Maltese composer Joseph Vella was one of five international composers commissioned to write a piece highlighting a specific episode in the life of Pope John Paul II's life for a commemorative concert organised by the Conservatorio di Musica Vincenzo Bellini of Palermo, Sicily.

The concert, featuring the 80-piece Orchestra Sinfonica and a choir of over 100 voices, took place on April 2 at the Norman-Siculo Cathedral of Palermo, and on April 3 at the Duomo at Monreale. Both evenings were televised by several Sicilian TV stations, including Rai 3 Regione.

Mro Vella was chosen to write a piece about the Pope's final days and his eventual death. Comparing the Pope to a white dove, he presented a short suite entitled Music for a White Dove, subtitled Taking Flight (in transitu) and Theme for a White Dove.

Over the last few weeks, Mro Vella's engagements abroad have included the premiere of his song cycle Kant ta' Mara (words Achille Mizzi) at the Conservatoire of Berne, Switzerland, with soprano Miriam Cauchi; a concerto for piccolo, strings and timpani commissioned by Nicola Mazzanti, soloist of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino; and a stint at the High Institute of Music in Damascus, where he conducted a week long master class in composition and participated in a concert at the Opera House.