There are so many things in common between Malta and Sicily... culturally and traditionally. These similarities have brought about an international exchange of cultural ideas with the aim of strengthening this everlasting relationship between two countries, that for centuries have been strongly related to each other in different aspects.

To maintain this cultural interchange, the L’Unione Philharmonic Society of Luqa was chosen by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca to represent Malta in an emblematic symphonic concert held at the Sala Gialla in the Palazzo dei Normanni in Palermo, the home of the Assemblea Regionale Siciliana.

The Maltese delegation, led by Rosette Fenech from the Office of the President and Joseph Piscopo, president of L’Unione, was greeted by Palermo mayor Leo Luca Orlando at Palazzo delle Aquile. Then, the band marched from Piazza Carlo V along Corso Vittorio Emanuele where the magnificent cathedral of Santa Vergine Maria Assunta lies. After the march, the band’s officials and musicians were hosted at Palazzo Reale, where they were greeted by the president of the Sicilian Regional Assembly, Gianfranco Micciche.  The magnificent palace dates back to the 12th century. One cannot but admire the famousPalatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina),the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily.

Band march by the L’Unione Philharmonic Society along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo.

Following the exchange of gifts, the L’Unione gave a concert at the Sala Gialla. The band, composed of 47 musicians, was under the direction of Mro John David Zammit. The repertoire included works by Maltese composers Carlo Diacono, Joseph Abela Scolaroand Charles Zammit, as well as Italian composers Pietro Mascagni and Giacomo Puccini.    

Recently, a painting by Mattia Preti – Santa Rosalia – which is usually hung in the church of the Immaculate Conception (Sarria Church) in Floriana was loaned to the city of Palermo for an exhibition dedicated entirely to Saint Rosalia called Santa Rosalia e la Peste (Saint Rosalia and the Plague). The loan of the painting came about after Prof. Micciche asked Dr Coleiro Preca to contribute to this international exhibition by granting this painting. This exhibition was hosted at Palazzo dei Normanni in September.

The band’s visit to Palermo was another story of success for L’Unione Philharmonic Society, which continuously strives to attain high standards in the various musical and cultural activities in Malta and abroad. It was truly a remarkable experience for all.

Address by Palermo mayor Leo Luca Orlando in Palazzo delle Aquile.

Visit to the Cappella Palatina.