show with a big band where fine music blends beautifully with colourful light effects, up-to-date choreography, established singers and good acting. So all the senses are at peace! Mro Colin Attard’s arrival on a sulky was one of the many innovations by the producer and went down well with the audience. It reminded me of Aïda! It is incredible how the Leone Band has changed in these last 20 years!
I hope that Leone Goes Pop No. 4 will be repeated at Marsalforn Bay as in the last years. Looking forward to La Tosca at the Aurora Theatre on October 15.