In the heart of the Mediterranean, in 1565, one of the most epic events in European history took place: the Great Siege of Malta, which is relived, in musical form, with the symphonic concert “The Great Siege of Malta – Birth of Valletta”, presented, in a world premiere, in the Maltese capital at the magnificent Co-Cathedral of St. John.
This symphonic concert, which is also a moment of historical reflection and strengthening of the ties between Italy and Malta, is staged by will of the Italian Ambassador to Malta Fabrizio romano, is a gift from the Ambassador, and therefore from Italy, to the people of Malta. The symphonic work is produced with the support of the Maltese Ministry for National Heritage, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and the Ars Cantandi choir. The composer of the symphonic concert is Peter Cangiano; the tenor is Michael Alfonsi; the choir is Art of singing; the choirmaster is Mariella Spiteri Cefai; the artistic direction is by Maximilian Pulvano Guelphs.
The Great Siege of Malta: When Music Tells History
The work, conceived for orchestra, choir and tenor, retraces the salient stages of the Ottoman siege of the Knights of St. John, emphasizing the heroism of the Grand Master Jean de Valette and the birth of the city of Valletta, built right after the victory. The composition is inspired by the diary of the direct witness Francesco Balbi da Correggio and is divided into nine movements, each dedicated to a significant moment of the siege, from the poetic contemplation of the Maltese landscape, to the final battle and the laying of the first stone of the future capital.
The first piece, “A day under the skies of Malta”, describes the emotions of a visitor who, looking out from Barrakka, admires the majesty of the fortifications, while listening to the stories of 1565. This is followed by “Malta d'or, Malta d'argento”, a popular song that celebrates the resistance of the Maltese and the knights, with epic tones and solemn timbres. The dramatic heart of the work takes shape with “The arrival of the Turkish fleet” and “Siege, assault and fall of Fort St. Elmo”, with pressing music that symbolizes the invasion and the extreme sacrifice of the defenders. The piece “Le Croci” is moving, in which the martyrdom of the knights is narrated, whose bodies were crucified and thrown into the sea: a scene described with poignant orchestral intensity.
Spirituality finds voice in “Sub Tuum Praesidium”, an ancient oration sung by the Grand Master and his entourage in a moment of desperation, which anticipates the final recovery: “The last assault on Fort St. Michael” and the heroic resistance of Birgu, culminating in the retreat of the Ottoman army. The poem ends with “Ave Crux Alba”, the Knights’ hymn, and “Humillima Civitas Vallettae”, which celebrates the foundation of the new city.
The symphonic concert “The Great Siege of Malta in 1565 – Birth of Valletta” is a historical, emotional and musical narration that pays homage to a fundamental moment in European history and strengthens the cultural bond between Italy and Malta.
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