The Splendid Lodging House in Strait Street, Valletta, came alive to the sound of music in September as top “old time” musicians assembled there for a photo shoot. The end result was Living Legends, Bank of Valletta’s tribute calendar to some of the island’s most renowned musicians.

Award winning photographer Joe P. Smith was entrusted with the photography. The best 13 images, that now feature in the bank’s calendar, pay homage to top musicians who played in the numerous cabaret and music halls of their era spread across the island.

Mr Smith describes the assignment as an opportunity to express himself in a creative way, capturing rare shots of the Maltese music icons.

Thanks to determination and dedication, the love for who they are and what they do persists and remains ingrained in each of the musicians photographed.

“Through these photographs I tried to capture a moment in the life of these legends who have played an important role in shaping the music arena. The location also helped in creating a contrast and added character to the images,” he explains.

The musicians photographed include Joe Cutajar, vocals; Val Valente, saxophone; Jane Azzopardi Hayes and Joseph Azzopardi, cello and trumpet respectively; Tony Zammit, mandolin; Charles “City” Gatt, percussions; Frank Camilleri and Joe “Bibi” Camilleri, piano and percussions respectively; George Spiteri, violin; Frans Genovese, trumpet; Pawlu Curmi “Il-Pampalun”, percussions; Sammy Murgo, saxophone; Vinny Vella, clarinet and Anthony “Noni” Almerigo, double bass.

A short video clip on the making of the 2012 calendar can be viewed on www.bov.com.