The life and works of the late Charles Camilleri, acknowledged as one of the greatest composers of Malta, were celebrated at a concert at St James’s Church in Piccadilly, London last week.

The concert was part of the Camilleri Festival, a collection of concerts on the first anniversary since Mro Camilleri’s passing away. On the same day another concert was held at Brake Hall, Ashford, Kent, and another two concerts were held at the Manoel Theatre at the weekend.

The idea for the festival stemmed out of a promise to Charles Camilleri, made by the festival organiser and artistic director Maria Blanco, to keep the composer’s music alive.

The concert programme at St James’s Church, put together by Ms Blanco, ranged from works rooted in Maltese folklore to more mystical compositions. One highlight was the World Premiere of ‘Sonata for Two Clarinets’ which was received very well by the audience.

In the presence of Charles Camilleri’s daughter Anya, the Maltese High Commissioner, Joseph Zammit Tabona, paid tribute to Camilleri calling him a “prolific Maltese composer with a worldwide reputation”, who honoured Malta in international music circles and revived traditional Maltese and Mediterranean folk styles.

Prior to the concert, a reception was held at the Malta High Commission, just across the road from St James’s Church.