During a touching event held at the Count Roger Band Club, Rabat, on Saturday 27th February 2021, Maestro Joseph Vella was awarded an Honorary Patronage by the Medina Foundation for Music in recognition of his career achievements, dedication and contribution to music.

The event was organised by the Rabat Local Council, in close cooperation with St Paul Metropolitan Orchestra, the Medina Foundation for Music and the Socjeta` San Pawl Banda Konti Ruggieru of which Maestro Vella was the Musical Director for around four decades.

Seen here is Chev. Mro. Mark Agius, Chairperson and CEO of the Medina Foundation for Music, presenting the Award and a memento to Maestro Vella`s wife Nathalie.

The evening, compered by Mr. Peter Paul Ciantar, included a number of addresses by different personalities within the political and cultural fields, alongside the performance of three compositions by Maestro Vella for woodwind instruments. These were “Piccolo Divertimento” – Opus 2, a 7 minute piece for wind quartet composed in 1963; “Clarinet Quintet – Opus 16” for clarinet and strings composed in 1973, and “Three Songs for Phaedra – Opus 56” for clarinet solo, composed in 1974.

All three are early works by the composer, in line with Family Vella`s drive to facilitate the performance of different compositions spreading across the entire musical career of Maestro Vella.

A special thanks to the organisers and musicians for their kind efforts in organising this event.