The celebrations marking the 50^th anniversary of the foundation of the musical Society St Peter in Chains came to a positive conclusion. The celebrations were of the highest quality and will be written in gold in the history of our Society.

The history of our society was gathered in a book and published. A copy of this book was presented to the President of Malta when we were received by His Excellency in the Palace Valletta following the playing of band marches along Republic Street by our band. That occasion will long be remembered. In November of last year mezzo-soprano Lucienne Cassar, accompanied by the St Peter in Chains Band, sang operatic excerpts and songs during a concert at the New Dolmen Conference Centre that brought to an end the celebrations.   The President of Malta, HE Dr Eddie Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami  again  honoured us by their presence. This shows the President’s  appreciation for the contribution our musical society, together with other musical societies, are  giving towards the dissimination of music in our country.

The celebrations are now over. But the Society does not stop with the end of the celebrations. It continues with its mission amongst its members and towards the attraction of  young people towards our Society. We are sure that through our activities we are contributing towards the dissimination of music and towards the well being of our locality.

During the past year two of the foremost officials of our Society, the secretary and the cashier seized to form part of the Executive Committee – for personal reasons Mario Dalli din not contest the post of secretary  whilst David Grixti resigned his post during the year. I would like to thank them again for their hard work towards our Society. Martin Camilleri was elected as Secretary and Anthero Agius was elected Cashier of the Society. I have already given them my best wishes. I can assure you that they are doing their best  notwithstanding the many difficulties that they encounter.

Musical Societies are passing through challenging times. We  encounter every challenge with optimism because we believe that whatever we do for our society contributes towards the common good of the locality. And towards the development of young people which are so close to our Society.

I take this opportunity to wish all the members of our Society and all the people of Birzebbuga a happy feast. May the feast of St Peter in Chains instill in all the people of this locality a sense of unity!

Joe M. Zahra
President