National Orchestra head Sigmund Mifsud with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat 

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s plan for a concert of the Prime Minister’ favourite tunes was hit by a wave of social media mockery yesterday, with critics panning it as North Korea-style hero worship of Joseph Muscat. 

Yet the orchestra’s executive chairman Sigmund Mifsud remains resolute to see this concert through and has vehemently dismissed the allegations of hero worship. 

“The idea was to organise a charity concert on the lines of those Xarabank programmes which cast a light on the personal lives of politicians,” Mifsud told Lovin Malta. “Everyone has the right to criticise but I feel the media has sensationalised the concert.” 

Mifsud, a Labour Party candidate in the 2013 and 2017 general elections, laughed off the warnings the concert is essentially glorifying the Prime Minister.

“As if, that was not the message we intended to give. I thought it was a good and original idea, just as it is a good idea for the Philharmonic Orchestra to participate in events such as Independence Day which are associated with politicians.” 

Sigmund Mifsud with Michelle Muscat. Photo: Facebook

The concert will take place on 24th February at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Ticket prices have not yet been set, but Mifsud confirmed all proceeds will go to the Marigold Foundation – a charitable NGO run by Bank of Valletta and chaired by the Prime Minister’s wife Michelle Muscat. 

“I will anticipate your next question…” Mifsud said, as soon as he brought up the Marigold Foundation. “The Philharmonic Orchestra has organised concerts for other charities, and this is the first one we are organising for the Marigold Foundation.” 

Mifsud said he has already discussed the concert with Joseph Muscat, but confirmed the Prime Minister is yet to hand in his list of favourite tracks. 

However, social media has been awash with some interesting suggestions. 

What songs do you think should be on the Prime Minister’s playlist? 

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]