Joseph Calleja and Michael Bolton impressed thousands of people at the Luxol Grounds in what was rightly billed as the concert of the year.

The two delighted those present when they combined for favourites such as Nessun Dorma but the crowds were equally appreciative of their performances with Gillian Zammit, Chiara and Ivan Grech, the lead singer of Winter Moods.

Applause was also reserved for the choir of 270 children, particularly when they joined Calleja for Ave Maria. Calleja said this was his thanksgiving for the recovery of his mentor, tenor Paul Asciak, who was present in the crowd and who, Calleja said, he still needs.

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which was under the baton of Mro Paul Bateman, also played a tribute to Mro Charles Camilleri, who passed away earlier this year. His widow, too, was present.