Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543884
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 MARCH 2026 CULTURE Funerary Marches celebrated in concert, as La Valette and Leone bands approach Holy Week THE funerary march occupies a distinctive and deeply rooted place in the musical heritage of the Maltese islands. Characterised by its solemn melodies, measured tempo, and emotional depth, the genre reflects centuries of devo- tional practice and communal memory. These compositions ac- company the islands' Good Friday processions, where statues depict- ing the Passion of Christ are car- ried through narrow streets lined with silent crowds. There, the music does more than accompa- ny the procession; it rather frames the atmosphere of reverence and contemplation that defines the day, transforming public space in- to a shared moment of reflection. Over generations, the funerary march has become an integral part of the cultural landscape of Malta and Gozo, sustained by band clubs, composers, and musi- cians who continue to enrich the repertoire each year. The tradition of funeral corteges and paralitur- gical processions gave rise to a musical form that balances grief, dignity, and artistic expression. Listening to these marches in procession, with all that happens around them, is one thing. But having a set list performed in concert, is quite another. Vallet- ta's La Valette Band has just pre- sented one such concert, across the channel in Gozo. Aurea Pas- sio was presented on 7th March 2026, at the Aurora Opera House, which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. An audience that thronged in its hundreds witnessed a variety of works, in- cluding funerary, sacred and film music. La Valette's own principal conductor Dominic Darmanin, was joined by guest Italian com- poser/conductor Antonino Oddo and the Gozitan stalwart Colin Attard. Soprano Rosabelle Bianchi also gave a rendition of Stradella's Pietá Signore and Oddo's march La Sollevazione di Cristo. The concert also paid tribute to Mal- tese legendary composer/conduc- tor Joseph Sammut who served as principal conductor of both Mal- ta's La Valette and Gozo's Leone Band for over thirty years each. Slightly different in nature and tone, the Leone Band now pre- sents its annual Holy Week con- cert on Tuesday 24th March, not in the theatre but in the evocative ambience of the Gozo Cathedral Church. Setting itself in a place of worship, the event continues the tradition of being more than just a musical concert. Therefore, Fit-Triq lejn l-Għolja (On the way to the Hill) will be an evening of music and meditation, inspired by the Good Friday tableaux, revolv- ing around the personal, psycho- logical and spiritual meanings of suffering. Colin Attard directs the Leone Band. Presley Clark recites texts penned by Matthew Sultana for the occasion. Fit-Triq lejn l-Għolja happens on Tuesday 24th March, starting at 8pm. Entrance at the Gozo Cathedral Church is free of charge, but seat reservation is strongly rec- ommended on +356 79045779 (sms) or email: teatruaurora@ leone.org.mt. It is being support- ed by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.