I was very pleased to see a photo of Maestro Carmelo Pace, who was my late husband’s first cousin, printed with the letter ‘So what is culture’ (September 6). I was however dismayed to see that no mention was made of his uncle Maestro Vincenzo Ciappara.

Maestro Ciappara was born and bred in Valletta and lived with his only sister and their mother till he was in his 40s. When Pace was a very young boy Ciappara took him under his wing and tutored him throughout his youth and subsequent career. Pace was extremely grateful for this and always made sure to thank him whenever he was interviewed.

My father-in-law Vincenzo loved music from a very young age. His mother bought him a violin as a young boy as one of his first birthday presents. He could play a large number of instruments and played the violin at the Royal Opera House several times.

He also composed numerous marches. One of his best known is affectionately called ‘Ta Ciappara dan il marċ’ and it is played by several band clubs. For several years he was band club master of the Count Roger band club as well as La Vittoria in Mellieħa.

Many band clubs are extremely proud of the right they have to play his marches and a bust was erected in his honour at the Count Roger band club. Two streets have been named in his honour.

Vincenzo had an only son, Joseph Ciappara, who became a lawyer. Since Joseph, my late husband, has passed away to a better life I felt it my duty to write in his name and give my late father-in-law the mention and praise he truly deserves.

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