At 92, the first conductor of what is now known as the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, still remembers vividly the orchestra’s ‘humble’ beginnings 50 years ago.
The Manoel Theatre Orchestra was born in 1968, employing around 20 musicians and the conductor of the Royal Navy (Mediterranean) Commander-in-Chief’s (C-in-C) orchestra which had to disband because of the British Services rundown.
Bassoon player Joseph Sammut had joined the C-in-C orchestra at the age of 18, following in his father Vincenzo’s footsteps, who was a double bass player with the same orchestra and also played the bassoon with the Royal Opera House orchestra.
“We would play all kind of music at events the Commander-in-Chief hosted, such as dinner parties, cocktail parties, concerts and balls,” Mro Sammut told Times of Malta.
As its long-time conductor reached retirement age, the young man was invited to take up the post and despite some initial hesitation, he travelled to England to study conducting under the mentorship of the renowned Malcolm Sargent, who was then the conductor of the BBC orchestra, and Clarence Raybould.
“I didn’t want to take on all that responsibility at first, but I did well in my studies…
