In Catania - 1903

Tal-Palma’s reputation in Catania remained consistent in the following years. During the summer of 1903, it was invited again to perform a programme in the city. The invitation was very near the feast of St Lawrence and thus a number of issues had to be tackled. Among these, the main issue was that there was only enough time for 4 concerts, since the invitation was for the last week of August. However, the committee and the musicians challenged this head-on and the preparations started immediately.

Funds for such a trip were a problem. Due to the timing there was a fear of a lack of interest. This was very important as it was the source of part of the funding. Thanks to 2 admirers of the society, who offered the funds in advance, the boat could be rented in advance. Early on the morning of Saturday 22 August, the Duke of Edinburgh, along with a number of admirers, were on their way to Catania.

On the quay in Catania, a large crowd was awaiting the Society’s arrival. As soon as the boat moored, the band saluted the crowd with the national anthem of Italy, which the crowd received to great applause. Both the Maltese and Sicilians joined behind the band and on their way to the municipal palace, they played joyous marches to the overall joy of the crowd. On their arrival at the palace, the contingent was welcomed by the authorities with a reception.

On Sunday the band performed a programme on the parvis of St Agatha Cathedral. In the evening the musicians were sitting on the bandstand in Villa Bellini to perform the main programme they were invited to perform. This was given prominence by the local media, and a large crowd gathered in front of the bandstand. The band started performing Mercadante’s symphony Ricordo a Bellini, followed by other pieces composed by Band Director Grech. His pieces were hugely popular, which led to his appointment to Membro Accademico Circolo Real Bellini.

Next was a selection from Boito’s Mefistole. The band continued with the programme ‘Preghiera alla Beata Vergine’ followed by a selection from the opera Faust. Their interpretation of Hume’s serenata The Warbles was described as impeccable. This can be credited to the fact that some of the musicians put their instruments aside and whistled. It’s known that this part was was highly awaited, due to the wonderful way in how it was whistled. As soon as this finished, the crowd started applauding without stop, asking for encores. Although it was already late at night, band director Grech continued accommodating them. The cheers were even louder as pyrotechnics were lighted. The programme ended with Italian national anthem, and since we were still a colony and Malta still did not have a national anthem, the band performed the God save.

Although it was late at night, the band continued playing festive marches all the way to port. The contingent arrived back in Malta early Monday Morning and was welcomed by a large crowd of relatives on the St Lawrence Quay.