The spectacular Teatru Manoel will be heralding summer in, on the first weekend of June, with a bold concert featuring three of Malta’s most vivid bands: the King’s Own Band, the Armed Forces of Malta Band and the La Valette Band. 

These are probably the oldest and most prestigious of Maltese ensembles. The King’s Own Band, set up in 1874, has royal connections, with King Edward VII having named the band himself. It was also the first local band to play the National Anthem of Malta in public in 1936. 

The origins of the Armed Forces of Malta Band, meanwhile, stretch even further back: it started in 1800 when a band with fifes and drums formed part of the Malta Light Infantry Regiment. And, the philharmonic band of La Valette first played in 1875, performing at the Teatru Manoel as early as 1878, and has continued to go from strength to strength.

Each ensemble will be playing a special programme of tunes and orchestrations, ranging from dramatic film scores, such as that of Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone and the finale from the Mask of Zorro composed by James Horner, to more classical fare, including Verdi’s Nabucco Overture and the operatic Tancredi by Gioachino Rossini.

The bands will be taking to the stage separately, on the nights of the 1st, 2nf and 3rd June, with the concerts starting at 8pm. All proceeds taken on Saturday 2nd June, when the Armed Forces of Malta Band play, will be donated to Puttinu Cares. For tickets click here.