The Mnarja Band Philharmonic presented a musical concert titled ‘Big Band Adventures’ at Martin Camilleri Square, Nadur, Gozo on Wednesday, the 23rd of June 2010. The band was directed by Mro. Joseph Grech.

The eleven musical pieces performed by the Mnarja Band were of the highest level and all those present for this concert who packed the square where treated with an outstanding and enjoyable evening as in previous years.

The first part of the concert started with a four classical pieces namely: Selection ‘Italiensiche Operngala’, Medley – Tchaikovsky’s Greatest Hits (P. I. Tchaikovsky) and Overture – Overture – Il-Barbiere di Siviglia (G. Rossini) and ended with a Medley – Mozart Pop Symphony (W.A. Mozart).

Every year the Mnarja Band features musical works where its local band musicians show their full potential on their respective instrument. This year, percussionist Michael Camilleri played ‘Concerto for Drum Set and Band’ which included three movements: 60’s Rock & Roll, Jazz Waltz, Swing. One has to mention that Mr Camilleri is the first musician in Gozo that has obtained the Diploma (A.T.C.L.) on DrumKit.

Afterwards the Band entertained the audience with a humorous piece titled: ‘Amboss Polka’ (A Traditional German Polka arr. by John I. Borg) featuring two soloists on two anvils accompanied by the Band.

The second part of the concert featured vocal arrangements of: ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘Gloria’ accompanied by the band. The Mnarja Band proudly engaged pop singer Christine Camilleri (Former Mnarja Band Musician) as the soloist for these songs.

The third and last part of the concert consisted of popular medleys and pop music, a genre Mnarja Banda has introduced in its vast repertoire for the last 18 years. This is evident in the Band’s engagement to perform concerts in practically all feasts during the festa season in Gozo. This last part included: John Williams in Concert and Super Hits of the 90’s. The concert came to an end with a Medley ‘Selections from Mary Poppins’.

This year’s concert was under the patronage of the newly-installed Archpriest of Nadur Parish, Mons. Jimmy Xerri PH.L. It was attended by the Minister for Gozo – Hon. Giovanna Debono, Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Chris Said, Members of Parliament, Nadur’s Mayor and councillors, and a very large audience.

During this concert Mons. Salvu Muscat and Mr Charles Xuereb were awarded the title of Honorary President of the Mnarja Philharmonic Society.

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