Junior College Orchestra musicians perform in Assisi

The University of Malta Junior College Orchestra recently embarked on yet another cultural exchange.

Following their successful performances in Pisa (Italy) last March, this time the talented young musicians, under the direction of Mro Manoel Pirotta, performed in the beautifully preserved medieval city of Assisi.

As part of a student exchange project between Junior College and Liceo Scientifico 'Principe di Napoli' in Assisi, an educational institution rich in history and tradition, a group of 20 students, who are aspiring musicians and form part of the college's orchestra, took part in this programme.

The orchestra is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and while having gained popularity through numerous concerts, it has established a tradition of travelling and performing abroad thanks to student exchanges organised by the college's Eurocentre.

Such travelling opportunities are valued by the college's administration, students and parents because they provide participants with the confidence of performing in front of a foreign audience, while also aiming to educate further through exposure to foreign language, culture, and family.

The purpose of such student exchanges is, in fact, primarily that of providing our youth with further knowledge of European culture and heritage, and helping them understand the realities lived in other countries. This is done by their immersion and short adaptation to the lifestyles with members of that culture.

The programme of this trip was packed with art and history, as well as great places of interest and ancient cities, which took the group to the regions of Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany. The magical setting of Assisi was the beginning of the visit, with a tour around the historical part of town, through the narrow streets which reveal the beauty and charisma of the medieval setting.

A half-day visit to Perugia was certainly not enough to get a grasp of its wonders; however, the passage through the medieval remains of Rocca Paolina and the Arco Etrusco was fascinating.

A rainy day in Florence did not allow the group to wander around its breathtaking streets much, but it did provide the one-time opportunity to enter and explore the marvels of the Uffizi Art Gallery without the tedious queuing experience.

The highlight of the tour was Rome, where students spent the last two days of their journey admiring the beauty and fame of the city.