'A real gentleman': trailblazing violinist George Spiteri dies at 90

Violinist George Spiteri, the first leader of the Manoel Theatre Orchestra – a forerunner to the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) – has died aged 90.

Spiteri’s death was announced by the MPO in a Facebook post, with the organisation saying, “A legend has left us”.

Spiteri was born in Valletta in July 1935 and started playing the violin at the age of seven. In 1956, he joined the “Commander-in-Chief” orchestra of the Malta-based British Mediterranean Fleet before being appointed leader when the ensemble regrouped as the Manoel Theatre Orchestra in 1968.

He served as leader – the principal violinist, who acts as a bridge between the orchestra and conductor – for more than two decades, before moving into an administrative role.

In 2023, he received a lifetime achievement award from the MPO at a special concert alongside other former members, including the late composer and conductor Joseph Sammut, who died in 2024.

George Spiteri (L), Joseph Sammut (R) and George Curmi (C) at an MPO concert celebrating former members. Photo: George Curmi.

The Manoel Theatre Orchestra. Photo: George Curmi.

Well-known musician and longtime friend George Curmi described Spiteri as a “real gentleman and a very good musician,” while paying tribute to the late violinist’s humility.

“He kept a low profile but was very dedicated; he used to study a lot and was always very prepared,” said Curmi, describing him as “very modest”.

Curmi, who played alongside Spiteri in the orchestra’s violin section for around 15 years, explained that he had “known George since I opened my eyes,” with the two families – both from Valletta – on close terms. “Everybody knows him in Valletta,” he added.

George Spiteri (R) with George Curmi. Photo: George Curmi.

And the two families’ association extended into music; Curmi’s late father – known affectionately as "Il-Pusé”, a moniker his son has since adopted – also played alongside Spiteri in the Manoel Theatre Orchestra as a timpanist.

Curmi described Spiteri as a “very smart man”, impeccably dressed and well-spoken, an avid reader and “very educated for the time”. He noted that Spiteri had studied to become a postman before being appointed orchestra leader.

Away from the orchestra, Spiteri performed regularly in churches – himself a devoutly religious man – weddings and in private orchestras, while also maintaining an active and dedicated teaching schedule, Curmi said.

The late violinist was also president of the Malta branch of Charles de Foucauld’s Order of Charity, according to the Dictionary of Maltese Biographies.

Alongside other key protagonists of the orchestra, Spiteri featured in a 2018 documentary about the MPO’s history.

The "Commander in Chief" orchestra of the Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet. Photo: MPO.

Violinist George Spiteri speaking in 2018. Photo: MPO.

The MPO post announcing Spiteri’s death prompted a flood of tributes, with many echoing Curmi’s words describing the late violinist as a “gentleman”, with MPO principal oboist John McDonough writing that Spiteri had been “very kind” to him when he joined the orchestra.

Spiteri’s friend Denis Darmanin said he used to “enjoy hearing him playing the violin from his home or discussing the old navy days,” while noting he was “likely the last of the Maltese former Royal Navy musicians”.

“Sail on, George, and you can join a larger orchestra in the sky.”

Spiteri is survived by his sister Doris, his nieces Marlene and Tonio, Dorianne and Stephen and his great-nephews and nieces.

The funeral will be held at the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta, at 10am on Wednesday. No flowers by request, but donations to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, are appreciated.