The Maria Theresia Gold Medal

On the 2nd October, 2022, the St Paul Metropolitan Orchestra (Medina Foundation for Music) was awarded The Golden Maria Theresia Medal by the Austrian organisation Austria Imperialis, for the commitment to the preservation of art, and culture, for honoring and maintaining of traditions and for working to promote peace, freedom and friendship.

 

Austria Imperialis is a non-partisan and non-religious association that promotes culture, traditions, measures and people who have made outstanding contributions to them in various regions of the world, as well as supporting teaching and research work on culture and traditions and Development of that purpose.

 

Director and Principal Conductor of the SPMO, HE Dr Mark Agius, received the award on behalf of the Foundation and the Orchestra from the patrons of the organisation, Their Imperial and Royal Highnesses Prince Sandor and Princess Herta Margarete von Habsburg Lothringen during a ceremony which was held at MonteKristo Estates as part of the programme Make Art not War, which was  brought to a closure with the premiere of Mro Agius's most recent composition, A Mass for Peace, on Sunday 16th October, at St Paul's cathedral in Mdina. Proceeds went in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. The evening was supported by the Resin and Membrane Centre, Trebee Group, The Malta Tourism Authority, MonteKristo Estates and Carini Stores.