New Hampshire Friendship Chorus

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

Deputy Chief of Mission Ken Toko attended a wonderful concert by the visiting New Hampshire Friendship Chorus, which travels globally and builds bridges of international understanding through music. The concert featured a special joint performance with the Amadeus Chamber Choir and beautifully symbolized the people-to-people ties that underpin U.S.-Maltese friendship. DCM Toko enjoyed connecting with Maestro Dan Perkins, Maestro Brian Cefai, and members of both choirs while experiencing this meaningful cultural exchange firsthand. Special thanks to Neeta Helms, President of Classical Movements, for helping to bring the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus to Malta!

04/24/2026

Signing off from Malta 🇲🇹

Our final full day began with one more opportunity to take in the beauty and history of this remarkable place, wandering through Naxxar, standing beneath the incredible dome of Rotunda of Mosta, and exploring the elegance of Palazzo Parisio. Each stop a reminder of the layers of culture, resilience, and artistry that define this island.

And then…our final concert. As part of the Gaulitana Music Festival, we came full circle - performing at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, where our journey began just 10 days ago. There was something deeply meaningful about ending where we started; different now, in all the best ways.

One last ferry across the Gozo Channel…grateful hearts, quiet reflection, and a shared understanding that something special happened here.

Why do we do this?

Why does a group of singers from New Hampshire - spanning decades, different lives, different stories - continue to come together, to travel, to sing?

Because in a world that can so often feel heavy, divided, and uncertain, this reminds us of something essential:

That connection is still possible.

That kindness transcends language.

That music can reach places words cannot.

We experienced beauty here. Not just in landscapes or architecture, but in people. In shared meals. In laughter. In voices blending together with those who were strangers just days before.

And as we prepare to return home, we carry that with us. Not as an escape from the world, but as a reminder of what is still good within it and what we are capable of creating when we choose connection over division.

This is why we sing.

This is why we keep coming back.

Until next time, Malta 💙

04/24/2026

“I Hear You” in collaboration with VOCA.

04/23/2026

Windy skies, full hearts 🇲🇹

Some overcast skies and strong winds may have kept us from the Blue Grotto, but today reminded us that the experience is so much more than any one stop and we made the most of every moment.

We began at the awe-inspiring Ħaġar Qim, where Neolithic temples stand as some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world—older than the pyramids. Standing among those massive stones, you can’t help but feel both small and deeply connected to something ancient and enduring.

From there, we traveled to the colorful seaside village of Marsaxlokk, where traditional fishing boats line the harbor and life moves to the rhythm of the sea. Despite the wind, we soaked in the views and enjoyed a delicious seafood lunch; simple, fresh, and full of local flavor, while learning more about this vibrant fishing community.

The highlight of the day came this evening with our much anticipated collaborative concert at the Parish Church of St. Lawrence. Singing alongside Voca, the joint choir premiere of I Hear You was moving and emotional for all. With an energetic audience filling the church, the message of the piece, connection, presence, and not being alone, felt especially powerful.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t hold any more, our hosts welcomed us to a true Maltese celebration at BOA L-Għonnella Night—an evening of traditional food, live performances, music, and dancing that brought the culture to life in the most joyful way.

Our hearts are full as we prepare for our final full day in Malta 💙

04/23/2026

What an extraordinary evening we will carry with us for a long time 💙

Thank you to the Amadeus Chamber Choir, Maestro Brian Cefai, and Maestro Dan Perkins for creating something so meaningful together. In that space, music became more than sound—it became connection, friendship, and shared humanity.

We are deeply grateful for your warmth and hospitality, and we feel the same…this is not goodbye, but until we meet again 🇲🇹🇺🇸

04/22/2026

Halfway through… and still taking it all in 🇲🇹

We’ve officially passed the halfway point of our journey, now settled along Malta’s stunning coastline where the deep blues of the Mediterranean seem to stretch endlessly, shifting with the light and reminding us to pause and breathe it all in.

Today brought something a little different and a lot of fun. We stepped into a bit of friendly competition as we learned to play bocce at a local clubhouse. More than just a game, bocce is woven into the fabric of Maltese culture rooted in community, connection, and generations of tradition. Laughter, a little rivalry, and a whole lot of joy.

From there, we explored the historic Three Cities, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, with a guided walking tour through Birgu. And for a bit of added adventure, some of our singers hopped into “geeks” (those iconic Maltese taxis!) for a ride through the narrow streets—a fun and memorable experience for both the drivers and our group.

But the true highlight of the day was this evening’s joint concert at Saint Publius Parish Church. Sharing music with the Amadeus Chamber Choir, under the direction of Brian Cefai, was something truly special.

Together, we performed a Maltese piece arranged by Brian - L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied il-Għasel, a moment that felt like more than just singing. It was connection. It was trust. It was two groups, from different parts of the world, finding a shared voice.

We were also honored to have the Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of the United States, Valletta, Ken Toko, and his wife in attendance. Their presence was a meaningful reminder of the enduring friendship and shared connection between the United States and Malta; something we are grateful to experience firsthand through music and cultural exchange.

In a church dedicated to St. Publius, the first bishop of Malta and a symbol of hospitality and faith, there was something especially meaningful about coming together in this space. A reminder that welcome, kindness, and human connection have always mattered… and still do.

This is why we sing. This is why we travel. This is why the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus exists; to build bridges, to listen, and to remind each other that we are never as far apart as we think.

Grateful, inspired, and still in awe 💙

04/22/2026

Tonight!