Singing Through History: Wartime Melodies Echo in Malta’s Streets

Imagine strolling down Republic Street, the heart of Valletta, and suddenly, the air fills with the haunting melody of ‘We’ll Meet Again’. You’re not dreaming, nor has a time machine malfunctioned. You’re simply witnessing the magic of ‘Songs of War’, a concert series set to revive wartime songs in Malta’s historic streets.

Reviving Melodies, Reviving Memories

Organized by the Malta Arts Council, ‘Songs of War’ aims to pay tribute to the island’s resilience during World War II. The series will see local choirs and soloists performing a mix of wartime classics and patriotic tunes in various historical locations around Malta.

“We want to remind people of the power of music in times of adversity,” says Dr. Joseph Zammit, the project’s coordinator. “These songs are more than just melodies; they’re echoes of our past, of the courage and unity that saw us through the war.”

From Grandmasters’ Palace to Bomb Shelters

The concert series will kick off at the Grandmasters’ Palace in Valletta, with subsequent performances at the Lascaris War Rooms, the Hal Far WWII Air Raid Shelter, and the Ta’ Qali Airfield. Each venue has been chosen for its historical significance during the war, promising an immersive experience for audiences.

“Performing in these spaces adds a layer of authenticity to the music,” says Maria Mifsud, a soprano who will be performing in the series. “It’s like the walls themselves are singing along.”

From ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ to ‘Lili Marlene’

The repertoire will span from British wartime classics like ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, to international hits such as ‘Lili Marlene’ and ‘La Vie en Rose’. There will also be a nod to Malta’s own musical heritage, with performances of traditional Maltese songs that gained popularity during the war.

“We want to show the universality of these songs,” Dr. Zammit explains. “They’re not just British or German or Maltese. They’re songs of hope, of longing, of love. They’re songs that belong to everyone.”

And everyone is invited to join in. The concerts are free and open to the public, with audiences encouraged to sing along to the choruses.

“We want this to be a communal experience,” Dr. Zammit says. “We want people to come together, to sing together, to remember together.”

So, mark your calendars, Malta. This summer, our streets will echo with the songs of our past. And who knows? Perhaps, amidst the singing, we’ll find a little more unity, a little more courage, a little more resilience. After all, as Vera Lynn once sang, “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when…”