The sounds of American and Maltese military music came together in Valletta last week as musicians from the US Navy and Armed Forces of Malta joined forces for a special performance.The US Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band teamed up with the AFM Band and the Malta Band Clubs Association for a series of performances and educational exchanges celebrating the relationship between Malta and the United States.The programme also formed part of Freedom 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.At the heart of the visit was a joint pop-up performance in Valletta featuring musicians from the US Navy Band and AFM Band, bringing the two countries’ military musical traditions together in the capital.US Ambassador to Malta Somers Farkas praised both ensembles, saying their performance reflected the relationship between the two countries and their growing defence and security cooperation.“The AFM Band shares an equally proud and distinguished tradition, tracing its musical roots to 1800,” Farkas said.“It was a particular privilege to hear these exceptional American and Maltese musicians perform side by side.”But the collaboration went beyond the streets of Valletta.US Navy musicians also teamed up with Malta’s wider musical community, holding masterclasses in cooperation with the Malta Band Clubs Association.Sessions took place at MCAST in Paola and the 12th May Band Club in Żebbuġ, where the visiting musicians worked with professional performers and aspiring young musicians on technique and musicianship.The US Embassy thanked the AFM, Malta Band Clubs Association, Valletta Local Council, MCAST and the 12th May Band Club for their involvement in the initiative, saying the visit demonstrated how cooperation between Malta and the US can extend beyond security and into cultural and community connections.Did you catch the US and Maltese musicians performing together in Valletta?•