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| 20th Anniversary Concert under the direction of Musical Director Mr. John Chetcuti |
| 20th Anniversary Celebrations in 2001 |
| A MUSICAL ODYSSEY IN 2001 |
| Lejla Maltija and Thanks Giving Mass 2001 marked the band's 20th Anniversary and to commemorate this great milestone the Committee under the leadership of Joe Chetcuti, organised their first funcition for the year, which was a Lejla Maltija (A Maltese Evening) and Thanks Giving Mass earlier in the year at Christ The King Church, inviting all members, past musicians and all the Maltese Societies to be part of the celebrations. The Thanksgiving Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Gabriel Micallef OFM and Fr. Sebastian Camilleri OFM. A lot of the musicians took part in the Mass as readers or musicians and the music was arranged, played and sung by John Chetcuti. After Mass in the Parish Centre, everyone had the opportunity to view the band's display of Memorabilia, photos, trophies, Newsletters etc. and there was an ongoing video footage of the band's performances over the years. Outside in the grounds the Maltese Societies had their food stalls, where one could buy pastizzi, hobz biz-zejt, bigilla, qassatat, and other Maltese cuisine. The musicians then treated all present with a mixture of Maltese Marches adding to the relaxing and unique Maltese atmosphere that was. |
| 20th Anniversary Concert "A Musical Odyssey in 2001" The word Concert is explained as combined action or harmony, a musical performance in which several players participate. And that is what happened on the 27th of October 2001 which reached the conclusion of the band's 20th Anniversary Celebrations. In 2001 our Association was faced with a very busy schedule of events and projects to commemorate this 20th Year milestone. Due to that extra effort by all committee members, Band Conductor and musicians, we concluded our 20th Anniversary in style It obviously culminated on the 27th with the 20th Anniversary Concert - A Musical Odyssey in 2001. This sellout performance was such a high standard, the excited audience were filled with praise and compliments for all concerned. A few who had only seen the band for the first time had to be reminded that the performance was being presented by a group of hobby musicians. All who attended, our special guests from Adelaide and Melbourne were left wanting more and asking when our next concert would be held. This event was further enhanced by the launching of our first ever CD recording, MQVB - Celebrating 20 years of Music and also our long awaited history book, A Chronological History of the Maltese Queen of Victories Band of SA Inc. - 20 Years of Devotion, Challenges and achievements. These two publications were of the same high standard of our concert and will now go down as lasting momentos of the band's first 20 Years. This successful Concert brought the end of an era for the Maltese Queen of Victories Band, it was the 'Odyssey of Dedication' ...this dedication was found in the essence of a talented and passionate musician, a Composer, a Musical Director and most important a friend, John Chetcuti. After 5 years of leading our Association in it's musical endeavours, John has decided to retire from his role as Musical Director and take a well deserved rest to spend some time with his wife Catherine and their two children Rebekah and Luke. Retired he did and what a way to go! Congratulations John on a very well polished and entertaining Concert which I'm sure will be remembered for years to come. Your friends at the MQVB wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Thank you for all the good work that you put in over the last 20 years to make this Band what it is today. The MQVB Committee |
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| An attentive trumpet section during the concert. |
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| To Stage |
| A MUSICAL ODYSSEY IN 2001 |