Saturday, 3rd January 2009 - 14:56CET

Updated: Composer Charles Camilleri passes away

(Adds Education Minister's reaction, condolences)

Maltese composer Charles Camilleri died this morning, aged 77.

Mro Camilleri, who has made a name for himself and for Malta all over the world, embarked on his career in his teenage years composing a number of works based on Maltese folk tales and legends.

Later on in life he conducted, wrote film scores, operas, orchestral works, chamber ensembles, concertos, operas, a ballet, the oratorio Pawlu ta’ Malta and the famous Malta Suite.

His Missa Mundi, a five movement piece for organ, has been described as the organ’s “rite of spring”.

He has over 300 compositions, half of which are recorded on some 36 CDs, sold all over the world.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina said that Malta had lost a person who had greatly honoured it, locally and internationally.

His was a great loss for Malta and culture, which he so much loved. His ambition had been to place Maltese culture at the same level as that of countries much bigger than Malta.

Condolences were also expressed by the Nationalist and Labour parties as well as Alternattiva Demokratika and Azzjoni Nazzjonali.

Previous article • AD proposes regulator for bakers' sector
Next article • Police clarify Marsa comments

Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 8, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Wolfgang Ziegler (on 6/1/09)

It was a great honour for my chamber choir and myself not only to work on Charles music but also to meet him personally on various occasions such as our concert tour to Malta and, of course several times at the European Music Festival in Neerpelt, Belgium. His warmth , friendliness and humour will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for being our friend.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Doris and the whole family.

Geoffrey Addis (on 6/1/09)

It is over 25 years since Anna and I first met Charles when we recorded 'Unum Deum', a work that so well expressed his vision for mankind. Since then I have had the privilege to work alongside him on many recordings and had the pleasure of listening to his many fascinating tales of the world of music that he knew so well; always inspiring and optimsitic, compassionate and sincere he was truly a great friend to whom I owe so much. Charles was not only a great musician, but more importantly he was a great man. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Doris and his family

Carmine Lauri (Violinist) (on 5/1/09)

Condolences to one of our great ambassadors to our country in the field of music. I shall never forget the days when i played in his premiere performances of "Pawlu ta' Malta" at St. John's Cathedral and operas such as "Il-weghda", apart from other orchestral concerts that we used to play at the University Hall in Msida. The good old days back in the '80s!!. Sadly i have not seen Charles for a number of years and he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and my personal condolances to his family.

Hugo Agius Muscat (on 5/1/09)

Charles showed us all what it means to be truly professional in one's field. May he rest in peace. Sincere condolences to his family.

Rose Piccinino (on 5/1/09)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4yfbfIzrg&feature=channel_page

Stephen Sutton (on 5/1/09)

Mro. Camilleri was introduced to me by Murray McLachlan when preparing his recording of Charles's piano music which we released as a celebration of the Millennium. I then met Charles on a number of occasions and found him a most remarkable, kind, generous and amicable man as well as a composer of immense talent. It is sad to think that there will be no more new outpourings from his pen.

Rose Piccinino (on 5/1/09)

Please take a few minutes of your time to watch/listen to this tribute to Prof Charles Camilleri by Collegium Musicum. May he rest in the peace of the Lord.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=42911563422&oid=37733198878

Mariella Cassar (Composer) (on 4/1/09)

This is my second comment here... May I resist and be strong as much as you taught me to be tomorrow at your funeral. You will always be in my heart. This is not an addio but an arrivederci...

Charles Micallef (on 4/1/09)

Charles Micallef (4 hours, 12 minutes ago)
What a sad loss to Music in general, besides being a perfect gentleman Prof Camilleri has left a massive void in the music industry that will be difficult if not impossible to fill.

Sincere condolences goes to his family at these difficult times.

claudia nieuwenhuizen (on 4/1/09)

We had the fantastic opportunity to meet Mr. Camilleri a couple of times at Neerpelt's European Music Festival for Youth. He was one of the most inspiring people i've ever met. We will never forget his energy, liveliness and passion for life. "To love and to create" will remain the driving power that he taught us. Thank you!
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Joseph Huber (on 4/1/09)

Condolences to Mro Camilleri's wife and family. I performed his works on various occasions. Every time I worked with him I always appreciated his commitment and professional approach proof of which lie in his well known international achievements.

Fr Anton Gouder (on 4/1/09)

I have first met with Mro Camilleri's works while still a student at University, through Fr Peter Serracino Inglott. Came to appreciate his works and him a bit later. Thanks Maestro for what you have been to our identity. May the Lord give you the eternal happiness as a continuation and perfection of the happiness you have shared with us here. Sentiments of sorrow and faith to all the family.

Mariella Cassar (on 4/1/09)

The world has lost a great composer. Prof. Charles Camilleri was my dedicated composition teacher and an affectionate friend. What he taught me, I will never forget and will be treasured in my mind and soul all my life. May you rest in peace my dear tutor. Thank you for everything...
Condolences to his family.

Brian Cassar (Musician) (on 4/1/09)

A great loss to the Maltese Nation. Surely to be remembered and his great works will be treasured from all the future generations. As one of his past pupils I believe he was one of the best educators and composers of the last century. May I express all my condolences to his family.

Dorothy Fenech (on 4/1/09)

Malta has lost one of its finest both from a musical and personal level. Our deepest condolences go to his dear wife Doris,who was his guardian angel especially during his last difficult moments and to his dear family.
May he continue to compose fine music in tune with the angels in heaven!

Joseph Calleja (on 4/1/09)

Mro Charles Camilleri you were always one of my heroes. Malta lost a big icon.
Rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his beloved family.

arnold cassola (on 4/1/09)

Prof. Camilleri was fundamental in the revival of Maltese traditional music. Thanks to him, our country rediscovered traditional Maltese music which had been hitherto ignored. Thanks to him, young Maltese musicians and researchers are today recouping our musical identity, which would otherwise have been lost. Thank you Maestro: your music will continue resounding in our hearts and spirit.
arnold cassola

Marlene Leach (on 4/1/09)

I am saddened at the loss of Charles Camilleri. The first time I had heard his music was while visiting Malta many years ago. Having heard his music many times back in England I decided to write him a short letter to show him how I appreciated his music and especially that he was a Maltese composer. He answered promptly, a letter which I still treasure, and because I mentioned that my daughter played the violin and also liked composing music, he invited her to take part in an international music summer course at the university of Malta, despite such a young age, 9 years. Sarah was the youngest one to take part and she played the violin in the orchestra. Charles Camilleri helped her enhance her own short composition and included it in the final concert at the end of the music course! These were great opportunities that added real joy and success in our life which originally evolved from that very kind and warm hearted letter he had written back to us. Thank you God for allowing us such great honour. We will treasure these memories! May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family.

Murray McLachlan (on 3/1/09)

One of the truly great musicians of our time, Charles inspired all musicians whom he came into contact with. His music continues to illuminate and energise on each hearing. He remains alive, vibrant and radiant forever in my heart. His personality was mangnetic, and his music vital. His influence will grow as the years pass. Praise God for such a man.

John Spiteri, Information Secretary AN (on 3/1/09)

Azzjoni Nazzjonali laments the passing away of Mr. Charles Camilleri and extends its deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends. Mr. Camilleri was a true son of the Maltese Nation. He is renowned across the world as one of the top composers of his generation. Whilst he will no doubt be sadly missed, AN is certain his work will live on and inspire future generations.

Joseph Debrincat (on 3/1/09)

Malta has surely lost one of its greatest composers and educators. Having had the privilige to study with him, I must admit that he was one of those educators who really belived in his students and was always willing to help. I was also very priviliged to work closely with him in the revision of his first opera Il Weghda that I myself conducted at the Manoel in May 2007. Unfortunately he was unable to attend the performances - although he was really looking forward to.

Apart from being a great composer, he was also a very close friend and mentor to me.

May I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to his family, especially to his wife Doris. Thank you Charles for the musical heritage you have left and for giving a musical identity to our islands. May you rest in peace.

Arthur Ellul (on 3/1/09)

a very sad day indeed to all of us, In Malta and Hamrun, especially those of us who knew him.

My condonlences to his family, we have lost a great pillar in our Society.

Arthur Ellul,
Counciller,
Hamrun Local Council.

Dr George M. Boffa (on 3/1/09)

Charles, who was a year ahead of me at the Lyceum, has honoured our country and added to its prestige internationally. For some time he was also a migrant.

It is so good to see so many comments, all extolling the virtues, qualities and significant achievements of this eminent man. He has left a huge reputation wherever he went and a great heritage for all of us Maltese around the world.

Now he justly joins in the heavenly choirs!

JASON XUEREB (PIANIST AND COMPOSER) (on 3/1/09)

I am sad to hear about the loss of such a charismatic musician. I was lucky enough that I had Charles Camilleri as my teacher of Composition. His approach to teaching was unique, as he had such vast experience in the subject. I admire the fact that Charles did not follow any conventions so much, but he was enlightened to follow his inner spirit and share this uniqueness with his students. He was a positive and creative person, and indeed he inpired and motivated others. He thought me how to appreciate different genres of music. I will never forget my lessons with him and I will always cherish my memory of a great Maltese artist in every sense.

Joseph Vella Bondin (on 3/1/09)

What can one say at such a sad time except to thank God for having favoured Malta with Charles Camilleri. My friendship with Charles go a long way for we were born in the same street in Hamrun - Victory Street. When I was an altar boy in Samra Church, I used to pass by his house and it was not the first time that I heard him practicing on his accordian and stopping for a few minutes to absorb his virtuoso playing although he was still a boy. May God give eternal rest. My condolences to Doris and his family.

Tonio Casapinta, Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic in Malta (on 3/1/09)

The passing away of Prof. Charles Camilleri is a great loss for Malta which he loved so much. This is reflected in his music which he now leaves as a living memory.

Just last November during the Czech National Day Reception and also a year earlier at the Estates Theatre in Prague, through the voice of Soprano Lydia Caruana , we celebrated Camilleri 's works and his music, which will surely live on as this is highly appreciated also internationally.
Thank you Charles, may you rest in peace.

Gerald Fenech (on 3/1/09)

Addio Charles - listening to 'Dun Gorg' at the moment - a great work which sums up your invaluable and incredible contribution to the classical music field.......

Antony Hodgson (on 3/1/09)

I am greatly saddened at the loss of Charles Camilleri. I have produced recordings of his music since the early 1980s - nearly always in the presence of the composer. I regarded him as a friend rather than a business associate. His music had immediate appeal (I am glad that the splendid Malta Suite has been mentioned) and it included many elements not found in central European compositions. It ranged from the immensely tuneful (incorporating 19th century influences) to the very modern. I am particularly glad to have been involved in recording his recently-composed Symphony (its premiere concert performance will be in Brussels on 13th January). Using the techniques of the music of today this work says a great deal about the composer's character - in my experience this combined musical inspiration, with professional skill, kindliness towards others and - most memorably, great good humour. I shall miss him.

Kurt Farrugia (on 3/1/09)

Media Release
3 ta' Jannar 2009

Stqarrija mahruga mid-deputati Laburisti Evarist Bartolo, Kelliem Ewlieni ta' l-Oppozizzjoni ghall-Edukazzjoni u Owen Bonnici Kelliem ta' l-Oppozizzjoni ghaz-Zghazagh u Kultura

Il-PL jsellem lil Charles Camilleri

Il-Partit Laburista jsellem lil wiehed mill-akbar kompozituri li qatt ipproduca pajjizna, Charles Camilleri u jghozz l-ghadd kbir ta' xoghlijiet tieghu bhala patrimonju uniku u wahdani Malti u Ewropew.

Charles Camilleri jibqa' mfakkar mhux biss ghall-mod ta' kif niseg komposizzjonijiet fuq muzika folkloristika u stejjer ta' leggendi Maltin, imma anke ghall-opri unici bil-Malti u forsi l-akbar zewg xoghlijiet tieghu, l-oratorju Pawlu ta' Malta u l-Cantilena li kabbrulu u seddqulu ismu fil-Kontinent.

Bla dubju ta' xejn Charles Camilleri jsib postu fi qlub il-Maltin u l-Ghawdxin fost l-aqwa kompozituri li qatt haddanna fostna.

Evarist Bartolo
Kelliem Ewlieni ta' l-Oppozizzjoni ghall-Edukazzjoni

Owen Bonnici
Kelliem ta' l-Oppozizzjoni ghaz-Zghazagh u Kultura

Victor Battistino (on 3/1/09)

My immediate recommendation to the Education Minister is to rename the Johann Strauss School of Music (Old Bakery Street,Valletta) as the Charles Camilleri School of Music !

He is (because such people are never a thing of the past) one of the true icons of our national heritage and such persons deserve our appreciation.

Joseph A. Borda (on 3/1/09)

Mro.Charles Camilleri has made a name for himself and for Malta especially in Maltese Folk. and legends My deep condolences goes to his beloved family.

Alex Vella Gregory (on 3/1/09)

Condolences to his family and friends. We may have lost the man, but his achievements will remain with us. I hope that his legacy will serve as a motivation to further advance the local creative arts in Malta and abroad.

Frans Sammut (on 3/1/09)

This is indeed a sad moment for Malta and the Maltese. The composer dies but his works stay on. My heartfelt condolences to Charles's family.

Charlo Bonnici MP (on 3/1/09)

I worked closely with Prof Camilleri some 15 years ago since he was a regular programme on Mediterranean culture which I was hosting at that time. He always used to impress me with his deep love for music and the profound knowledge he had of the subject he specialized in. My sincere condolences to his family. May God grant him eternal peace.

John Grima (on 3/1/09)

Malta has indeed lost one her grandest sons. He was a great artist, musicians, teacher and most dedicated to his country.
I first met Charles in Toronto, Canada. He had a radio show on th Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, (CBC). There he made the piano accordian talk.
Charles was also a philosopher and great with words, quote:

"I see no valid reason for living on this earth other than to create and to love"

He will be sorely missed.

"When you awake after death you will be eternally alive". Charles Camilleri.

Rest in Peace my friend.

My condolences to Doris and family.

(Mathew Agius, you've said a mouthful.)

John Grima

Albert Pace (on 3/1/09)

Malta has lost one her most worthy sons. He was our foremost contemporary composer, and he promoted the study of Maltese folk music and its Mediterranean roots. His enormous output should be preserved, documented, studied and recorded, particularly by the University, where he founded the Music Programme at the Mediterranean Institute. His professional experience led him to help talented Maltese musicians, and to give them valuable hints, and to organize cultural events of a high standard. His untiring work, unfortunately, led to serious consequences for his health. I was lucky to have been one of his students, and I appreciate what he has done to me personally - he was like a father to me in the musical field. My condolences to his family.

d.attard (on 3/1/09)

a person of spiritual substance is recognised through artistic expression and does not pass away but flourishes with the supreme joy of life

Aaron Borg (French horn player) (on 3/1/09)

Condolences to his family and friends. Mro Camilleri deserves a ststal recognition for his work done in bringing Malta on the world's classical musical map. His works are never to be forgotten. Pawlu ta' Malta, and Malta Suite (both of which I had the honour to perform) are his masterpiece compositions for me. It was also a pleasure to work directly with Mro Camilleri on the premiere of Messa Santa Margerita played yearly in Sannat. Thanks Mro Camilleri for all the works you gave us and for teaching so many young musicians the real art of music. God give eternal rest to his soul.

Baritone ALFRED CAMILLERI (on 3/1/09)

Malta has lost her best composer of the second half of the twentieth century. We should be eternally proud of this guy who made our island's name famous in the international music heritage. What about the idea of giving a state funeral to such a big composer as other countries like Bulgaria do? Im proud to say that in February and August 2008 I took part as a soloist in his Oratorio PAWLU TA' MALTA! It was a great experience singing such an oratorio. It was our farewell in this Pauline Year! Rest in peace, dear friend.

Joseph J Mifsud (on 3/1/09)

Mro Charles Camilleri has made a name fof Malta and for himself. He will long be remembered wih great respect. I have worked with him during my days at Culture and consider him a true friend, one of a small group of real friends.He passed away but his works live for ever. My deep condolences go to his wife Doris and his family. Joseph J Mifsud

paul mizzi (on 3/1/09)

a great artist who deserves great respect! condolences to his family.

Joseph Chircop (Trumpet Player) (on 3/1/09)

Profs Camilleri, you will always be in our heart. We lost a great composer and a great teacher, thanks for all the good you taught me.

Joe Grima (on 3/1/09)

Charles Camilleri reamins a beacon to all self made men, with full confidence in their ability to get out there, compete and make it. I have known him since the first concert he gave in Malta, I believe at the Radio city where, as a young musician , he demonstrated his ample talents as an accordeon virtuoso. At that concert Charles Camilleri was introduced by Vivi Lofaro. His contacts with great music contemporaries were legion and the great have heaped admiration on his works thorughout Charles's entire life. During my Rediffusion days I had frequent meetings with Charles who at the time, directed several Redifssion live orrchestras. Later we lost contact as we both went our separate ways. To his wife Doris and to his family ,my sincerest condolences. Charles will always be remembered as a son of Malta who made Malta proud. .

Father Julian Cassar (on 3/1/09)

A sad day for Maltese culture and music. I just woke up and checking the Times of Malta website, I was saddened to read the news of Charles Camilleri's passing away. One of the most accomplished and prolific composers who left a plethora of musical compositions, Mro. Camilleri will always be remembered for bringing us closer to our roots, combining North-African rhythms with Mediterranean melodies that our grandparents danced to in the past.
I cherish the CDs and tapes I have of his compositions, which I will enjoy listening to as I drive through snow-capped mountains to my mission churches. The Maltese Dances, the Malta Suite and Pawlu ta' Malta are among my favorites, as well as his choral works, flute works recorded by my friend Silvio Zammit, and the Missa Mundi which I heard at the Tarxien Cemetery back in 1974.
I look forward for a package CD collection of his famous works. Thanks Mro. Camilleri for the huge amount of music you left behind you, most of which, as is always the case will be appreciated by us all posthumously. May he rest in peace, and my sympathy to his family.

Michael Galea (on 3/1/09)

This guy was known everywhere in the Classical Music World. His works are played regularly on ClassicFm UK.
He was a great Maltese artist and we should be proud of him for having put Malta forward in his own way and make his life known more especially amongst us Maltese.
May thee rest in peace, Maestro.
Requiem aeternum et lux perpetua

A.J. Anastasi (on 3/1/09)

May his soul rests in peace and the Eternal Light shine upon him for all eternity.

It is a great loss for Malta, as it misses one of its great National artists and patriot.

All our condolences go to his family.

AJA.

.

Mro. John Galea (on 3/1/09)

Always remembered as a dedicated teacher,affectionate friend and intellectual colleague! Yes, the body has succumbed but your spirit will live and roam in your music. May you rest in the warmth and comfort of God's celestial music, echoing throughout eternity.

Matthew Agius (on 3/1/09)

I believe that we should applaud such artists more and give them more attention. This is as though we're demising our own heritage. This is what we should be proud of and expose it further.

Updated: Composer Charles Camilleri passes away

Comments

Poll

Fun Stuff

	15 °C
Mostly Clear Feels like: 12.8°C UV Index: 3