Mark Vella

My Story

Mark Vella began his musical journey at the age of 9 under the mentorship of Lawrence Bonnici, making his first performance with Banda Konti Ruġġieru in December 2009. Initially focused on percussion, he later transitioned to the euphonium, also pursuing theory studies under Joseph Vella.
 

He completed his Matsec A-Level in Music in 2017 under the guidance of Manoel Pirotta and Tancred Grech. Mark is currently continuing his euphonium studies at the Accademia Italiana di Euphonium in Italy with Luciano De Luca. Over the years, he has participated in numerous masterclasses with celebrated brass and conducting tutors, including Mauro Martins, David Thornton, Mario Barsotti, Dr. Gary Curtin, Prof. Gianpaolo Lazzeri, and Roberto Beltran-Zavala. In 2023, he achieved both his Dip.L.C.M. and A.L.C.M. diplomas in Euphonium Recital.
 

Mark's musical career has extended well beyond the local scene. In 2016, he represented Malta at the Vodafone Freezone Music Contest in Istanbul, where he received the Jury Special Award as part of the band Gingerline. More recently, in January 2024, he presented his first solo euphonium recital, followed by a second performance at the Rabat Sacrum Festival later that year. He currently holds the position of principal euphonium with the Malta Symphonic Band.

Throughout his musical journey, Mark has premiered several major euphonium works, including Green Hill and Fantasy for Euphonium, as well as original compositions written specifically for him. In 2025, he was entrusted with directing Masters of Melody, a multidisciplinary concert where he conducted the Banda Konti Ruġġieru of Rabat.
 

Mark is also a passionate educator. He teaches euphonium and brass at various local band clubs, including Banda San Leonardo of Ħal Kirkop and the Banda Marija Assunta of Gudja. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he serves as Assistant Bandmaster at both Banda Konti Ruġġieru of Rabat and the Marija Assunta Band Club of Gudja.