“Rest in peace Maestro, but your music will live forever.”

With regret we would like to inform you that Mro. Carmel Muscat (Il-Captain) one of our founding members of the Choral and Orchestral Society ‘Maria Bambina’ has passed away this afternoon at the age of 84. Mro. Muscat was a Musical Composer, was the first leader of the Orchestra and later Musical Director for 10 years

Maestro and composer Carmelo Muscat was born in Mellieha on the 28th March 1928 and he always lived in his home town. For many years he has been recognized as a great musician, specialising in playing the violin and guitar. At a very early age he had shown interest in music and started learning the guitar. When he was 14 years old he started taking violin lessons. He continued to study and though very young, he wrote many musical compositions including marches, songs, dances, polkas, mazurkas and waltzes.

As World War II came to an end, he started giving music lessons to many students including Maltese Pop Star Freddie Portelli, Mary Spiteri and Joe Grech. When he was 25 years old, he set up his own orchestra to play in wedding receptions, parties and dances. He was also chosen as leader of the Malta Cultural Institute Orchestra and has given his services in theatres and recitals with Mro Carmelo Pace in Hotel Phoenicia.

By time Mro Carmelo Muscat wrote many musical compositions and his styles include Romantic, Classical, Chamber music, Church music, folk and modern music. His works have also been performed abroad and his symphonies, preludes and marches are played to date in Vienna, Austria, England, Australia and Canada.

Mro Carmelo Muscat had several experiences with international renowned musicians including the world famous violinist Yehudi Menohin when he came to Malta. Yehudi Menohin won first prize in performance and choice of music as he played in a music competition in England with a musical composition written by Mro. Carmel Muscat.

Mro. Carmel Muscat was one of the founding members of the Choral and Orchestral Society ‘Maria Bambina’ and its conductor for ten years. Till the last weeks, he still gave advices on both music interpretation and composition to members and students attending lessons at the ‘Choral and Orchestral Society’ Maria Bambina.

The funeral is going to be held next Friday 18 May at the Mellieha Parish Church at 15.00.

The Committee of the Choral and Orchestral Society ‘Maria Bambina’ gives its condolences to his relatives and friends. All our members and ex students are encouraged to attend.

“Thanks Mro. Carmel Muscat for all you have done……we will surely miss you”