Casal Nuovo: Echoes of Four Centuries

A concert in five acts

On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Paola, historically known

as Casal Nuovo, this commemorative concert honours Grand Master Antoine De

Paule, the founder of the town. The event is presented by the Soċjetà Filarmonika

Gran Mastru Fra Antoine De Paule, Paola’s traditional philharmonic band club,

proudly carrying the founder’s name and preserving his cultural legacy for

generations.

Held in the magnificent St John’s Co‑Cathedral, the sacred resting place of De Paule

himself, and under the patronage of H.E. The President of Malta, Casal Nuovo:

Echoes of Four Centuries invites the audience to experience Paola’s story as a

single, continuous arc from its prehistoric roots, through war and national change, to

the vibrant community of today, and the future still being shaped.

At the heart of the evening is Banda Kristu Re, a leading Maltese symphonic band

under the direction of Maestro David Joseph Sammut – a Paola‑born musician

celebrated for his expressive musical leadership, refined artistic performances, and

original compositions that contribute to Malta’s contemporary musical scene. The

ensemble will perform a rich selection of Baroque, Romantic and Contemporary

repertoire, including works by Mahler, Puccini, Rossini, Stivala, Sammut and others,

with some pieces being performed by a Maltese band for the very first time.

This is not a traditional programme; it is a concert in five acts, bound together

through original Maltese poetic prose written by Professor Immanuel Mifsud – a

Paola-born, award-winning author, respected university professor, and recipient of

the 2026 Homer European Medal of Poetry and Art. His literary voice gives historical

and emotional depth to the musical arc, weaving music and narrative into one

coherent experience.

Joining the ensemble are three distinguished Maltese artists: tenor Alan Sciberras,

singer Lisa Gauci – winner of X Factor Malta Back to Win, and actress Marceline

Galea delivering the narration.

Casal Nuovo: Echoes of Four Centuries is a unique event that celebrates the cultural

and historical legacy of Paola and the vision of its founder – a legacy whose echoes

still resonate across Paola four centuries later.