https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/16862 2026-07-12T16:50:56Z 2026-07-12T16:50:56Z Vella, Veronique https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147943 2026-07-09T10:06:05Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: W.A.R. - When angels rest Authors: Vella, Veronique Abstract: This short three-movement work was commissioned by Tricia Dawn Williams in 2023 as part of the ToyPiano+ Project and supported by Arts Council Malta. The piece, originally wri􀀲en for toy piano and music box, is dedicated to all those children suffering at the hands of war.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Vella, Veronique https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147938 2026-07-09T09:13:55Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Three short piano pieces Authors: Vella, Veronique Abstract: Veronique Vella's Three Short Piano Pieces for solo piano—comprising Bizzilla, Il-Mudell, and Filigree—was commissioned in 2022 as part of the centenary celebrations of Palazzo de la Salle (now known as the Malta Society of Arts). The work was premiered by the acclaimed pianist Charlene Farrugia. The titles of the opening and closing pieces, Bizzilla and Filigree, pay homage to two traditional Maltese crafts that have long been taught at the Malta Society of Arts—lace-making and filigree jewelry, respectively. The intricate and delicate piano writing in these pieces captures the essence of these crafts, and music critic Cecilia Xuereb has aptly described them as having a "gossamer quality." This refers to the finely woven, transparent texture of the music, which mirrors the delicate nature of lace and filigree work. In contrast, the middle movement, Il-Mudell, is more forceful and awkward in nature, embodying the essence of live drawing—a skill also taught at the Society. The piece's title references this art form, and its more brusque, angular character provides a stark contrast to the ethereal qualities of the surrounding movements. Vella's composition reflects a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of both sound and cultural heritage, using the piano to evoke the textures and emotions associated with these traditional Maltese trades. Through Three Short Piano Pieces, Vella offers a compelling dialogue between contemporary music and the rich cultural legacy of Malta.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Vella, Veronique https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147936 2026-07-09T09:05:06Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Verietta for violoncello & piano • für Violoncello Authors: Vella, Veronique Abstract: Verietta, for string orchestra, was written in the summer of 2022 and premiered by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Philip Walsh at The Jesuits Church, Valletta. The piece takes its inspiration from Bach’s aria from his timeless Goldberg Variations. Recognizable fragments of the original Bach themes are sometimes quoted, often leading to some unexpected twists and turns. Legend has it that Bach composed the music for Count Kaiserling,who had trouble sleeping. The count’s private harpsichordist, Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, was said to have been requested to perform the variations to act as some sort of sleep aid for the count! Intrigued by this premise, Vella began thinking about sleep patterns, particularly about the struggle to fall asleep when your mind is too busy. Sudden shifts in tempo and darker moments attempt to reflect this frustration. However, we all know that sometimes the harder you try to quiet the mind, the louder one’s thoughts and anxieties can become. The music eventually comes to a quiet, soothing end, however. Perhaps restfulness has been achieved after all. This arrangement for violoncello and piano was premiered by the composer and cellist Simon Abdilla Joslin in 2024 in Valletta.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147600 2026-06-22T11:12:51Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: 21 dances for the 21st century [Album] Abstract: This album was composed for Paolo Mangiola's dance piece "21 Dances for the 21st Century" loosely inspired by Yuval Noah Harari's book "21 Lessons for the 21st Century". The dance work was premiered by ZfinMalta National Dance Company at Valletta Campus Theatre in 2020.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z