The death was announced yesterday of John Baldacchino, aged 64.

Mr Baldacchino started his musical career as a singer with the group Four Links, which was popular in the 1960s.

He then went solo trying his luck in the UK under the stage name Johnny B. Gové.

Later Mr Baldacchino established the theatrical agency Bagospi which promoted musicians and comedians including the pop group Echoes, who toured in the north east of the UK.

Singer Renato's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest came about through Mr Baldacchino and his agency.

He met Olivia Dow, who later became his wife, while booking a group of dancers for the Salina Bay Hotel in 1973.

In 1979 he left Malta returning 14 years ago and together with Olivia opened the Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet, where he was artistic director.

Mr Baldacchino composed the music and wrote the script for six original Maltese ballets.