The spectacular Pjazza San Ġorġ in Valletta has become synonymous with music, thanks to the daily hourly slots of Charles Camilleri’s Malta Suite, heralding the synchronised swaying of the central fountain’s water to the music. But Friday, June 29 will see an event going a step beyond, transforming the square into a space for popular entertainment.

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be teaming up with the Malta Youth Orchestra for an evening of popular classics. British conductor Philip Walsh, fresh from his resounding success at La Fenice in Venice, will be directing the 100-strong orchestra in this unique concert. The eclectic programme chosen for this evening includes works that are well-known by everyone. Although not necessarily known in their classical context, they will definitely ring a bell and link to some popular television adverts, film soundtracks and even mobile phone ring tones.

Let’s take the De Beers advert, for example – a television advertising campaign for which the music used is by Karl Jenkins. This proved to be so popular that the composer later included it as the title track in a compilation called Diamond Music, and eventually created Palladio, using it as the theme of the first movement.

How many of you have tapped their feet to the Hungarian Dances by Brahms while watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon? And how about Gershwin’s An American in Paris, immortalised on the silver screen by Gene Kelly’s choreography?

All these works and others that the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Malta Youth Orchestra will be performing are outstanding compositions, especially when heard live during this unique event.

Don’t miss this spectacle with Malta’s leading musicians of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Malta Youth Orchestra on Friday, June 29 at 8:30p.m. Entrance to Pjazza San Ġorġ is free. For more information visit www.maltaorchestra.com