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| In October 1980, The Queen of Victories Maltese Chaplaincy Council organised the Queen of Victories Feast celebration. With the new Statue of Our Lady Queen of Victories, the participations of the Maltese Own Band Philharmonic Society of Victoria, the ardent work of from the feast committee and various enthusiastic helpers, this feast resulted in a significant and jubilant occassion for the Maltese Community of South Australia. No doubt, the highlight of the feast was the magnificent sound of the Maltese Own Band's Maltese hymns and marches, which naturally left many Maltese reminiscing the traditional, jubilant feasts and bands back on the Islands of Malta. Consequently this inspired several youths along with their parents to aproach Mr. Frank Brincat who at that time was the Secretary and Public Relations Officer for the Maltese Chaplaincy Council. They asked for Mr Brincat's assistance and advice to start them on woodwond instruments, with the aim and inspiration towards motivating a Maltese style band in South Australia. In December 1980, after enquiries, appeals and publicity, Mr Brincat was contacted by Mr J. Buttigieg of Christies Beach, who then introduced Mr. William Azzopardi and Mrs. Antoinette Azzopardi, both qualified Music teachers. Mr. Azzopardi was also an experienced Musical Director. Finally a foundation was steadily progressing when on the 8th of February 1981, a Special General Meeting was convened at Christ The King Parish hall, Lockleys, the inaugural committee of the Maltese Queen Of Victories Band of S.A. (MQVB) was elected and a number of youths and adults (approx 56) registered for music tuition with Mr. and Mrs Azzopardi. It is through the persevering work and research of Mr Frank Brincat, the dedication and enthusiasm of the students eager to learn music and be part of a Maltese Band, the capable tutors and Musical Director, the fine efforts of the Committee, the Franciscan Friars and the Chaplaincy Council of Lockleys for generously allowing the use of the Parish Hall facilities and last, but not least the tremendous public support, finally, enough funds were raised to purchase musical instruments, one of which was donated by the Franciscan Friars and 5 rented from Mr and Mrs Azzopardi. All of this, indicated that the Maltese Community of South Australia's long awaited dream has come true! |
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| A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MALTESE QUEEN OF VICTORIES BAND OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC. Est. 1981 |
| Following the departure of the band's first Musical Director, Mr William Azzopardi whoheldthis position for 5 years, the band was temporarily directed by relieving Directors, Mr Joe Camilleri and Mr. Emmanuel Camilleri, a truly commendable effort by both these gentlemen. In March 1986, Mr Barry Saddler (ex-Band Conductor of the Brighton City Band) was introduced to the MQVB as the interim Musical Director. Barry had quite a task on his hands....a different band, different type of music, a new environment and a different culture to contend with. The band adapted quite well to Barry and he carried out his task admirably during his brief period. In late May 1986, Mr Cosimo Cavaiuolo, a professional Musician with the S.A. Police Band accepted the permanent role of Musical Director of the MQVB and together with his enthusiastic Assistant Musical Director Mr John Chetcuti, the band began to play a different style of Music. Cosimo or Cos as he was affectionately known to the band members, directed the band for 10 years. He gave 12 months notice to the Committee of his decision to resign as he wanted to pursue his personal and professional challenges, ending with the successful 15th Anniversary Musical Extravaganza Concert at the Parks Community Centre Theatre No. 1.. |