Formation and early years (2009–2011) The band was formed in 2009 by
James Baldacchino (violin, viola),
Drinu Camilleri (guitar, vocals), and
Alessandro Lia (piano, vocals). Composer
Albert Garzia (accordion) joined in 2011, expanding the ensemble's harmonic and textural palette.
Intimate unplugged concerts and artistic development (2011–2013) Between 2011 and 2013, Kantilena developed a reputation for intimate, often unplugged performances sometimes held in historically significant Maltese venues. During this period, critics noted the ensemble's “tight front” and expressive instrumental interplay along with strong on-stage chemistry and emotional delivery.
L-Għanja tal-Poplu 2012 In 2012, Kantilena competed in
L-Għanja tal-Poplu with the song
Baħħar. They placed third overall, and Camilleri, author of the song's text, won the festival's Best Singer-Songwriter Award. The track, inspired by the Maltese folk motif
Lanċa Ġejja u Oħra Sejra, became one of the band's most recognisable works. The launch featured a one-off expanded ensemble of twelve musicians performing at the Greek Theatre of the San Ġorġ Preca college in Blata l-Bajda, intended to reproduce the album's arrangements as faithfully as possible — a configuration the band noted was unlikely to be repeated. In the months leading up to the album launch, Kantilena released a series of location-based music videos that attracted wide attention. Their video for Stumalla was filmed live on a sightseeing train in Rabat, followed by X’Ubidù, recorded during a mini-performance at the Crystal Palace pastizzeria in Rabat. Their final documented performance occurred on 9 July, 2016 as special guests at
L-Għanja tal-Poplu 2016 at
Pjazza Teatru Rjal. After 2016, the group ceased public activity. ==Musical style==