A choral composition to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Great Siege, commissioned by American textile designer and philanthropist Chris­topher Hyland, was performed for the first time yesterday in St George’s Basilica, Victoria.

Mr Hyland, who has close ties to Malta and who is a Knight of the Order of Malta, said the overwhelming message was not one of confrontation but one which emphasised the Order’s charisma to reach out to everyone, regardless of their background, sexual persuasion or ethnic group.

The piece, which was composed by Mro Joseph Vella, was performed as part of the Victoria International Arts Festival by the Malta Phil­harmonic Orchestra and the Laudate Pueri Choir.

Titled An Order of Malta Peace Anthem, it was penned by Lisa Zeiger and Mr Hyland himself.

“It’s not about east or west, them or us. It’s about one humanity, united in peace,” Mr Hyland told the Times of Malta.

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