Aurelio Belli, chief operations officer of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), has died aged 49 after a long battle with cancer.
Belli’s death triggered an outpouring of grief on social media and tributes from those in Malta’s political and cultural spheres.
National broadcaster TVM reported that doctors treating Belli, who fought a more than five-year public battle with lung cancer, had discovered he was suffering from another form of cancer during his final radiotherapy session.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the MPO described Belli, a noted arranger, conductor and musician, as “more than a leader; he was a pillar of the Maltese musical landscape”.
“His dedication to the arts and his vision for the orchestra have left an indelible mark on our culture. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and the entire MPO community during this difficult time,” the orchestra wrote.
“His legacy will continue to resonate through every note played in the halls he loved so dearly. Rest in peace.”
MPO CEO Vanessa Mangion told Times of Malta the orchestra was left “devastated” by Belli’s death. “I lost not just a colleague, but a friend… I lost my right hand in the orchestra”.
Belli was born in Ħamrun, with his musical journey beginning at the age of eight, when he began learning the euphonium from his grandfather. He later took up the trombone, before branching out into composing, arranging and conducting.
He is closely associated with his work penning arrangements for Maltese-language annual song-writing competition Mużika Mużika and for his role as musical director of long-standing annual concert Rockestra.
Belli played in the orchestra before joining its administration.Prime Minister Robert Abela described Belli as the “definition of courage and resilience”, and that, referring to his struggle with lung cancer, had “always remained positive”.
The late orchestra manager was diagnosed with diverticulitis, inflammation in the wall of the large intestine, five years ago, with doctors discovering lung nodules during their investigation.
He was eventually diagnosed with cancer in the left upper lung, but despite successful surgery to remove the cancer, doctors soon discovered the disease had spread to the right lung.
Belli received assistance from the Malta Community Chest Fund, an organisation he publicly endorsed and supported following his own treatment, in particular through his work with Rockestra.
“He fought bravely against all the challenges brought on by illness. He continued to use his artistic talents for the enjoyment of the Maltese and Gozitan people”, wrote Abela on Facebook.
Opposition Leader Alex Borg described Belli as a “source of inspiration” who had continued to bring joy to people through his artistic talents.
Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said, “Our hearts are broken after the shocking news,” while describing Belli as a “positive person, kind-hearted, and loved art more than he loved himself”.
Bonnici offered his condolences to the family while thanking Belli for his work with the orchestra.
Music manager and Earth Garden festival founder Keith Howard Debono said he was “shocked” to hear about his death, adding, “Maltese music has lost a gem”.
The organisers of Mużika Mużika described Belli as an “extraordinary person” and a figure who left an unforgettable mark on the event.
In an interview with Times2 last year, Belli said that while he performed various roles at the MPO, including as an arranger and conductor, his main responsibilities were as an orchestral manager.
“I see my role as a bit of everything, but my main thing is being an orchestral manager… my first priority is my work,” he said.
“It’s not only a job; it’s a passion, and we’re a family.”
Belli is survived by his wife Gloriana, and their daughter Alexandra.