Michael Connolly’s Maltese journey

Michael Connolly performed didgeridoo in Malta with the National Orchestra in Malta for the Independence Day Anniversary, reports Australia's Indigenous Times:

..The concert was held in September at the Grand Palace in Valletta, the capital of Malta, before HRH Princess Anne, the President of Malta, Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps and the “gliteratti” of Malta. It was telecast live throughout Europe. The director for the orchestra, Jesmond Grixti, is currently studying music in Melbourne and scored a piece for the concert that included a didgeridoo that created an exotic touch.

The invitation was extended to Michael on the Friday and he was on a flight the following Wednesday.Artworks included canvases, didgeridoos, handpainted gumleaves and kangaroo skins. Guests were invited to go on “walkabout” with Michael as he explained the Dreamtime stories depicted in his artworks and demonstrated his skills with the oldest instrument known to man - the didgeridoo. Over 100 people attended this exhibition with quite a number of his artworks remaining to adorn the walls of Maltese households, including those of the High Commissioner himself.

During his stay Michael also conducted a cultural workshop at the Verdala International School, explaining the art, the music, the song and dance and the stories of the Aboriginal culture the international and local students. Malta has a strong affiliation with Australia, with many citizens immigrating to Australia back in the 1950s, so it was good that they knew at least where Australia was...