Pictured above: HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkinson (right) with HSBC Malta Foundation Chair Sarah Watkinson and Deputy Head of Group Corporate Sustainability Francis Sullivan, presenting the sponsorship to the Organist Dr Hugo Agius Muscat, Director of the St Paul’s Choral Society, and The Reverend Canon Simon Godfrey Chancellor of St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral

The 17 century pipe organ located above the entrance of St Pauls Pro-Cathedral in Valletta will be professionally and extensively restored through a project partly funded by the HSBC Malta Foundation.

Built in 1684, the organ is considered one of the earliest and most important to have survived from this period. It is said to have been played by Handel while en route to Dublin for the first performance of the Messiah.

Restoration procedures will incorporate the latest techniques and technologies as well as historic methods for organs of the period, in accordance with conservation principles as specified by the International Institute of Conservation (IIC), in order to create the original form as accurately as possible.

“The 17th-century church organ is a gem to Maltese Heritage,” said HSBC Malta’s CEO Mark Watkinson during a recent visit to St Pauls Pro-Cathedral. “Restoring the precious organ to its former glory befits the magnificent Cathedral and we look forward to listening to it playing beautiful music once again.”

This conservation project is being carried out in line with the HSBC Malta Foundation’s wide range of pioneering corporate sustainability programmes that focus on three key areas: improving the quality of life for children, achieving a more sustainable environment and preserving Malta’s heritage.