Founded more than 50 years ago, the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra can trace its origins back to far more humble roots than one might suppose when looking at its current iteration. After all, it was only in 1968 that a group of musicians who had been part of a chamber orchestra under the patronage of the Commander-in-Chief of the British navy in Malta – popularly known as the C-in-C Orchestra – decided to group together and form their own orchestra.
This was the first manifestation of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which we have today, although at this time it was merely known as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra. As the name suggests, its scope was far more restricted in these early years, since its role was limited to being the resident orchestra at the Manoel Theatre, where it performed both operas, as well as symphonic concerts. In fact, it was only in 1997 that the orchestra became an independent entity, taking on the name of The National Orchestra of Malta, and employing, as its first resident conductor, the internationally esteemed composer, Joseph Vella. Ten years later, the orchestra was finally expanded into a full-size symphony orchestra, only performing for the first time as the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in 2008.
Nowadays, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has garnered both local, as well as international respect and recognition. As the only professional orchestra in the Maltese Islands, the MPO averages more than one performance per week, boasting a repertoire which ranges from classical, to rock, pop, and all the way up to contemporary music. Locally, they also organise or take part in annual music events which have become staples in the Maltese cultural calendar, such as Rockestra, the Baroque International Music Festival, and the yearly concert put up by the internationally acclaimed local tenor, Joseph Calleja.