Socjeta Filarmonika Victory of Xaghra said that it holds in its archives various musical works such as overtures, symphonic marches, operas, funeral hymns, sacred compositions and compositions on a ”merrier” note.
This music was mainly composed by directors who were at the helm of the society over the years or composers who in some way or another had a connection with the Society or the village of Xaghra.
The Society said that in order to ensure that these compositions are not lost to future generations and in order to ”bring” them back to the general public, through a new project funded through the Ministry for Gozo NGO Assistance Scheme, it has professionally recorded thirteen compositions which were composed mainly between circa 1950s and 1970s, the marches are:
Marc Marija Bambina – Michael Farrugia (1958)
Marc Orpheus – Joseph Camilleri (1963)
Marc Kmamar – Andew Coleira (1982)
Marc Warda Misterjuza – Emanuel Bugeja (1984)
Marc Appointment – Nazzareno Refalo (1958)
Marc: Cieka u Celest – Maj. Anthony Aquilina (1950)
Marc Past Glory – Joseph Busuttil (1952)
Marc Marcelle – Vincenzo Ciappara (1976)
Marc Echo of the Emerald – Louis Bongailas (1982)
Marc Merhba lill-Isqof Theuma – Joseph Galea (2021)
Innu March Jum il-Bambina – Joseph Abela Scolari (1976)
Marc Popolari Victory – Angelo Pullicino (1969)
Innu Banda Victory – Nazzareno Refalo (1970)
The Society explained that this project revolved around Gozo’s Artistic and Cultural identity and gives prominence to thirteen composers who in some way or another contributed towards the advancement of music and culture in the Maltese Islands, particularly where band clubs are concerned.
In particular this project focuses on the ”preservation and promotion of the historical, cultural and artistic heritage of Gozo (intangible heritage) and the Gozitan community, and through this project shall be advancing cultural awareness and participation from among the Gozitan community and further the development of intergenerational artistic and cultural experiences.”
Socjeta Filarmonika Victory said that this project:
• Identifies and documents thirteen composers/musical directors from 1934 up to the present day who with their work and passion have contributed towards the development of local band clubs over the decades and hence the need to safeguard their legacy for future generations to appreciate
• Seeks to bring back to life musical works currently held in Socjeta Filarmonika Victory’s archives and that needs to be adequately documented and professionally recorded and digitised in order to ensure that these works are adequately preserved and stored
• Makes sure that these works are given their due prominence and promotion and through digitisation and the distribution of CD’s can be played and appreciated by the general public.
It stated that, ”and clubs are part and parcel of Gozitan Society and Culture, their main objective, as that of the Socjeta Filarmonika Victory, is that of teaching and promoting music at all levels of society.’
Many musicians have moved their first steps in band clubs and have continued to advance their talent thanks to the professionalism of band clubs both locally and abroad. ”It is to be noted that teaching by band clubs is free of charge and that most of the work is done on a voluntary basis.” the Society said.
It went on to say that,nowadays once can say that band clubs have become an ”integral part of Maltese Culture” and their influence ”goes beyond traditional feast,” thus through a ‘prevailing sense of dedication and professionalism band clubs shall continue contributing towards the amelioration of Maltese Culture and Tradition.”
The Society stressed that ”this project has led to the development of a tangible result that enshrines sustainability, since it has sought to rediscover past contributors and make sure that their work and legacy are preserved for future generations.”
Most importantly, it said, the digitally recorded works will be accessible to everyone and promoted in such a manner to ensure that such works are given their due prominence, especially among community radio stations that typically have segments dedicated to band clubs and marches associated with different localities around Malta and Gozo.