BOV extends its collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

Bank of Valletta will be renewing its collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. This was announced during a press conference held yesterday at The Palace Hotel, addressed by Sigmund Mifsud, Executive Chairman of the MPO, Alec Massa from Digital Magic and Charles Azzopardi, Head PR & Marketing at Bank of Valletta, in the presence of Dr Owen Bonnici, Minster for Justice, Culture and Local Government.

In his opening remarks, Maestro Sigmund Mifsud announced that for its upcoming concert Eroica on the 11th March, the Orchestra will be launching new acoustic panels. “We are really looking forward to introduce these acoustic panels, which are being used for the first time ever on our islands,” explained Mro Mifsud.

Alec Massa explained how the design and structure of these portable acoustic shells will be able to help improve the way the orchestra will sound when performing in different venues in Malta.

Speaking about the bank’s support, Sigmund Mifsud said, “It is indeed an honour to have Bank of Valletta once again as one of our principal sponsors, supporting the MPO. The bank’s collaboration will help to continue investing in our musicians, particularly, since, part of the sponsorship, will be dedicated entirely to the educational arm of the Orchestra.”

Corroborating on Maestro Mifsud’s intervention, Charles Azzopardi commented that, “Over the years, we have seen the MPO growing from strength to strength, not only on the local scene, but also on several important international platforms. We feel that supporting the MPO is an important investment in promoting the arts and culture in our islands. That is why, as Mr Mifsud mentioned, the bank will be dedicated a portion of its sponsorship specifically towards its education and outreach programmes.”

He expressed the bank’s confidence that the collaboration will contribute towards quality performances, in a bid to continue appealing to a broader cross-section of the Maltese public.

In his address Minister Bonnici emphasised the government’s work towards ensuring that culture and the arts attain the importance they deserve and congratulated the National Orchestra for its work. Dr Bonnici spoke about the important role that culture and the arts play in our society today, not simply for entertainment value but indeed as a contributor in economic terms, also as a creator of jobs and a way of bettering and strengthening our society. The minister also expressed his appreciation for the contributions that the local finance community makes towards art and culture.

Minister Bonnici reminded those present that a public consultation on the Initiative towards Citizenship for Merit is currently ongoing. This initiative aims to provide an opportunity to people, including musicians that have given or can give an extraordinary contribution in the arts, in culture, research, sports or science to apply for Maltese citizenship. This consultation closes on May 3rd.

The upcoming Eroica concert will feature Beethoven and Brahms side by side under the baton of Principal Conductor Brian Schembri, in addition to renowned international soloists Jimam Wee and Kirill Rodin.

A week later, the MPO will be going on tour to Austria with the same programme, and it will feature a performance at the prestigious concert hall, the Musikverein, in Vienna.