Composer and conductor Joseph Vella has been posthumously honoured by the University of Delaware, in the US, with a yearly award being launched to remember his legacy.

The maestro, who passed away in February this year, is considered one of Malta's foremost names in music. 

Over the years, his works have been played in all continents across the world, and the musician was known for his close collaborations with a number of established professors, composers, performers and a variety of institutions.

In September 2001 he conducted the Prometheus Symphony Orchestra of New York.

He also worked with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Orquestra Nacional do Porto, Orchestra “Goffredo Petrassi” di Roma, “Gli Armonici” Palermo and the Yamaha Foundation Symphony Orchestra.

In Malta he worked for many years with the Malta Choral Society and was the musical director of the Astra Opera Theatre in Gozo.

He was also the first resident conductor of the National Orchestra of Malta and the artistic director of the Victoria International Arts Festival, and served as director of the Count Roger band in Rabat for 40 years.

The Joseph Vella Award in Composition from the University of Delaware was in fact the initiative of Dr Jennifer M. Barker, Professor of Music Theory and Composition at the University and a close collaborator of Vella throughout his lifetime..

The inaugural 2018 Award went to promising University of Delaware composer Christian R. Johnson. The award is currently reserved specifically for University of Delaware students, and seeks to award an outstanding composition student who is not only pursuing a professional career in music composition, but who is also heavily involved in promoting music within local communities.

Before the award is given, the entire student’s portfolio of compositions are reviewed, including vocal, choral, instrumental, chamber and large ensemble works.

Together with the website dedicated to Vella, which to this date is maintained by his family, the award will contribute to keeping the maestro's legacy alive.

https://www.josephvella.com.mt