Major Anthony Aquilina: A Pillar of Maltese Band Music
- Noel Mifsud
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
Major Anthony Aquilina stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of Maltese band music. A gifted musician, composer, and bandmaster, his legacy continues to resonate not only across Malta but also within Maltese communities abroad.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Anthony Aquilina was born on 25 July 1906 in Ħaż-Żebbuġ. Although his given name was Pawlu, he became widely known as Anthony throughout his life. His musical journey began at a remarkably young age. In 1914, at just eight years old, he was encouraged to join the Soċjetà Filarmonika Banda San Filep in his hometown.
By 1916, he had already begun playing with the band, demonstrating early promise. At the age of twelve, Aquilina took a significant step forward by joining the army as a Boy Bandsman, a role he held for five years. This early exposure to military band discipline and structure laid the foundation for his future career.
Studies and Military Career
Aquilina’s talents earned him the opportunity to further his studies in the United Kingdom. He attended the prestigious Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall in Twickenham, one of the foremost institutions for military music training. His dedication and skill culminated in an outstanding achievement: in 1931, he graduated as Senior Cadet, finishing first in his course.
Upon returning to Malta, Aquilina rejoined the Royal Malta Artillery (RMA), where he quickly rose through the ranks. He was appointed bandmaster and later became regimental bandmaster. In September 1940, he was commissioned as an officer, marking another milestone in his distinguished career. He served with the army until 1958, retiring with the rank of Major—a title by which he would be fondly remembered.
Contribution to Broadcasting and Music Direction
After retiring from military service, Aquilina continued to shape Malta’s musical landscape. He joined Rediffusion (Malta) Ltd., the island’s leading broadcasting service at the time, where he served as Director of Music until 1972. In this role, he influenced public musical taste and helped promote Maltese band music to a wider audience.
A Prolific Composer
Known affectionately as “The Major,” Aquilina composed around 50 band marches, many of which remain staples of the Maltese festa tradition. His works are still widely performed today, both in Malta and in Maltese communities around the world.
His compositions are celebrated for their vibrancy, melodic strength, and suitability for festive occasions. Among his most popular marches are Aħna Tfal ta’ Ġejtu, Amos, Aswero, Balfrendosan, Benedict Silver Jubilee, Bozen, Ċieka u Ċelest, Come On Baldass, Come On The Stripes, Dur Tond Fred, Elena Elena, El Picador, Et Donnay, Fiorentina, Fiesta, Forward, Fonz u Peppina, Forza Ċensina, Forza Ċensu Tagħna, Ġianni Sfarfar, Guitarreros, Ix-Xiħ, Josephine, Dik, Dak u l-Oħra, Lilywhites, Melita, Mona, Ta’ Ġerrew, Viva ix-Xemx, Wenzinos, and Zorro.
In addition to marches, he was also commissioned to compose ten hymns for parish titular feasts, further cementing his role in Malta’s religious and cultural traditions.
Associations and Legacy
Beyond his military career, Aquilina maintained strong ties with several leading Maltese band clubs. He was closely associated with the Soċjetà Filarmonika King’s Own, the Duke of Connaught’s Own Band Club in Birkirkara, and the Soċjetà Mużikali Sant’ Antnin, also in Birkirkara, of which he was a founder and Honorary President.
His music reached an even wider audience through recordings. Some of his most popular works were released in three cassette collections, and later, due to popular demand, two more releases featuring a broader selection of his compositions were issued.
Personal Life and Death
In 1932, Anthony Aquilina married Catherine Ross, and the couple had one son. Despite his many professional commitments, he remained dedicated to his family life.
Major Anthony Aquilina passed away on 21 September 1985. However, his music and influence endure, making him a central figure in the development of Maltese band culture.
Major Anthony Aquilina is rightly regarded as one of Malta’s most important composers of festa band marches. His work not only defined a genre but also became an integral part of Maltese identity and celebration. Decades after his passing, “The Major” continues to be celebrated through the enduring popularity of his music—a testament to his remarkable talent and lasting impact.
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Il-Maġġur Anthony Aquilina: Surmast tal-Marċi Maltin is a paperback book written by Victor Galea and published in 2008. Spanning 130 pages, the book explores the life and legacy of Major Anthony Aquilina, highlighting his important role as a leading composer and bandmaster of Maltese marches.
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