Paul Abela

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Paul Abela (born 1 March 1954) is a composer and jazz pianist.

Born in Detroit, he spent his younger years in Mosta. He started studying music at a very young age, mainly playing the accordion, organ and piano. In 1967 he joined Mellieħa based popular band New Cuorey playing and producing musical hits for the local market. In 1978, Paul left the band to fly to Boston USA where he obtained a degree in music at the Berklee College of Music.

Graduating in 1981, Paul returned to Malta where he resumed composing songs for Maltese festivals. In that period, he represented Malta as composer and conductor in Poland, Prague, Bratislava, Turkey, Yugoslavia and Korea. He also composed numerous rock-operas and musicals, some of which are still very popular today. In 1986 he married Maltese singer Georgina Abela and together they gave concerts in Australia and Canada, besides taking part in many festivals both in Malta and aboard.

Paul represented Malta as a composer, arranger and conductor in the Eurovision Song contest with songs: Could it Be in 1991 (sung by Georgina and Paul Giordimaina) placing sixth, Little Child in 1992 (sung by Mary Spiteri placing third, In A Woman’s Heart in 1996 (sung by Miriam Christine) and Another Summer Night in 2001 (sung by Fabrizio Faniello).

He won the Festival Internazzjonali tal-Kanzunetta Maltija twice with Min Jaf Għalfejn and Hawn Mill-Ġdid.

Paul wrote Rock Operas and musicals including Ġensna, Bastilja, Taħt Tliet Saltniet and Ali Baba.

He was also the musical director for productions with music from various musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound Of Music, Evita, Annie, Les Miserables in concert, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, La Cage Aux Folles, Anything Goes, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific, Blood Brothers and Cabaret.

He has also produced and conducted concerts for orchestra, big band, and TV. He conducted bands, written and arranged music for TV series.

See also

Category:Paul Abela Photos