I have known Vanni Riolo for ever since I can remember. He was our neighbour for almost forever in the Tal-Qroqq area of Gzira, at least since the late 1970’s when we came to live here. It was different then, full of large houses and still some fields around. Vanni had been living here since the late 1960’s when the area was even more deserted then.
Vanni was an extremely cultured man. His voice was deep and imposing and was a fixture on the local airwaves from the Redifussion days. He starred in countless radio plays but was mostly known for his role in the film Treasure in Malta which came out in 1963 – over 60 years ago now.
Vanni also produced a number of radio plays such as La Vallette, based on a poem by Joe Pirotta in 1995 – this was my baptism of fire in the radio field. Vanni commissioned me to select the music for the play. I remember choosing two pieces in particular, Zdenek Fibich’s ‘The Fall of Arkona’ and Dvorak’s ‘Hussite Overture’. I remember him being extremely enthusiastic about the choice of music.
Over the past decades we used to meet regularly as he spoke about several endeavours and his vastly storied career. Always with that poise and grace that defined a born actor and broadcaster. Lately he was also reading novels on Radju Malta, a spot previously occupied by the legendary departed Charles Arrigo and Charles Abela Mizzi.
Riolo was from Valletta, the capital city, a fact that he emphasized consistently in our chats ‘Jien Belti pur’ he used to tell me many a time. He always tottering around his large house and loved the sun, ‘ix-xemx ittik il hajja’ – another of his quips.
I had heard that he had a fall of late and was at Karin Grech Hospital. Knowing how active he always was, I felt that he was nearing the end. He lived to a ripe old age of 89, surely a blessing.
I felt a twinge today when I was out and saw the house without him in the ‘terrazzin’ – a place he loved so much. Goodbye Vanni, thanks for everything.
Vanni Riolo 1925-2025
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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