Tony Pace: A Lifetime in Music

Tony Pace, born on 4 June 1946 in Ħamrun, Malta, built a distinguished career as a classical guitarist, teacher, and performer whose musical journey spanned more than six decades. Known for his versatility and deep dedication to his craft, Pace moved effortlessly between classical, jazz, and popular music, leaving a lasting legacy on Malta’s cultural scene.

Tony Pace 2025 (photo: Tony Pace)

Pace first picked up the guitar in the late 1950s, and by the following decade he was already performing with local and dance bands. In 1966, he received an invitation to play in a London nightclub, an experience that broadened his horizons. While in London, he also took jazz lessons, which later influenced his playing and repertoire.

In the 1970s, Pace devoted himself to the study of classical guitar. Initially self-taught, he later pursued formal studies with the support of sponsorships from the Maltese and Austrian governments and the British Council. He studied under American guitarist Gregory Bonneberger and participated in summer courses in England, where he was mentored by leading classical guitarists such as Chris Kilvington, John Duarte, and Venezuelan master Alirio Díaz.

Back in Malta, he expanded his musical foundation, studying theory and harmony with Mro. Carmelo Pace, Mro. Carmelo Schembri, and Mro. Charles Zammit, and solfeggio with Mro. Freddie Mizzi.

In 1971, Pace joined the Armed Forces of Malta as a bandsman, playing both guitar and flute. His career as an educator was equally remarkable. For several years, he taught at the National School of Music, and between 1992 and 1995 he served as a classical guitar tutor at the Mediterranean Institute of the University of Malta.

He also established his own guitar studio, where he taught both classical and electric guitar, theory, and improvisation. For a decade, he dedicated himself to teaching visually impaired students, an initiative that reflected his belief that music should be accessible to everyone.

Jazz Styles promo

Alongside teaching, Pace maintained an active performance career. He played in hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs—including venues such as the Hilton—and appeared frequently on Maltese radio and television. His radio programs Jazz Styles and  Akustika on Radju Malta became a staple for jazz and classical enthusiasts.

Pace’s performances were not confined to Malta. He played in England, Sicily, France, Greece, Ireland, Cancún in Mexico, and Brussels, bringing Maltese talent to international audiences.

Pace’s contributions to music earned him formal recognition. In 1986, the President of Malta, Agatha Barbara, presented him with the Phoenicia Cultural Award. Later, in 1997, he was accepted as a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT) in England, and in 2006 he received the Loyal Service Award from Thames Valley University in London.

He also obtained the ALCM and LLCM (TD) diplomas in classical guitar performance and teaching from the London College of Music, cementing his reputation as both a performer and pedagogue.

Pace’s repertoire was as diverse as his career. It stretched from Renaissance and classical works to rock, Italian songs, film soundtracks, Latin American music, Bossa Nova, Spanish and Maltese tunes, and jazz standards. “My repertoire consists of music from the Renaissance to Rock,” he once explained, reflecting his refusal to be confined to one genre.

Il-Maltija and Other Folk Tunes from Malta artwork

A notable example of his work can be found on the 1980s folk music release Il-Maltija and Other Folk Tunes from Malta, which also featured Vanni Pule, Ġanni Borg, Joe Demicoli, and Tony Zammit. His performances, such as those available on YouTube, demonstrate his technical mastery and expressive style.

One of the highlights of Pace’s later career came in 2017, when he finally formed his own jazz band. The group featured trumpeter Effie Azzopardi, drummer Joe Camilleri Bibi Senior, and his son Sandro on bass. They debuted at the fifth edition of Jazz Do in Gozo on 3 September 2017. Reflecting on the experience, Pace said: “Yesterday’s concert was fantastic… After all these years I have found time to form my jazz band. Without the help and dedicated instruction of Effie and Joe, I could not have done it. Thanks also to my son Sandro who helped me form this band. My dream came true.”

In February 2023, Pace released a compilation and accompanying music book titled Contemporary Maltese Folk Music, entirely composed by himself. For this project, he was joined by his daughter, Alison Galea, on classical guitar; Bernard Catania on acoustic guitar; his son, Sandro Pace, on bass; and Justin Xerri on cajón. The following month, the compilation and music book were formally deposited in the National Archives and the Melitensia Department of the University of Malta, and later at the National Library, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

L to R - Justin Xerri, Sandro Pace, Tony Pace, Alison Galea and Bernard Catania (photo: Tony Pace)

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tony Pace was a devoted family man, married to Carmen and father to Sandro and Alison. His lifelong dedication to performance, education, and cultural enrichment made him a central figure in Malta’s musical history. Whether through his solo guitar recitals, his jazz projects, his teaching, or his radio presence, Pace shaped generations of musicians and listeners alike.

Remarkably, despite nearing 80, Pace has never stepped away from the stage. His latest appearance was on Friday, 5 September 2025, when he performed once again as a solo guitarist at Fra Guieseppe Café, near Balzan Parish Church—demonstrating that his passion for music remains as strong as ever.