On April 21, I attended the concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra where it played Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. This was one of the concerts held with the aim of raising the appreciation of classical music among Maltese people. This concert was primarily targeted at children but it was enjoyed by children and adults alike.

The show started off with an explanation of the various sections of the orchestra where the children were asked to identify certain instruments. It was very nice to see them reply excitedly while parents also had a go at testing their knowledge or lack of it.

The orchestra delivered a solid performance which was complemented by boys who attend the Gżira Boys’ Secondary School. The latter mimed and moved the puppets which they had helped to make.

The music naturally stirred up emotions in all of us including the very young, who in certain “dark”scenes could be heard complaining or indeed crying. The only suggestion that I would make would be that for next time a minimum age limit could be suggested so that the original object is not defeated.

While congratulating everyone involved in this project I hope to see more cultural activities targeted at children on the local scene.