In recent days, the Malta Police Band was engaged beyond our shores, performing in Rome and the Vatican City State with concerts held to commemorate several anniversaries, including the 210th anniversary of the establishment of the Police Corps, the 105th anniversary of the Band’s founding, the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Malta and the Holy See, and the 88th birthday of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Malta Police Band’s first engagement was held at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle in Rome, featuring a vocal and instrumental concert on the occasion of Pope Francis’ 88th birthday, on Tuesday, December 17. This concert was organized in collaboration with the Vatican Gendarmerie Band and the Polyphonic Choir of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. It was held under the patronage of the Almoner of His Holiness, His Eminence Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, and the General Superior of the Order of Clerics Regular, Father Salvador Rodea Gonzalez, C.R.

The musical directors for this concert were Maestro Anthony Cassar (Director of the Malta Police Band), Maestro Stefano Iannilli (Director of the Vatican Gendarmerie Band), and Maestro Christian Alejandro Almada (Director of the Polyphonic Choir of St. Paul Outside the Walls).

The following day, the musical delegation of the Malta Police Corps participated in the Papal General Audience on Wednesday in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican City State. During the audience, the Malta Police Band performed several hymns, including a rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Pope Francis as he entered the audience hall.

The Maltese delegation also had the opportunity to speak with the head of the Catholic Church and took several photos with him.

The Police Commissioner, Mr. Angelo Gafà, on behalf of the Police Corps, also presented a donation of €10,000 to Pope Francis in support of a clinic for the poor personally managed by the Pope. This donation was raised during events held by the Police Band throughout the year, as well as contributions from members of the Police Band themselves. In return, the Pope presented the Commissioner with a zucchetto (papal skullcap) signed personally by him.

The third and final engagement of the Malta Police Band in Rome was another concert held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Traspontina. This concert featured various Maltese artists, including soprano Ruth Sammut Casingena, tenor Alan Sciberras, singers Mark Tonna, Kristy Spiteri, Neville Refalo, Nicole Hammett, and David Joseph Sammut, as well as violinist Dr. Joseph Chetcuti, harpist Dr. Lydia Buttigieg, organist Dr. Chris Rolè, and the Pipe Band of the Police Band led by Pipe Major Stephan Mercieca. Among the attendees were several ambassadors and distinguished guests, including Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech.

This prestigious visit was made possible thanks to the assistance of Malta’s Ambassador to the Holy See, H.E. Frank Zammit, while Malta’s Ambassador to Italy, H.E. Daniel Azzopardi, also contributed to the coordination of the final concert at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Traspontina.

This overseas tour by the Police Band would not have been possible without the financial support of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the Malta Council for Arts, and Enemed.

The year 2025 will mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Malta and the Holy See, and this experience provided an opportunity to commemorate this historic milestone while also serving as a showcase for Maltese culture and talent.

Present at these events were the Minister for the Interior, Security, and Employment, Byron Camilleri, Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà, along with distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, Italian police associations and entities, and members of the Maltese community living in Lazio.

The Maltese public will also have the opportunity to follow these concerts performed by the Police Band in Rome, as they will be broadcast on the national station TVM+ on December 27 and 28 at around 9 pm.