Kevin Abela (Musical Director)

Kevin Abela commenced his music studies at the age of five and was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of eighteen. He pursued further tuition, attending masterclasses with Gordon Higgin Bottom and John Hudson in the UK and with world renowned soloist Sergei Nakariakov.

Kevin Abela featured as soloist in the world premiere of Charles Camilleri’s Concertino for Trumpet in Brussels in 2001 and Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E flat major in 2009, both with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2006 Abela founded the Pure Brass Quintet, holding its first concert, Movie Spectacular, in 2007. Following its great success, he was invited to conduct similar concerts featuring music from the movies with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra for six consecutive years. He was also entrusted by Anthony Bezzina, Director of Masquerade Malta, with the musical direction of a number of theatre productions.

As a musician, conductor and musical arranger Kevin Abela worked closely with international artists such as Trevor Jones, Wayne Marshall, Andy Reiss, Joseph Calleja, Red Electric, Rebecca Ferguson, Zucchero, Leona Lewis and Anastacia amongst others.

Over the years, Kevin has collaborated with a number of renowned local ensembles including KRAB Brass Quartet, Versatile Brass, Etnika, Nafra, Big Band Brothers and Crossbreed Ensemble. In 2013 he was appointed musical arranger for VOICES.

In 2014 Kevin launched his own band, Brass House Unit, whose repertoire includes music from funk and soul to today's modern radio hits, and later that year featured its first concert, Groovy Tunes. Brass House Unit has a very busy schedule ahead packed with projects. Kevin Abela played and featured in over 120 concerts and events between 2014 and 2015. Needless to say he is a well-established musician with a bright musical future ahead of him