Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/290775
THIS WEEK maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 APRIL 2014 35 THIS WEEK V18 to bring together band clubs VALLETTA 2018 Foundation, in collaboration with Għaqda Każini tal-Banda, last week launched Band on the Run – Banda Nazzjonali ta' Valletta 2018. The initiative aims to bring together musicians from all band clubs in Malta and Gozo, forming one national band. "Valletta 2018 is not just about the capital city, as one of the aims is to engage with the younger generation to create a lasting legacy," Valletta 2018 Foundation chairman Jason Micallef said. "The Valletta 2018 Foundation strives to give our children and young people the right tools to ac- tively participate in culturally en- riching activities." He highlighted that Band on the Run has for the first time brought together some 70 band clubs on the island with the aim of celebrating this part of Maltese culture which plays a very strong part in the iden- tity and way of life, of every town and village. Through band clubs, children are often exposed for the first time to the world of music and instrument-playing. One cannot but note for instance that most mem- bers of the brass section at the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra received their initial tuition at band clubs where their passion for musical ex- pression was instilled. "The Valletta 2018 Foundation sees a great wealth in this tradition which has flourished over the cen- turies, and wants to help it reach new heights through the European Capital of Culture," Jason Micallef said. Artistic Director Alan Chircop said Band on the Run is in fact formed by some 70 band members. The aim is to create a band with a difference; one that fosters community spirit among band clubs through music, while enhancing appreciation of dif- ferent musical styles, through high standard performances. Għaqda Każini tal-Banda Presi- dent Noel Camilleri, said that Band on the Run – Banda Nazzjonali ta' Valletta 2018, will be a celebration of the tradition of band clubs in Malta. He said that a great deal of effort goes into the organisation of activities undertaken by band clubs, which unfortunately aren't always appreciated. He praised Band on the Run, and augured the project would help spread the appreciation of music amongst the younger gen- erations. Through a combination of weekly rehearsals and outreach activi- ties in different towns and villages, Band on the Run will hold a series of performances, master classes and workshops in collaboration with lo- cal councils, local band clubs and schools. Band on the Run plans to hold ac- tivities in all localities in Malta and Gozo, by 2018. In the coming weeks, Band on the Run will be visiting a number of lo- calities including Mellieħa, Vitto- riosa and Żejtun. Community Events will be open to the public and students, with the participation of various band mas- ters, conductors and teachers from the various localities, who will be given the opportunity to assist and cooperate with Band on the Run. So- lo performers and chamber groups from the communities Band on the Run will be visiting, will be joining in performances and master classes. FAA organise screening of Noah FLIMKIEN għal Ambjent Ah- jar will be organising a special screening of the film Noah on 11 April at Eden Cinemas, St Julian's, in order to raise funds for the res- toration of a unique medieval al- tarpiece in Rabat. A classic drama, told on a hu- man scale for a modern audience, Noah is inspired by the original story of courage, sacrifice and hope. The film's strong perform- ances and sweeping landscapes focus on Noah 's intense family strife, moral dilemmas, and dra- matic battles which underline an ecological message. Time Maga- zine describes it as "a challeng- ing, enthralling, very modern parable" while Movieline said, "It stays with you long after you leave the theatre. This Noah is unlike any other film of its kind—an in- timate and stirring new take on a biblical story we only thought we knew". The event will kick off at the foyer of Eden's Cinema 17 at 20:15 with a pre-cinema reception which will include wine, beer, soft drinks and canapés, also catering for vegetarians and gluten-free. Entrance to the event is at €29, which includes the pre-film re- ception and free parking. Book- ings: w w w.faa.org.mt, 27 022777.