Nineteenth-Century Society and its Entertainment
Wednesday, 5th November, 6:30 PM
Venue: Chamber of Commerce, Valletta
Join us for this fascinating lecture by Dr Anna Borg Cardona as she delves into the lively social world of nineteenth-century British Malta — a time of grand theatre performances, elegant balls, and evenings filled with music and dancing.
Before the age of recordings, radio, or television, home entertainment revolved around the pianoforte, the centrepiece of social gatherings where young ladies and gentlemen performed for their guests. Dr Borg Cardona will explore how music shaped Maltese society and reflected the cultural influences of the period.
About the Speaker
Anna Borg Cardona has spent many years researching Malta’s musical history and traditions. Her work has uncovered forgotten stories of local musicians, instruments, and the social settings in which they were played. She has written several books on the subject and curated exhibitions such as Music in Malta: From Prehistory to Vinyl with Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.
Anna also performs with the Ġukulari Ensemble, a group she founded to bring Malta’s musical past to life and share it with today’s audiences.