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Michael Ciangura,
known as Mikiel, was
born in Ghajnsielem on the 25th of March 1918, son of Ġuzeppi
Ciangura and Angela nee' Falzon. He married
Maria Anna on the 2nd
July 1939 and together they have nine children, Guza, Loreta,
Gorg, Wenzu, Toni, Fredu, Lucy, Giacinta and Maria.
Mikiel was a
member of the first bandsman
that Mons Joseph De Piro
formed in 1928 and which later changed into the St
Joseph Band as we know it today. In fact, Mikiel joined
the St Joseph Institute in 1926,
just a few months after it
opened in Gozo. It was here that he took his education
under the direction of Mons De Piro who was also the
first director. During this period, Mikiel also spend
some time in another institute in Malta where he
continued to develop his formation. |
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Mons De
Piro wanted him to continue to further his education and he
decided to join the Birkirkara Oratory as an aspirant. But
he later changed his mind and returned to the St Joseph
Institute in Hamrun where he started to learn how to sew.
During the period he spend in Hamrun, he had the opportunity
to learn music.
When Mons De
Piro opened the Gozo institute, Mikiel Ciangura returned to
Gozo. Meanwhile, Mons De Piro
was seen arriving from Malta with a big parcel in his hands.
This parcel contained the first musical instruments, which were
going to be used by the yet unborn St. Joseph Band. Among the
first students one finds Mikiel Ciangura from Ghajnsielem, Pinu
Gatt from Sannat and Kristinu Gatt from Nadur. These were all
young boys residing at the Orphanage during that time. The first
instrument that Mikiel Ciangura played was the cornet. He later
learned the clarinet and then the basso.
The first band founded by Mons
De Piro in 1928
At the age of 17,
he left the orphanage but he started to work as a cook in the
same institute. A few years later he moved to Malta where he
sold spirits to the British Navy. When the second World War
started in 1941, he returned to Gozo and started to work as a
maintenance worker in Fort Chambray's mental hospital.
Click Here to read an interview with Mikiel Ciangura
which was published on the St Joseph Band Feast Magazine in August
2008
Mikiel Ciangura's
was also heavily involved in the Ghajnsielem community.
He used to spend his free doing at the old parish church
knitting or patching the fabrics. The Pavaljuni and
Bandalori in Hamri street and the Bandalori in the
main square were made by him. He also used to make several other
maintenance works.
Gozo
Bishop Mgr Mario Grech made a surprise visit during their 68th
wedding anniversary in July 2007. At that time, they were
grandparents of 18 and great-grand parents of 19. Archpriest
Frankie Bajda and Mons Guzeppi Zerafa presented for this
memorable occasion. A Thanksgiving Mass was also said by Mrg
Mario Grech.
On Tuesday, 26th August 2008,
Mikiel Ciangura was presented with a commemorative gift to on
the 80th Anniversary of the St Joseph Band. The gift was handed
under the presence of the President of Malta, Dr. Edward Fenech
Adami.
On the 18th December 2008,
Mikiel Ciangura, 90, was awarded the 14th edition of the 'Premju
Gieh Ghajnsielem' for his contribution and involvement in the
Ghajnsielem community particularly the St Joseph Band and his
voluntary work at the Ghajnsielem parish. Mayor Francis Cauchi
handed the award during a special ceremony held at the St Joseph
Band Club Concert Hall. In his speech, the Mayor said that it
was an honour for the Ghajnsielem Local Council to award a
person who was part of the first bandsmen that formed the St
Joseph Band back in 1928. In fact Mr Ciangura is the only person
still alive who was part of the band formed by Mons De Piro. In
a short emotional speech, Mikiel Ciangura thanked God for giving
him spirit to live at such age and also thanked all those around
him for all the support that they always give him.
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