Musical-literary evening in Birgu to present new research on Monterosso and Doncich

A musical-literary evening in Birgu will present new historical research on former musical directors Giuseppe Monterosso and Aurelio Doncich, alongside the revival of previously undiscovered works and an exhibition of original manuscripts.

The event is set to take place on 11 April, at 7pm at the premises of the Philharmonic Society Prince of Wales Own in Palazz id-Dumnikani, Triq il-Mina l-Kbira, and will be held under the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in Malta.

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the book Storia di Musiche Melite: Arte e Umanità di A. Doncich e G. Monterosso (Italia 1899-1908; Malta 1908-1938) by Italian scholar and journalist Dante Cerilli. The publication explores the artistic and human legacy of the two composers, examining how their work combined Italian musical traditions with Maltese cultural influences to create a distinct musical identity.

The programme will also include the revival of two compositions linked to the society’s archives. These are Occhi Belli, a romance without words by Giuseppe Monterosso, and the grand waltz Le Premier Amour (1889), which was discovered by Cerilli in the municipal archives of Acireale in Italy and later donated to the society. Both pieces have been adapted for the occasion by Mro. Reno Busuttil and will be performed by the Prince of Wales Own Philharmonic under his direction.

An exhibition of original manuscripts by Monterosso will also be held during the evening, offering the public access to primary archival material alongside historical memorabilia related to the society’s development.

The initiative is being coordinated by researcher Joseph Anthony Bugeja, who specialises in 19th and 20th century musical societies and has collaborated with Cerilli on the study.

Organisers said the event aims to highlight shared Italo Maltese musical heritage while bringing renewed attention to historical figures who shaped the development of band music in Malta.