Next month, St. Francis Square in Victoria, will once again come alive with the sounds of the past, as Memorji returns to the island of Gozo for its third edition.
This free open-air concert is a celebration of Gozo’s rich musical legacy, blending beloved local compositions, forgotten gems, and timeless international classics.
This year’s edition carries a special significance: it marks the 50th anniversary of The Tramps’ Xemx, one of Malta’s most iconic songs.
The organisers said that, written by the late Domenic Grech in the 1970s for his then-girlfriend (later wife) Pauline and dedicated to Our Lady, Xemx has transcended generations, becoming part of the country’s musical and emotional heritage. It has been performed at weddings, sung and beloved across the Maltese diaspora, and even interpreted internationally by artists like André Rieu and, more recently, The Tenors.
This year too, Memorji features a stellar line-up of singers, including Ivan Grech, Pamela Bezzina, Daniel Cauchi, Sarah Bonnici, and John Cassar (il-Cash). The singers will be backed by the Memorji band: Mark Grech (bass), Danny Magro (guitar), Pawlu Portelli (drums), Jonathan Camilleri (guitar), and Ismael Azzopardi (keys), and the backing vocalists: Angela Tirchett, Jackie Pace Delicata, and Christine Gatt.
As always, Memorji is more than a concert; it’s a curated musical journey through time. Producer Richard Grech, son of the late Domenic Grech, has been working alongside his brother Mark to reimagine arrangements of original Gozitan songs that risk being lost to time.
These include pieces by The Tramps, who had a wide-ranging song repertoire, and others who shaped the island’s musical identity. This year’s edition continues the tradition of blending local nostalgia with international hits, giving audiences both the songs they grew up with and the ones they never knew they missed.
“Memorji will continue to revive the musical essence of St. Francis Square, breathing new life into Gozo’s musical past,” explains Richard. “And this year, with the 50th anniversary since Xemx was published, we’re remembering and celebrating.”
The concert is hosted by Keane Cutajar and Clare Agius and is being organised in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.
Held on a long weekend following the 1st of May public holiday, Memorji is a must-attend event for anyone spending the weekend in Gozo.
Everyone is invited to join in this special evening at St. Francis Square on Friday, the 2nd of May, starting at 9pm.
Entrance is free and no booking is required.
Photo by Memorji