The Prekursur Band, of the Prekursur Philharmonic Society of Xewkija Gozo, held its annual musical concert on Tuesday to mark the occasion of the feast of Saint John The Baptist.
The concert venue, Saint Catherine Street, Xewkija, proved to be a great success. The audience was far larger than expected and the Prekursur Band, directed mainly by its Musical Director Mro. Anthony Borg and by his Assistant Director, Mro. Mark Gauci, rose to the occasion by performing one of its best concerts.
The evening was presented by Miss Vanessa Attard and Mr. Daniel Vella. The Xewkija Hymn of Mro. Pace and the Gozo Hymn of Prof Jos Vella introduced the concert and The Dam Busters March composed by Eric Coates was the first musical piece for that evening. This was followed by Gabriel Obe musical work by Ennio Marricone, with the participation of the local mezzo soparano Marthese Borg. The band the performed Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, composed by Frank Valli, sung by Sarah Bonnici who also hails from Xewkija. Following this was the turn for a medley, the Queen On Concert which included We Will Rock You, Bohemain Rhapsody and We Are The Champions, all of which were directed by the assistant director Mro. Mark Gauci. The Parade of the Charioteers, from the film Ben Hur, a famous composition by Miklos Rozsa, was well received. The song Its My Way, composed by Andrew Lloyds Weber, interpreted by the local singer Gabriella Xuereb and the overture Manhattan Town Overture, musical work by Gordon Jenkins, brought to an end the first part of the concert. All these were performed under the baton of the Musical Director, Mro. Anthony Borg.
During the evening, the Society also celebrated several anniversaries with the presentation of mementos. These included Mr. Louis Vella, on his 10th Anniversary as President of the Prekursur Philharmonic Society; Mr. Anthony Borg, on his 15th, Anniversary as Prekursur Band Director; Mr. John Vella, on his 25th. Anniversary as Cashier of the Society; and to Rev. Mons Carmelo Mercieca on his 40th, Anniversary as Parish Priest of Xewkija Parish.
Afterwards the audience was delighted to hear The Grand Hymn “LA NATIVITA DI SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA” musical composition by the founder Maestro Indri Borg, with lyrics by Mr. Joseph Serafine Cutajar. This was performed by the band, the society choir, tenor Joseph Saliba, Bariton Joe Huber, mezzo soparano Marthese Borg and solo clarinet Joseph Vella. The last notes of this Grand Hymn were heartily welcomed by a long standing ovation by the audience. The concert ended up with the Prekursur Band Hymn of Mro. Vincenzo Ciappara, and the National Anthem of Robert Sammut.
Following the concert, it was time for the Society’s inauguration of the much awaited restoration on the facade of the band club premises, in St, Catherine Street. The Society said that the works were entrusted to the chief stone mason, Mr. Louis Vella, “the much beloved president of the Society.”
“The Society said that the restoration work, which was completed in a relatively short time included the replacing of the old stone slabs of the façade of the ground floor with new ones. The plastering work was carried out by Mr. Donald Pace, who is also a clarinet player of the Prekursur Band. The freshly restored façade of the Band Club now complements other adjacent buildings.”
The celebration came to an end in front of the Band Club premises, with a message for the occasion by the General Secretary of the Prekursur Philharmonic Society Mr. Carmelo Attard. His message concentrated on all the works that have been carried out throughout the years by former members of the society, who had all worked hard to see the Prekursur Philharmonic Society continue to strive to achieve success. He also thanked all those who gave help, or had contributed in some way or another towards making the event such a success. In his short message, the President Mr. Louis Vella whilst thanking all band members profusely wished everybody a Happy Feast.
As soon as the President opened the new door of the band club Rev.Mons Carmelo Mercieca blessed the premises.