Across local communities in Malta, band clubs developed over the last 150 years. They originated from two activities prevalent in Malta’s traditional society: participation in church music and in the bands of British regiments stationed in Malta. Band clubs promote a popular appreciation of European classical music while encouraging locally created works.
Typically a club has centrally located premises run by volunteers, with activities focussing on the band. It plays for the village festa, celebrations of the Catholic liturgy, and concerts. Other activities include the organization of music lessons and musical archives, and the commissioning of new works. Clubs are vital institutions in community life.
In 2014, band clubs totalled 90 with 37,100 members, of which 11.4 per cent were band players. They organized 1,177 musical programmes – a formidable contribution to popular culture.
Most clubs are affiliated with the Malta Band Club Association, a non-profit NGO created in 1947 to coordinate the talents and traditions of band clubs. It promotes relationships between clubs, assists and represents them in dealings with government and other authorities. The Association is committed to the continuous development of music education.
In recognition of its achievements, and to honour the contribution of all band clubs in the Maltese islands to popular culture and social cohesion, I nominate the Malta Band Club Association to the European Citizen’s Prize for 2016.
Grazzi Dr Alfred Sant u Awguri