Pictured above: General Manager of Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa Franco Vella, Maltese Tenor Joseph Calleja, Starwood Regional Director of Marketing Jacques Rossignaud

Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa shares a taste of the Maltese islands on the occasion of Joseph Calleja’s concert in the romantic capital city of Paris.

Last month, Joseph Calleja performed at the Cathedral of Saint-Louis des Invalides in Paris. For this unique and prestigious occasion, “La Grande Voix de Malte” (The Great Voice of Malta) was accompanied by the Orchestra of the Republican Guard, directed by François Boulanger. As part of a Brand that mixes contemporary culture with its European heritage and that aims at creating a culturally refined, meaningful and stimulating atmosphere in more than 100 hotels around the world, Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa naturally hopped on board of this artistic exchange as presented by the Maltese Ambassador in France, S.E.M. Pierre Clive Agius. The evening, under the patronage of Claude Bartolone, President of the French National Assembly, certainly contributed to strengthening the Franco-Maltese relationship. The concert was followed by a Maltese dining reception in the beautiful and historical private halls of the Governor of Paris, concocted in exclusivity by Le Méridien St Julians’ Executive Head Chef Reuben Grixti.

The  Maltese delegation from Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa flew in to Paris with General Manager Franco Vella, Executive Head Chef Reuben Grixti and Sous-Chefs Amon Baldacchino and Karl Psaila.  As soon as they set foot in the City of Light, the Team actively started the culinary preparations for the upcoming high-end reception, with the kind cooperation of Le Méridien Étoile in Paris who lent part of their kitchen and storage facilities to the Maltese chefs. All the products needed for this unique Maltese menu were imported simultaneously and directly from Malta. “It was an honour and an unforgettable experience for us all”, explains Executive Head Chef Reuben Grixti. “We were there not only to represent the cuisine of our country but also to embrace Le Méridien’s inspiring perspective that strives to highlight the Maltese way of living with a more contemporary dimension.”

Joseph Calleja, the famous Maltese tenor blessed with a golden age voice that routinely inspires on both sides of the Atlantic, performed with talent to his usual standards. He naturally included French and Italian arias in the repertoire of the night and with the powerful musicality of the Republican Guard Orchestra, the interpretation of the “Innu Malti” and of the “Marseillaise” – amongst others – certainly sent shivers down the spine of a delighted audience. The concert itself was attended by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who delivered a brief introduction in French before the start of the performance. Added to the honour of being part of such a meaningful and culturally refined initiative, Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa hosted the reception that followed with great success. French invitees of Maltese descent particularly enjoyed the fine culinary treats on display, tasting again the savours of the island after many years away.

“It was such an amazing experience for our hotel team and for all the parties involved.”, states Franco Vella, General Manager at Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa. “We feel that we have contributed to the promotion of Malta on the French Market and we are proud to have been part of an event of that caliber. Together, we did our utmost to showcase what Malta has to offer in terms of culture, music, cuisine and hospitality. The event was extremely well received and we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about it.”

Additionally, the Management of Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa decided to share the experience with four of its most valuable SPG clients and their partners. SPG – or Starwood Preferred Guest – is the loyalty programme of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, the mother company of Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa. Often recognized by frequent travelers as the industry’ best redemption programme, SPG encourages its hotels to reward its most loyal customers with more than just points. With a trip to one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, a high-end concert and an exclusive Maltese reception, Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa certainly demonstrated its gratitude in style.