Mro Vella passed away on February 25th 2018. The cherry on the cake marking this year’s commemoration will be the post-mortem premiering of Vella’s opera ‘Valeriana’ (Opus 155), which cements Family Vella’s collaboration with Festivals Malta following the performance of other major Vella works (the oratorios ‘Il-Belt Rebbieha‘ and ‘Rewwixta‘) in previous years.

More on the premier performance – scheduled for Saturday 4th May 2024 – at a later stage.

A commemoration of Mro. Vella’s life and legacy will also be held in Victoria, Gozo, in the weekend 23rd-25th February. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the concert ‘Works for Woodwind and More’ on Saturday 24th February, featuring established performer Godfrey Mifsud (clarinet) and the Cordia Quartet.

The event, to be held at the Aula Mgr. G. Farrugia at St. George’s Basilica, will include the performance of Vella’s ‘Clarinet Quintet’ (Opus 16) and ”Three Songs for Phaedra’ (Opus 56).

For more information, please follow https://heartofgozo.org.mt/