Conductor and founder of the Malta Philharmonic Joseph Sammut has died at the age of 97.

According to reports Sammut died at Mater Dei Hospital on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

In a statement, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said “Malta had lost one of its ‘musical giants.’ He was the last conductor of the Orchestra of the Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy, and the founding conductor of the Manoel Theatre Orchestra, that went on to become the Malta Philharmonic. Thank you, maestro.”

The Malta Philharmonic added, “It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to our esteemed former and first Principal Conductor, Maestro Joseph Sammut. His passion for music, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will forever be remembered and cherished. Under Maestro Sammut’s guidance, the MPO reached new heights, enchanting audiences with captivating performances that touched the soul. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike.”

The statement added, “Our deepest condolences go out to Maestro Sammut’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his music live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Maestro Joseph Sammut.”

Born in Valletta in 1926, Sammut first studied with his father, Vincenzo Sammut, a bassoonist at the Royal Opera House and a cellist with the Orchestra of the Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy.

He then joined the orchestra in 1942 as a bassoonist but he ended up conducting and composing. He would spend 16 years as the conductor of the Orchestra of the Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy. In 1968 the orchestra was disbanded and he decided to form the Manoel Theatre Orchestra.

He would lead the orchestra until 1993 and the orchestra would develop into the National Symphony Orchestra and then the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

Throughout his career, Sammut was also Musical Director of the Societa’ Filarmonica La Vallette and conducted such organizations as the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra and the Aurora Opera House