Charles Camilleri

Maltese Composer and Pianist

Maltese classical composer and accordionist, born: 7th September 1931 Hamrun, Malta - died: 3rd January 2009 Naxxar, Malta. Established his first group while still a teenager and performed widely in Malta. In 1949 his father took the family to Sydney, Australia because of work opportunities. In Australia, Charles Camilleri led groups which appeared in nightclubs and jazz venues. He also appeared on the radio and recorded solo and with various groups. By the late 1950s he had become internationally known and travelled and performed widely. He championed and helped revive Maltese and Mediterranean folk styles. In 1972, Camilleri composed and conducted his country's Eurovision Song Contest entry, performed by Helen & Joseph. At various times he lived in Toronto, New York and London, but he eventually returned to Malta and lived in Naxxar for many years where he died.