November 1 is a very important date in the calendar of the Leone Band of Victoria because on this very day, in 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven as a Dogma of the Faith.

Since 1950, the Leone Band has commemorated this event with an annual concert.

This year the concert took place on November 7 at the Aurora Opera House, a month after the successful, fully booked, traditional Aïda with all the splendour and glory Verdi wanted it to be.

The concert consisted of different types of music, including the Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Johannes Brahms, arranged by Mro. Joseph Debrincat; the Benedictus from The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins, arranged by Mro Mark Gauci; Aïda by Giuseppe Verdi, arranged by Giovanni Pennacchio; The Cream of Clapton by Eric Clapton, arranged by Ron Sebregts; Michael Jackson: Through the Years, arranged by Michael Brown; Joe Cocker by Joe Cocker, arranged by Wolfgang Wössner; and the Jazz Suite No. 2 by Dimitri Shostakovich, arranged by John de Meij. Some of these were performed in Malta and Gozo for the first time. As usual, the band opened with the concert playing the popular hymn to Our Lady in Her Assumption, music by Vincenzo Ciappara, lyrics by Gianninu Cremona. This beautiful anthem was composed 50 years ago.

It was a real enjoyable evening where Mro. Colin Attard showed his agility and ability. The soloists - David Portelli (trumpet), Joseph Xerri Jr (flegelhorn), Mark Gauci (althorn) and Joseph Gauci (euphonium) - excelled in their respective parts and stole the hearts of the numerous patrons that are now part and parcel of the Aurora.

The Leone Band was at its best and performed the well-selected music items with confidence, ease and enthusiasm.

Beautiful Annabel Zammit presented with flair and added her charm to the memorable evening.

Now, we look forward to the next Leone Goes Pop in May as Carmen is a year away!