Imagine this: the sun dips below the ancient walls of Valletta, and instead of the usual hum of traffic, the air fills with the sweet strains of wartime tunes. This isn’t a scene from a period drama, but a reality set to unfold this summer in Malta. A unique concert series, ‘Songs of Our Forefathers’, is reviving the melodies that once echoed in bomb shelters, bringing them back to life on bandstands and village squares.

The brainchild of local historian and musician, Joseph Borg, this series aims to preserve and share Malta’s musical heritage from the Second World War era. “These songs are more than just tunes,” says Borg. “They’re a testament to our resilience, a reminder of how music kept spirits high even in the darkest times.”

The concerts will feature a mix of local and international artists, performing songs from various countries that were part of the Allied forces. Expect to hear everything from Maltese folk songs like ‘L-Għanja’ to British classics like ‘We’ll Meet Again’, and even Italian tunes that were popular among the island’s Italian community during the war.

The series will kick off in June, taking audiences on a musical journey through Malta’s wartime history. The first concert, ‘Shelter Songs’, will be held at the historic Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta, where the echoes of wartime tunes will once again fill the underground tunnels.

Other venues include the bandstand in Victoria Gardens, Sliema, where residents and servicemen alike would gather for concerts during the war, and the village square in Żurrieq, where the local band club would play tunes to lift spirits during air raids.

Each concert will be more than just a performance; it’s a living history lesson. Between songs, Borg will share stories and anecdotes about the songs, their composers, and the people who sang them. “We’re not just performing these songs,” he says. “We’re keeping their stories alive.”

And the best part? These concerts are free and open to all. So, whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or simply curious about Malta’s past, grab a chair, find a spot, and let the music transport you back in time.

As the sun sets and the first notes ring out, you might just find yourself humming along, feeling a connection to those who came before us, finding comfort in the knowledge that no matter what, music endures.

For more information about the ‘Songs of Our Forefathers’ concert series, visit www.songsofourforefathers.com.