A
BRIEF JOURNEY THROUGH THE GLORIOUS HISTORY OF THE
L'Unione Philharmonic Society A.D
1880
1931
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in its usual occasions.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in its usual occasions.
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1932
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in all the feasts celebrated in Luqa.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in all the feasts celebrated in Luqa.
1933
As in the previous years, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society participated in all its usual occasions including the feasts celebrated in the Parish of Luqa.
As in the previous years, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society participated in all its usual occasions including the feasts celebrated in the Parish of Luqa.
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1934
For the first time, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feast of Our Lady of Roses celebrated in Gudja.
1935
On the 6th of May, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the special activities commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V.
1936
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in all the feasts held in Luqa.
For the first time, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feast of Our Lady of Roses celebrated in Gudja.
1935
On the 6th of May, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the special activities commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V.
1936
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in all the feasts held in Luqa.
1939
During a musical program held in Vittoriosa for the feast of Saint Lawrence, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society played English music for the first time, which was something innovative for the Maltese Islands for that time.
1940
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in several social activities organized by the members of the Society.
During a musical program held in Vittoriosa for the feast of Saint Lawrence, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society played English music for the first time, which was something innovative for the Maltese Islands for that time.
1940
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in several social activities organized by the members of the Society.
1937
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society, together with the ‘L’Isle Adam’ Band of Rabat took part in the funeral of its Bandmaster Mro Salvatore Mallia R.M.A. held in Siggiewi. In this same year, Mro Giuseppe Casapinta was appointed director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
On the occasion of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a concert held in Luqa and in the special activities held in Valletta to mark this occasion.
Another occasion in which the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in was the appointment of the new Parish Priest of Kirkop.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society, together with the ‘L’Isle Adam’ Band of Rabat took part in the funeral of its Bandmaster Mro Salvatore Mallia R.M.A. held in Siggiewi. In this same year, Mro Giuseppe Casapinta was appointed director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
On the occasion of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a concert held in Luqa and in the special activities held in Valletta to mark this occasion.
Another occasion in which the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in was the appointment of the new Parish Priest of Kirkop.
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1938
After few months from his appointment, Mro Giuseppe Casapinta resigned from director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society due to other commitments. Mro Charles Xuereb was appointed as new director.
After few months from his appointment, Mro Giuseppe Casapinta resigned from director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society due to other commitments. Mro Charles Xuereb was appointed as new director.
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1941
During the Second World War, the Club’s premises where almost completely destroyed and several musical manuscripts and documents relating to the first years of the Society were lost forever.
During the Second World War, the Club’s premises where almost completely destroyed and several musical manuscripts and documents relating to the first years of the Society were lost forever.
1942
This year marked the death of Joseph Azzopardi who was President of the Society. His son, Joe Azzopardi was elected as new President of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society at the age of 17.
This year marked the death of Joseph Azzopardi who was President of the Society. His son, Joe Azzopardi was elected as new President of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society at the age of 17.
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1943
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society welcomed H.M. Queen Elizabeth and King George VI during their visit to Malta.
1944
Members of the Committee of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society attended a special occasion held in Zebbug to present Lord Gort with a special Honour.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society welcomed H.M. Queen Elizabeth and King George VI during their visit to Malta.
1944
Members of the Committee of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society attended a special occasion held in Zebbug to present Lord Gort with a special Honour.
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1945
Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro was appointed director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro was appointed director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
1946
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society played for the first time a new solemn Hymn composed by Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro. This Hymn, ‘Vexilla Regis’ was written for the Good Friday procession of Luqa.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society played for the first time a new solemn Hymn composed by Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro. This Hymn, ‘Vexilla Regis’ was written for the Good Friday procession of Luqa.
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1947
On the 9th of March, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the inauguration of the newly built Parish Church after it was damaged during World War II.
In this same year, James Ciappara was elected President of the Society.
On the 9th of March, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the inauguration of the newly built Parish Church after it was damaged during World War II.
In this same year, James Ciappara was elected President of the Society.
1948
Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro composed the immortal Hymn ‘Lill-Banda l-Unjoni’ which is still very popular today. The new Club premises where constructed after being damaged during World War II, and re-opened for the general public on the 5th of September. In this same year, a new banner was given to the Society by its members.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part for the first time in the feasts of Saint Dominic held in Valletta, and that of Our Lady of Graces celebrated in Zabbar.
Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro composed the immortal Hymn ‘Lill-Banda l-Unjoni’ which is still very popular today. The new Club premises where constructed after being damaged during World War II, and re-opened for the general public on the 5th of September. In this same year, a new banner was given to the Society by its members.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part for the first time in the feasts of Saint Dominic held in Valletta, and that of Our Lady of Graces celebrated in Zabbar.
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1949
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society was consecrated to the Holy Heart of Jesus by Mgr. Bishop Emmanuele Galea. In this same year, Dr. John Azzopardi was elected President of the Society.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society was consecrated to the Holy Heart of Jesus by Mgr. Bishop Emmanuele Galea. In this same year, Dr. John Azzopardi was elected President of the Society.
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1950
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the first Solemn Mass of Rev. Innocent Borg. In this same year, the Band participated in the feast of Saint Peter held in B’Bugia.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the first Solemn Mass of Rev. Innocent Borg. In this same year, the Band participated in the feast of Saint Peter held in B’Bugia.
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1951
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the special feasts for the Coronation of the Holy Image of Our Lady of Graces held in Zabbar. In this same year, new instruments for the Band were inaugurated.
Due to the problems with the other Society, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society did not participate in the feast of Saint Andrew. In fact the Band participated in the Good Friday precession on its own till 1957.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the special feasts for the Coronation of the Holy Image of Our Lady of Graces held in Zabbar. In this same year, new instruments for the Band were inaugurated.
Due to the problems with the other Society, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society did not participate in the feast of Saint Andrew. In fact the Band participated in the Good Friday precession on its own till 1957.
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1952
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society was invited by the Saint Andrew’s Band of Luqa (celebrating its 69th anniversary) to participate in the inauguration of its new premises. In this same year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feasts of Saint Paul held in Valletta, and that of the Holy Trinity celebrated in Marsa.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society also took part on the occasion of the first Solemn Mass of Rev. Joseph Micallef.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society was invited by the Saint Andrew’s Band of Luqa (celebrating its 69th anniversary) to participate in the inauguration of its new premises. In this same year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feasts of Saint Paul held in Valletta, and that of the Holy Trinity celebrated in Marsa.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society also took part on the occasion of the first Solemn Mass of Rev. Joseph Micallef.
1953
Eng. Jos. M. Azzopardi was elected President of the Society.
On the 2nd of June, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a musical program to commemorate the Coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. A few days after, the Society took part in another musical program held in Luqa for the same occasion.
The first bandstand was inaugurated by Dr. George Borg Olivier, Prime Minister of Malta. To commemorate this special event, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special program under the direction of Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro.
In this same year, Anglu Mizzi and Felic Mizzi died after a fireworks explosion.
Eng. Jos. M. Azzopardi was elected President of the Society.
On the 2nd of June, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a musical program to commemorate the Coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. A few days after, the Society took part in another musical program held in Luqa for the same occasion.
The first bandstand was inaugurated by Dr. George Borg Olivier, Prime Minister of Malta. To commemorate this special event, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special program under the direction of Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro.
In this same year, Anglu Mizzi and Felic Mizzi died after a fireworks explosion.
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1954
A vocal and instrumental concert was held by the l’Unione Philharmonic Society with the collaboration of the Malta Operatic Society, under the direction of Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro. In this same year, Mro. Joseph Abela Scolaro composed a new Hymn dedicated to Our Lady of the Girdle.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feasts of Our Lady of Lilies held in Mqabba, and that of Our Lady of Victories celebrated in Xaghra (Gozo).
A vocal and instrumental concert was held by the l’Unione Philharmonic Society with the collaboration of the Malta Operatic Society, under the direction of Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro. In this same year, Mro. Joseph Abela Scolaro composed a new Hymn dedicated to Our Lady of the Girdle.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feasts of Our Lady of Lilies held in Mqabba, and that of Our Lady of Victories celebrated in Xaghra (Gozo).
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1955
The year 1955 marked the 75th anniversary of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society. For this occasion, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society organised a special musical program on the 24th of July, under the direction of Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro. The Society was re-consecrated to the Holy Heart of Jesus by Mgr. Mikiel Gonzi, Archbishop of Malta.
The year 1955 marked the 75th anniversary of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society. For this occasion, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society organised a special musical program on the 24th of July, under the direction of Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro. The Society was re-consecrated to the Holy Heart of Jesus by Mgr. Mikiel Gonzi, Archbishop of Malta.
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1956
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the appointment of Rev. Innocent Borg as new Parish Priest of Luqa.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the appointment of Rev. Innocent Borg as new Parish Priest of Luqa.
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1957
Neo’ Spiteri was elected President of the Society.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the Good Friday procession together with the Chorus Excelsior of Luqa. In this same year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feast of Saint Mary celebrated in Victoria (Gozo).
After six years of discussions with the other society, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society participated again in the feast of Saint Andrew. The Band took part in a musical program under the direction of Assistant Director Edigio Zammit since Mro Abela Scolaro was in England at that time. As a special guest, the Society invited the King’s Own Philharmonic Society of Valletta to take part in the titular feast.
Neo’ Spiteri was elected President of the Society.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the Good Friday procession together with the Chorus Excelsior of Luqa. In this same year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feast of Saint Mary celebrated in Victoria (Gozo).
After six years of discussions with the other society, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society participated again in the feast of Saint Andrew. The Band took part in a musical program under the direction of Assistant Director Edigio Zammit since Mro Abela Scolaro was in England at that time. As a special guest, the Society invited the King’s Own Philharmonic Society of Valletta to take part in the titular feast.
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1958
On the 30th of March, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special program consisting of Sacred Music held in Valletta.
On the 24th of October, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special concert on the death of Pope Pius XII.
1959
On the 29th of March, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the First Solemn Mass of Rev. Carmelo Zammit.
On the 30th of March, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special program consisting of Sacred Music held in Valletta.
On the 24th of October, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special concert on the death of Pope Pius XII.
1959
On the 29th of March, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the First Solemn Mass of Rev. Carmelo Zammit.
1960
Carmelo Spiteri was elected President of the Society.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feast of Saint Paul held in Safi on the occasion of the 1900th anniversary from the Saint’s shipwreck.
Carmelo Spiteri was elected President of the Society.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the feast of Saint Paul held in Safi on the occasion of the 1900th anniversary from the Saint’s shipwreck.
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1961
The titular feast of Saint Andrew was celebrated in July for the first time. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part as usual.
The titular feast of Saint Andrew was celebrated in July for the first time. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part as usual.
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1962
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in several occasions during the year including the feasts celebrated in the Parish of Luqa.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in several occasions during the year including the feasts celebrated in the Parish of Luqa.
1963
As in the previous year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the Parish feasts and in other occasions.
As in the previous year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the Parish feasts and in other occasions.
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1964
Both the l’Unione Philharmonic Society and the ‘Saint Andrew’s Band’ agreed upon certain conditions regarding the Titular feast of Saint Andrew held in Luqa.
Both the l’Unione Philharmonic Society and the ‘Saint Andrew’s Band’ agreed upon certain conditions regarding the Titular feast of Saint Andrew held in Luqa.
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1965
Dr. George Borg M.D. was elected President of the Society. During this year, the new regulations of the Society were approved by the members of the Committee.
A new flag was inaugurated for the Premises of the Club.
Members of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society constructed the Saint Andrew’s Fireworks Factory. This was inaugurated by Rev. Innocent Borg.
Dr. George Borg M.D. was elected President of the Society. During this year, the new regulations of the Society were approved by the members of the Committee.
A new flag was inaugurated for the Premises of the Club.
Members of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society constructed the Saint Andrew’s Fireworks Factory. This was inaugurated by Rev. Innocent Borg.
1966
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in its usual occasions including the feasts celebrated in Luqa.
1967
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society welcomed H.M. Queen Elizabeth II at the International Airport (Luqa).
1968
A new film was produced by a foreign broadcasting unit. Scenes from the feast of Saint Andrew were recorded and one of the main protagonists of the film was Anthony Theuma, a trumpeter with the l’Unione Philharmonic Society. The film was named ‘Two trumpets for Saint Andrew’.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in its usual occasions including the feasts celebrated in Luqa.
1967
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society welcomed H.M. Queen Elizabeth II at the International Airport (Luqa).
1968
A new film was produced by a foreign broadcasting unit. Scenes from the feast of Saint Andrew were recorded and one of the main protagonists of the film was Anthony Theuma, a trumpeter with the l’Unione Philharmonic Society. The film was named ‘Two trumpets for Saint Andrew’.
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1969
An artistic bandstand was inaugurated by General Governor Sir Maurice Dorman and Mgr. Bishop Emmanuele Galea. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special musical program to commemorate this occasion.
An artistic bandstand was inaugurated by General Governor Sir Maurice Dorman and Mgr. Bishop Emmanuele Galea. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a special musical program to commemorate this occasion.
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1970
As done in previous years, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in its usual occasions, including the feasts of Saint Andrew and that of Our Lady of Consolation celebrated in Luqa.
As done in previous years, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in its usual occasions, including the feasts of Saint Andrew and that of Our Lady of Consolation celebrated in Luqa.
1971
Salvu Schembri was elected President of the Society.
Salvu Schembri was elected President of the Society.
1972
The solemn Hymn ‘Hymnus in Divum Andream Apostolum’ was performed by the l’Unione Philharmonic Society for the last time in the Saint Andrew’s Square. This great work was composed by Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro.
The solemn Hymn ‘Hymnus in Divum Andream Apostolum’ was performed by the l’Unione Philharmonic Society for the last time in the Saint Andrew’s Square. This great work was composed by Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro.
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1973
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the inauguration of a new statue representing the Betrayal of Gudas - an artistic work by Glormu Dingli. This statue was donated to the Parish Church by Joe Bonnici, who was a member of the Society.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the inauguration of a new statue representing the Betrayal of Gudas - an artistic work by Glormu Dingli. This statue was donated to the Parish Church by Joe Bonnici, who was a member of the Society.
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1974
After several difficult years regarding the Club Premises, a court case was sentenced in favour of the Society and the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in this special occasion.
After several difficult years regarding the Club Premises, a court case was sentenced in favour of the Society and the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in this special occasion.
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1975
This year marked the death of Joseph Camilleri (Paddy) who died in a fireworks explosion in the Saint Andrew’s Fireworks Factory.
This year marked the death of Joseph Camilleri (Paddy) who died in a fireworks explosion in the Saint Andrew’s Fireworks Factory.
1976
A new extension to the original Club Premises was acquired and several works were carried out to redecorate the Premises.
A new extension to the original Club Premises was acquired and several works were carried out to redecorate the Premises.
1977
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the First Solemn Mass of Rev. Teddy Cumbo.
The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the First Solemn Mass of Rev. Teddy Cumbo.
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1978
An artistic painting of Saint Andrew was inaugurated in the Club’s premises. This work of art was painted by Chev. E. Borg Gauci and donated by the President of the Society Salvu Schembri.
In this same year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part for the first time in the Sunday morning march held on the feast day of Saint Andrew.
An artistic painting of Saint Andrew was inaugurated in the Club’s premises. This work of art was painted by Chev. E. Borg Gauci and donated by the President of the Society Salvu Schembri.
In this same year, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part for the first time in the Sunday morning march held on the feast day of Saint Andrew.
1979
For the first time ever, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society played in front of the Crucifixion Statue during the Good Friday procession held in Luqa. Till this day, the Band participated in this procession by playing in the main square.
A few days after the Good Friday celebration, Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro passed away. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the corteo held in Luqa. Mro Abela Scolaro had been for the past 34 years director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
Profs. Dr. Charles Zammit was appointed as new director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
For the first time ever, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society played in front of the Crucifixion Statue during the Good Friday procession held in Luqa. Till this day, the Band participated in this procession by playing in the main square.
A few days after the Good Friday celebration, Mro Joseph Abela Scolaro passed away. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in the corteo held in Luqa. Mro Abela Scolaro had been for the past 34 years director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
Profs. Dr. Charles Zammit was appointed as new director of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society.
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1980
This year marked the 100th anniversary from the foundation of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society. On the 13th of July, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the appointment of Rev. Kalcidon Vassallo as new Parish Priest.
In August, special feasts where held in Luqa to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Society. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a commemorative concert held in the main square under the direction of the new director Profs. Dr. Charles Zammit. Amongst the special guests who attended, where the Archbishop of Malta Mgr. Giuseppe Mercieca and the President of Malta Dr. Anton Buttigieg LL.D.
This year marked the 100th anniversary from the foundation of the l’Unione Philharmonic Society. On the 13th of July, the l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part on the occasion of the appointment of Rev. Kalcidon Vassallo as new Parish Priest.
In August, special feasts where held in Luqa to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Society. The l’Unione Philharmonic Society took part in a commemorative concert held in the main square under the direction of the new director Profs. Dr. Charles Zammit. Amongst the special guests who attended, where the Archbishop of Malta Mgr. Giuseppe Mercieca and the President of Malta Dr. Anton Buttigieg LL.D.
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