A special word of thanks goes to Maestro John Galea and Maestro Kristian Schembri for composing two new works, dedicated specifically to the memory of Maestro Joseph Vella.

Both works were launched during separate concerts of sacred music organised on the 13th April 2019 by the Soċjetá Filarmonika La Stella, Victoria – Gozo and the Soċjetá San Pawl Banda Konti Ruġġieru, Rabat-Malta respectively.

Mro. Galea succeeded Maestro Vella as Musical Director at the Soċjetá Filarmonika La Stella. His march – “Elegy – In Memorian Joseph Vella” – was directed by himself during a concert at St George`s Basilica, Victoria. Mro Schembri is on the other hand a prominent musician and member of the Soċjetá San Pawl Banda Konti Ruġġieru. His work – “B’imhabba u Tbissima” was launched at the Collegiate Church of St. Paul, Rabat, Malta.

Maestro Joseph Vella was very closely associated with both societies/band clubs mentioned above. He spent just under fifty years as Musical Director of the Soċjetá Filarmonika La Stella and forty years at the helm of the Soċjetá San Pawl Banda Konti Ruġġieru.