| Joseph Vella is generally regarded as being Malta’s leading composer, and, on the international scene, he is by far the most widely played Maltese contemporary composer. His works have received
performances all over Europe, in Japan, and in the USA, where, amongst others, in 2001, he conducted the Prometheus Symphony Orchestra of New York in a concert of his works at the Alice Tully Hall in the Lincoln Centre. He has composed a wide variety of works - symphonic, choral, vocal, and chamber. His opus includes 5 Symphonies, 7 concertos, and 4 Oratorios. He has given special attention and promotion of the Maltese language
in his art songs and 5 of his song cycles, although in his work he has never tried to be overtly nationalistic. In fact his style has its roots in the wide European milieu, with special interest in the neo-classical school. Many of his works are available on CD. Joseph Vella is also very active as a conductor. He is the Artistic Director of the Astra Opera Theatre where he has conducted memorable operatic performances with the participation of
leading singers like, Cecilia Gasdfia, Ghena Dimitrova, Tiziana Fabricini, Mark Rucker, Hao Jiang Tian, Rumen Doikov and Joseph Calleja. In 2007 he performed Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi to great critical acclaim with Francesca Patane’ in the
leading role. This year Francesca Patane’ will also be his leading lady in a performance of Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. Joseph Vella is Professor of Music at the University of Malta. |
