Last night was something truly special.
Set in the stunning Girgenti Palace, this open-air concert combined cinematic scores with a heartfelt cause.
Set against the majestic backdrop of Girgenti Palace in Siġġiewi, A Night at the Palace was far more than just another summer concert. A Night at the Palace, a soul-stirring celebration, brought music and meaning together, with timeless film scores supporting a cause that truly matters.
This year marked the fourth edition of the event, organised by the Office of the Prime Minister in support of Special Olympics Malta. Without a doubt, it was the most moving one yet.
Malta turned up. The music soared. The skies stayed clear. And yes—I cried during Titanic.
The palace, the people, the pulse
Picture this: golden hour melting into twilight, fairy lights twinkling across 17th-century stone walls, and the buzz of anticipation in the air. Girgenti Palace, usually closed to the public, opened its gates for one unforgettable evening of film music and unity.
Families, dignitaries, music lovers, and artists gathered in style. But the true star of the night? The Strong Minds program.
All donations went toward expanding this mental health through Special Olympics Malta’s Strong Minds program. , helping provide early screenings and emotional support to athletes across Malta. The programme doesn’t just help—it empowers.
Related read:
Mental Health & Music: How Melodies Heal the Mind
The soundtrack of our emotions
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), under the ever-passionate Maestro Aurelio Belli, outdid themselves with a setlist that felt like it was ripped from the most dramatic corners of your Netflix history. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a cinematic experience.
The program included iconic scores like
- Titanic—goosebumps from the first note of My Heart Will Go On. The vocals of Amber Bondin are truly remarkable. Just wow.
- The Lion King—majestic and wild, with a stirring crescendo that brought the crowd to its feet.
- Gladiator—hauntingly beautiful and incredibly powerful.
- Skyfall—dramatic, sultry, and James Bond-level cool.
Powerhouse performers Amber, Richard Edwards, and Gloriana Arpa Belli brought the music to life, reminding me why we fell in love with cinema in the first place.
A cause worth singing about
One of the night’s most touching moments came when Prime Minister Robert Abela, Dr Lydia Abela, and their daughter Giorgia Mae greeted guests and thanked them for supporting Strong Minds.
The initiative helps athletes build mental resilience and adapt to life’s challenges with grace. Thanks to donations, the programme will now expand to include mental health screenings and personalised support.
You might also like:
What Is the Special Olympics Malta Doing for Mental Health?
Culture meets comfort: the little things
Even though the music and message took centre stage, the subtle touches were not overlooked. From velvet seats tucked into palace courtyards to roaming servers offering cool drinks and canapés, it felt more like a Mediterranean movie premiere than a traditional concert.
The gentle breeze, the glow of the palace lanterns, and the wave of applause echoing through the stone arches created an unforgettable experience.
And indeed, if you are curious, I did don my finest flowing dress and brought a small fan, much like a well-prepared queen.
Details that made the difference
The concert wasn’t just powerful—it was beautifully executed. Velvet seats nestled in palace courtyards. Roaming servers offering cold drinks and canapés. It felt more like a Mediterranean film premiere than a formal event.
Even the smallest details added charm. The lantern glow, a soft breeze, applause echoing through the arches—it was sensory poetry.
Yes, I wore my most dramatic dress. Yes, I brought a fan like a true diva. No regrets.
Save the date (next time!)
Unsurprisingly, this year’s event sold out. So if you missed it, don’t make the same mistake twice. Bookmark www.anightatthepalace.com and keep your eyes peeled for future events. They’re free, but spaces go fast.
Next up? A classical evening on 11th September 2025, with soprano Gillian Zammit, mezzo Marvic Monreal, and conductor Paul Bateman. Expect iconic pieces from The Nutcracker, Carmen, and more light classical favourites.
Same venue. Fresh magic.
Final thoughts
It wasn’t just about nostalgia for great films or the magic of a live orchestra. It was about people coming together to support a cause that often gets overlooked. Mental health is crucial, particularly for individuals who dedicate themselves to sports, life, and other pursuits.
So here’s to an evening where we celebrated sound, gave back with heart, and made a little Maltese history under the stars.
Want more music & lifestyle adventures? Explore my latest reviews and Maltese experiences right here:
Concert & Culture Diaries »
Malta Events Worth Dressing Up For »
