CHARLES CAMILLERI

Born: September 7th, 1931, Ħamrun (Malta)

Died: January 3rd, 2009, Naxxar (Malta)

Nationality: Maltese

In due course, the short impression below will be replaced with a more extensive career overview

BIOGRAPHY

In 1949, Charles Camilleri moved with his father and the rest of his family to Australia; before that, he had already started music studies and aged twelve, he had performed as an accordion soloist with a forty-man orchestra. In the 1950s, Camilleri was one of the world’s most beloved accordionists. During his professional life, Camilleri lived in different countries: Canada, Great Britain, and the USA. He became an internationally acclaimed composer of classical works, including the ‘Malta Suite’ and the oratorio ‘Pawla ta’ Malta’; he also wrote entire operas in the Maltese language. His piano piece ‘Cantilena’ is part of the Grade 5 Trinity Guildhall Syllabus for piano students.

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

In 1972, Charles Camilleri composed the second Maltese entry to the Eurovision Song Contest, ‘L-imħabba’, sung by Helen & Joseph. The lyrics were by Albert Cassola. Camilleri himself conducted the BBC Orchestra in Edinburgh during the rendition of this Maltese entry. Like the year before, Malta came last.

EUROVISION INVOLVEMENT YEAR BY YEAR

1972 Edinburgh

Country – Malta

Song title – "L-imħabba"

Rendition – Helen Micallef & Joseph Cutajar

Lyrics – Albert Cassola

Composition – Charles Camilleri

Studio arrangement – Pete Moore

Live orchestration – Pete Moore

Conductor – Charles Camilleri

Score – 18th place (48 votes)