Philip Ciantar is an academic member of staff at the Department of Music Studies within the School of Performing Arts. His area of teaching is ethnomusicology and related subjects. After earning his first degree from the University of Malta, he pursued an MA in ethnomusicology at the University of Durham (UK) and later completed his PhD in the same field at the University of Sheffield. His research interests lie in the areas of Mediterranean music studies; Andalusian music; Maltese popular music; music and colonialism; the transmission of musical knowledge; and musical analysis in world music. His publications include articles in a variety of journals and edited volumes, as well as entries in leading music encyclopedias. Among his publications are two monographs: The Ma’lūf in Contemporary Libya: An Arab Andalusian Musical Tradition (Ashgate 2012; Routledge 2016) and Studies in Maltese Popular Music (Routledge 2021).
Beyond his academic pursuit, Philip is also active in musical composition and produced a number of works for voice, symphonic orchestras, brass ensembles, concert bands, and string orchestras. Some of these compositions are published by Universal Edition (Vienna). He is a member of the scholarly editorial board of the online encyclopedia 'Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart' (MGG) ['Music in the Past and Present'], Chairperson of the RILM ['Répertoire International de Littérature Musicale'] Malta National Committee, and Liaison Officer for Malta at the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance (ICTMD).
2019. 'Ja Baħar' ('O Sea'). An aleatory for solo clarinet. First Performance by Luca Cipriano at the Universita' degli Studi di Roma, Tor Vergata (May 2019). Duration: 5 minutes. [Published by Universal Edition]
2017. 'Deformation'. A composition for concert band. First Performance by the University of Malta Wind Ensemble at the University of Malta (October 2017). Duration: 3 minutes.
2014. 'Doqquli n-Noti Tqal'. A triptych for baritone voice and clarinet (with optional percussion) on words by Oliver Friggieri. First Performance by Noel Camilleri (clarinet), Miguel Rosales (baritone), and Luke Baldacchino (percussion) at the University of Malta (June 2014). Duration: 10 minutes.
2009. 'Fil-Bar tal-Kantuniera'. A classical song for soprano and piano on words by Oliver Friggieri. First performance by Rosabelle Bianchi (soprano) and Alexei Galea Cavallazzi (piano) at Sala Isouard, Valletta (December 2009). Recorded on CD 'Riflessi–Art Songs from Malta'(2015)(Miriam Cauchi, Soprano; Maria Frendo, Piano). Duration: 6 minutes. [Published by Universal Edition]
2008. 'Fanfare for Orchestra'. A free-standing composition for orchestra. First performance by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Michael Laus at The Palace, Valletta (January 2009). Duration: 4 minutes [Published by Universal Edition]
2006. 'Istiftāh' ('Opening'). An aleatory for solo alto saxophone. First performance by Joseph Vella at the University of Malta (July 2006). Duration: 3 minutes.
1997. 'A Song for Sunset'. A free-standing composition for string orchestra. First performance by the Malta Johann Strauss School of Music Orchestra conducted by Mario Bisazza at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, Valletta (May 1998). Duration: 4 minutes. [Published by Universal Edition]
1996. 'Għar Dalam'. A suite in three movements for concert band. First performance by the La Valette Band conducted by Joseph Sammut at the Catholic Institute, Floriana (November 1997). Recorded on CD by The University of Sheffield Wind Orchestra conducted by Anthony Houghton (2009). Duration: 8 minutes [Published by Universal Edition]
