Genealogy, numismatics, theatre and philharmonic activities
Joseph Attard Tabone
Dr Michael Refalo
Friday 28 November 2025 │ 19:30
This talk focuses on Felice and Pietro Attard, two individuals – father and son – who made a significant contribution to Gozitan society and culture during the 19th century. Whereas the former is best known for his compilation of the Giuliana Masini (later continued by his son), the latter’s range of activities included his association with the La Stella Philharmonic Society. Controversy has surrounded his role; myth and fiction have long competed with historical fact. The book examines Pietro Attard’s role by distilling documented historical evidence from later accretions. As such, it constitutes an important step towards finding a compromise in the perennial and long-standing competition and rivalry between the two band clubs in Gozo’s main town. The talk will conclude with the official launch of the speaker’s new book, Felice and Pietro Attard: Family, Profession, Interests and Passions, which delves deeper into the lives and legacies of the talk’s protagonists.
Joseph Attard Tabone has actively pursued such cultural interests as archaeology, art, ornithology, travel, the environment, and historical research. In 2001 he was awarded the MQR for his contribution to the preservation of Malta’s prehistoric monuments, and in 2015 the Society of Antiquaries of London elected him Fellow of the Society. He is a life member of the Malta Historical society and honorary member of BirdLife Malta. He has lectured extensively in Malta and abroad and some of his contributions have appeared in local and foreign publications.
Michael Refalo graduated as notary public in 1979 and practised the profession for 35 years. He obtained a B.A. in History and Philosophy from the University of Malta and, later on a doctorate in history with a thesis entitled The Maltese Commercial Class. Business, Families, Networks 1871-1914. He has written a number of books on Malta’s 19th and early 20th, century social history, including At the Margins: Children, petty criminals, suicides and others in 19th century Malta and beyond (Kite Group, 2023), Among Others, The Maltese in Egypt: Life, Crime and Death (1860s-1923) (Kite Group, 2021), and Giuseppe (De)Brincat, A Gozitan Wine Merchant 1890s – 1930 (Kite Group, 2018. In 2014 he won the National Book Prize for the book The Maltese Nineteenth-Century Notary and his Archives.
This event is being held in collaboration with Kite Group. Admission is free, but seat reservations, by sending an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt, are recommended.
