MyMAC Magazine #1

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Malta’s First Ice Show Jesters’ Wedding

CC Virtual Museum M MCC CEO Pierre Fenech

Arts Council Malta’s future plans Mary Ann Cauchi

#1 • DECEMBER • 2019 M Y M A C . O R G . M T

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MUS I C•A R T S• CULT UR E

MPO Moscow Tour A Union of Cultures F E AT U R I N G O R G A N I S AT I O N S

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CONTENTS

MyMAC MAGAZINE MUSIC • ARTS • CULTURE

2. . . . . . . . . . What’s on November 2019 – December 2019 8 . . . . . . . . . Il-Premju Għall-Arti 2019

34 . . . . . . . I ’ve been so looking forward to going to Armenia!

Carmine Lauri 35. . . . . . . . T he Maltese and Armenians adore music Reggie Clews

Union of Cultures 12 . . . . . . . . A MPO Moscow Tour oscow has some of world’s 14. . . . . . . . M warmest audiences!

Joseph Calleja

36. . . . . . . . T he audiences liked the folklore of Malta Roderick Bugeja

16 . . . . . . . . M oscow is a special city for me...

Shlomo Mintz ou can hear Malta 18. . . . . . . . Y in Alexey Shor’s music...

Ray Chen 20 . . . . . . . M usic expresses emotions when words aren’t enough...

Alessandro Taverna

37. . . . . . . . P erforming in those countries where we have no other language in common save for the language of music Bernice Sammut Attard 38 . . . . . . . T his is certainly a very important stage in the history of Russia-Malta relations!

Alexei Galea Cavallazzi

23. . . . . . . . N ot Just Noise!

Maltese Film on Sette Giugno

39. . . . . . . . M altese musicians being cultural ambassadors for their nation and to promote Maltese culture abroad Godfrey Mifsud

alta’s First Ice Show 28 . . . . . . . M Jesters’ Wedding ays of Maltese Music 32. . . . . . . . D In Armenia, Kazakhstan and Russia he true purpose of music 33. . . . . . . . T is to unite people Alan Chircop

40. . . . . . . M CC Virtual Museum Pierre Fenech 44. . . . . . . A rts Council Malta’s future plans Mary Ann Cauchi

MYMAC.ORG.MT

PUBLISHER European Foundation for Support of Culture CONTRIBUTORS Arts Council Malta Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Mediterranean Conference Centre

TO FEATURE ON MYMAC MAGAZINE For advertising opportunities and listings, get in touch with us on adv@mymac.org.mt For further information contact us on info@mymac.org.mt

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or copied by any means without the written consent of the publisher.

Printed in Malta by Best Print Co Ltd

P U B L I S H E R D O E S N O T A C C E P T R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y F O R C O M M E R C I A L A N D A D V E R T I S I N G C O N T E N T.

EDITOR’S WELCOME

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8 WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OF MYMAC MAGAZINE! On behalf of all the editorial team, it is my pleasure to present this first issue of MyMAC Magazine, which, as the name suggests, is a publication which focuses on music, arts and culture.

MyMAC magazine will include reviews and news about past and current events, which are taking place both locally and abroad, involving Maltese artists abroad or foreign collaborations in Malta. The main focus will be the internationalisation aspect within the music, arts and cultural sphere.

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Thus it was very natural for us to seek partnership and collaboration with the major and prominent institutions with whom we collaborate and produce events or projects in Malta. We are very grateful that the Arts Council Malta, the Malta Philharmonic and the Mediterranean Conference Centre have accepted to collaborate with us in producing MyMac Magazine. In fact, the publication will incorporate several pages and sections dedicated to our partners, as we deem very fit to promote the sterling work which they are doing within the sector.

Our ultimate aim is to deliver an informative message to a broader public and thus creating more awareness, which we hope could be translated into more interest in the initiatives, activities, events and projects of the European Foundation for Support of Culture, the Arts Council, the Malta Philharmonic and the Mediterranean Conference Centre, together with other events taking place in Malta and abroad – which we deem of interest for you.

I trust that you will enjoy reading this first issue, while I take this opportunity to thank all the team of contributors and artists who accepted to feature in MyMAC Magazine.

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May I also take this opportunity to wish all our readers and their loved ones – a very peaceful and merry Christmas, and a very happy and healthy New Year!

Best wishes,

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Mro Alan Chircop

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WHATS’ ON • MALTA

5 TH DECEMBER TO – 9TH DECEMBER 2019 1ST DECEMBER

VILLA FRERE OPEN DAY  VILLA FRERE The gardens will be open next for the public on Sunday 1th December from 9:30 am to 17:00. There will be a tour in English at 11:00 am and one in Maltese at 15:00. Entrance will be by a 5 euro donation at the door. We will also have refreshments, books and plants for sale. All proceeds will go for the upkeep of the gardens and ongoing restoration projects. Entrance is through the gates of St. Luke’s hospital then follow the signs.

THE MALTA INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS CHOIR FESTIVAL 2019 The Malta International Christmas Choir Festival will be held between the 5th and 9 th December 2019 in various locations around the Maltese Islands. Various choirs will participate in this festival, ranging from male, female, youth, gospel to folk choirs.

5 TH DECEMBER TO 19TH DECEMBER 2019

XEBGĦA NIES 2 – THE HUMAN CLAY  ART GALLERIES, PALAZZO DE LA SALLE, VALLETTA This is the second collective exhibition for a group of established artists who share a predisposition to draw, sculpt and paint the human figure. The participating artists include Paul Scerri, Debbie Caruana Dingli, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Steve Bonello, Francesca Balzan, Saviour Baldacchino, Marisa Attard and Andrew Diacono. The group is linked by friendship and past collaboration and remains committed to looking at people as an inspiration for their work.

1ST DECEMBER TO 27 TH DECEMBER

www.artsmalta.org/events

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE AT VALLETTA WATERFRONT  VALLETTA As from 1st December 2019, Valletta Waterfront will take on a Christmas Village feel with a mix of décor, music, food and activities related to this magical time. Free activities are planned underneath the 35-foot Christmas tree and along the promenade including bands, choirs, cribs and more. Santa can be found in his workshop and together with his helpers will be available for photos. Little guests can enjoy balloon modelling, face painting, crafts, games, colouring-ins, meet & greets with favourite characters, puppet shows, bouncy castles and season’s specials.

6 TH DECEMBER TO 8TH OF DECEMBER,

CHRISTMAS SEASON IN FORT ST ANGELO Between the 6th and the 8 th of December, Fort St Angelo will be transformed into a unique Christmas village! Apart from Christmas-related food and drinks, Christmas-themed

WHATS’ ON • MALTA

workshops and activities will be taking place throughout the three days, including Christmas-themed guided tours of the site and also the opportunity to purchase artisans gifts for loved ones from the numerous stalls available.

OPENING HOURS: •F riday 6th December – from 17.00 till 23.00hrs (last admission at 22.30hrs)

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Musical worldwide compositions include Strauss, Abba, Franz von Suppe and Blues Brothers, among others. Local Singer Ms Martina Galea Loffreda , Tenor Mr Bernard Busuttil and Stagecoach Choir will be complimenting the Band. They will be under the direction of Musical Director Mr Etienne’ Spiteri, whose composition Norvegicus will be premiered during this year’s annual concert.

•S aturday 7th December – from 09.00 till 23.00hrs (last admission 22.30hrs) •S unday 8th December – from 09.00 to 20.00hrs (last admission 19.30hrs)

11TH DECEMBER – 15 TH DECEMBER

NATALIS NOTABILIS 2019  RABAT

7 TH DECEMBER 2019 TO 5 TH JANUARY, 2020

EXHIBITION OF THE CRIB FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

Malta’s very own Christmas Village is back for the 4th time running! A 5-day event that will transform Rabat’s historic core into a Christmas wonderland. Numerous stalls will form Malta’s largest Christmas Market, while historic buildings will be hosting various Christmas-related activities, such as, the Nativity Trail within the Franciscan Friary’s Secret Garden and the Natalis Notabilis Crib Exhibition.

 PALAZZO FERRERIA, REPUBLIC STREET, VALLETTA The exhibition of the Crib Friends Association will be at Palazzo Ferreria, in Republic Street, Valletta from Saturday 7th December 2019 to Sunday 5th January, 2020. It will be open every day between 09.30 hrs to 19.00 hrs. Entrance is free of charge.

13 TH DECEMBER 2019 AT 7.30PM

MUSSORGSKY PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION  CONCERT HALL, PALAZZO DE LA SALLE, VALLETTA 7 DECEMBER 2019, 21:00

BANDA SAN GORG ANNUAL EVENT CONCERT  COSPICUA On the Eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Saturday 7th December 2019, the St. George’s Band Club of Cospicua is organising the Annual Concert. It is a very well attended concert due to the innovative and musical concepts and ideas of the highest level both from a musical and organisational perspective.

Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition will be performed by pianist Ramona Zammit Formosa at the Malta Society of Arts.

This will be followed by the inauguration of an art exhibition of works by Maestro Pawlu Grech. The event will also include a talk by Dr Silvio John Camilleri about Mro Grech’s paintings, some of which are being exhibited for the first time. www.pawlugrech.com and www.artsmalta.org/events

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WHATS’ ON • MALTA

15 TH TO 24TH NOVEMBER 2019

ŻIGUŻAJG INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE The acclaimed ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People is back with its ninth edition, with a colourful and diverse repertoire of 21 different productions.

Aimed at children aged a few months and upwards, the productions cover nine different performance art forms.

With performances from Malta, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK, ŻiguŻajg 2019 is full of international flavour. The programme features a number of productions that are the fruit of collaborations with some of Malta’s top public cultural organisations including Teatru Manoel, ŻfinMalta, Teatru Malta, The Gabriel Caruana Foundation, and The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. ŻiguŻajg is produced by Fondazzjoni Kreattività and will run from 15 to 24 November 2019. For more information and to book tickets visit www.ziguzajg.org.

22ND DECEMBER 2019 TO 5 TH JANUARY 2020

THE LITTLE MERMAID – THE PANTO UNDER THE SEA  MANOEL THEATRE, VALLETTA This year’s offering at Christmas in the island’s true home of Panto, the Manoel Theatre, is the obvious choice for families, definitely a festive must see. With a stellar cast and directed

by Chris Gatt, The Little Mermaid is an energetic and hilarious story of unrequited love and adventures under the sea. Don’t miss out this Christmas. www.teatrumanoel.com.mt bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or 21246389

21ST – 22ND DECEMBER 2019

ECO CHRISTMAS  MAGAZZINO HALL, VALLETTA WATERFRONT The Eco Christmas by Eco Market Malta will be held between the 21st and 22nd December 2019 at Magazzino Hall, Valletta Waterfront.

23RD DECEMBER 2019 TO 4TH JANUARY 2020

You will have the opportunity to find the most innovative, contemporary and sustainable Christmas gifts for your loved ones and at the same time be kinder to the planet.

 MFCC, TA’ QALI

During this event, there will also be a B2B section, several talks and activities.

If you are looking for more sustainable ways to start the new year, or if you have an exceptionally Eco-friendly business, this is the event you should not miss.

ALADDIN – THE PANTO This year’s MADC panto Aladdin takes the audience on a magical trip to the Orient. It is written by panto stalwart Alan Montanaro who returns to play the Dame www.madc.com.mt

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WHATS’ ON • MALTA

One of his pupils Princess Nathalie Poutiatine recalls in her memoir, “He found the light effects on the Malta stone most effective against the deep cobalt blue of sea and sky”.

The Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Valletta will be marking 155th birth anniversary of Nikolay Krasnov with an exhibition of the works he had done while staying in Malta.

Over 20 digital copies of Krasnov’s watercolours, forming part of the Heritage Malta – MUZA collection as well as a private collection, will be on display from 26th November to 27 th December 2019. Free entrance

26 TH DECEMBER 2019 TO 12TH JANUARY 2020

THE COMEDY KNIGHTS 007: LICENCE TO LAUGH  SALESIAN THEATRE, SLIEMA Malta’s annual sell-out adult comedy Christmas show returns to the Salesians Theatre for its latest edition: 007 License to Laugh! Expect endless no-holds-barred laughs to see in 2020. comedyknights.com

27 TH NOVEMBER TO 20TH DECEMBER 2019

VITORI BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL  MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE For the first time ever, Cirque du Soleil will present an exclusive and original live performance in Malta for the 40 th anniversary of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in the historic city of Valletta.

VITORI mobilizes a cast of characters inspired by the pieces in the game of chess, the ultimate game of logic and rational thinking. Brimming with talent and torque, two teams go head to head on a huge chessboard, ready to wage a battle to the end. But when the golden King falls in love with the black Rook, he puts everything in the balance to get closer to his beloved, leaving his unsuspecting subjects in total disarray.

26 TH NOVEMBER TO 27 TH DECEMBER 2019

NIKOLAY KRASNOV & HIS LEGACY EXHIBITION R USSIAN CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND CULTURE IN VALLETTA Nikolay Krasnov (1864–1939) a famous Russian architect and artist was one of those fallen in love with the beauty of Maltese landscapes. Tying up Russia and Malta with the power of art Nikolay Krasnov captured the warmth of Maltese sun and the touch of Maltese stone under the blue Mediterranian sky. Best known architectural masterpiece of his is the Livadia palace in Yalta (Crimea), a summer residence of the last Russian Tsar Nicolas II. Krasnov lived in Malta in 1919–1922 among many other Russian exiles who fled the Russian revolution of 1917 and left a rich artistic legacy behind.

31TH DECEMBER 2019

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT VALLETTA WATERFRONT End the year in style and join in the New Year 2020 celebrations: entertainment for the old and young will be provided throughout the night on the 31 st with live bands and roaming children’s animation. At the stroke of midnight, there will be an aerial fireworks display, overlooking the historic port and fortifications, along with other surprises.

WHATS’ ON • MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

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7 DECEMBER 2019 • 6:00 PM TILL 8:00 PM

DISNEY: THE LION KING IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM  MALTA FAIRS AND CONVENTION CENTRE, TA’ QALI KEVIN ABELA Conductor Hans Zimmer Musical Score for The Lion King Jon Favreau’s photorealistic computer-animated remake released in July 2019 was defined as “a roaring success”. Featuring a voice cast including Donald Glover, Beyoncé and James Earl Jones with songs by Tim Rice and Elton John, the live action film version is performed in Malta. This family-friendly symphonic cinema event offers patrons a unique experience of watching the Disney classic whilst the MPO performs live the enigmatic soundtrack. AGE: 3+

11 DECEMBER 2019 • 7:30 PM TILL 9:00 PM

FROM MALTA TO BOHEMIA  ROBERT SAMUT HALL, FLORIANA MPO STRING QUARTET • MICHAEL LAUS Piano The MPO String Quartet presents works by contemporary Maltese composers.

Michael Laus joins the performers for an oeuvre which “epitomizes more completely the genuine Dvořák style”, a quintet of symphonic textures full of romantic melodies.

15 DECEMBER 2019 • 7:30 PM TILL 9:00 PM

JOSEPH CALLEJA CHRISTMAS CONCERT  TEATRU MANOEL, VALLETTA DAVID CHAN Conductor • JOSEPH CALLEJA Tenor • FOUNDATION SCHOLARS This is the annual fund-raising concert of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, established to provide encouragement and assistance to exceptionally talented young persons in the field of the performing arts, and to use to power of music to assist in the lives of vulnerable children. The concert will feature Joseph Calleja, Foundation Scholars together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted

by David Chan.

21 DECEMBER 2019 • TIME: 7:30 PM TILL 9:00 PM

CHRISTMAS SERENADES  GRAND BALLROOM AT THE PHOENICIA HOTEL, FLORIANA RAOUL LAY Conductor The MPO greets Christmas with a chamber orchestra concert presenting sweet melodies. Dvořák’s Serenade reflects the happiness pervading his life at the time whereas Strauss’s work, composed at the age of 13, anticipates the lyrical elements found in his more mature works. Siegfried Idyll, Wagner’s intimate tone poem, celebrates the composer’s love for his wife.

26–29 DECEMBER 2019 • 5:00 PM TILL 5:00 PM

ÇATAL DUO  INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY – MUMBAI FIORELLA CAMILLERI Flute • AHMED DICKINSON CÁRDENAS Guitar Mood Indigo is regarded as Asia’s largest college cultural festival. MPO flautist Fiorella Camilleri teams up with Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas to present a concert of works by Cuban artist Eduardo Martin. Inspired by musical styles from different countries, notably his native land, his works present traits of folk, jazz and classical.

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ARTS COUNCIL • MALTA

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Il-Premju Għall-Arti 2019 ON THE EVENING OF 16 APRIL 2019, THE VENERABLE WALLS OF THE BEAUTIFUL MANOEL THEATRE IN VALLETTA SAW A VIVID AND IMPORTANT EVENT: THE PRESENTATION OF IL-PREMJU GĦALL-ARTI 2019, MALTA’S HIGHEST NATIONAL ARTS AWARD, ORGANISED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL MALTA WITH THE SUPPORT OF MALTA’S MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE, CULTURE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

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he principal guests at the awards ceremony included Malta’s recently elected President HE George Vella and his spouse. The ceremony featured the traditional attributes of such events: white-tie attire for ladies and gentlemen, a red carpet, a live broadcast on Malta’s National TV channel, fanfares and an array of presenters announcing the names of those have been entered into the history of Malta’s cultural life.

Il- Premju G ħall-Ar ti, Malta’s highes t national awards in the arts, were presented for the second time in 2019. There were such nominations as “Best Work for Young Audiences”, “Best Community Project”, “Best Artistic Programme or Season”, “Production of the Year”, “Best International Achievement”, “Artist of the Year”, “Innovation Award”, “Best Creative Enterprise”, “Audience’s Choice Award” and others.

The categories were determined in accordance with the Arts Council Malta’s 2020 strategic plan.

On 16 April 2019, the stage of the Manoel Theatre welcomed Malta’s preeminent cultural figures to receive their awards, including the famous Maltese architect, writer and artist Richard England, winner of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” ( “ Unurgħall - Karriera A r ti s tika” ). The “Audience’s Choice Award” went to the Valletta 2018 Foundation. It was received by the Foundation’s head, Jason Micallef, and

its executive director Catherine Tabone.

Composer and director Luke Saydon was three-time winner of the evening, winning in the categories “Production of the Year” (Premjugħall-AqwaProduzzjon), “Young Artist of the Year” (Premjugħall-Artist Żagħżugħ tas-Sena), and “B est Work for Young Audiences” (Rebbiehaghallaqwaxogħolgħaludjenzi żgħar). Innovative and creative Malta was represented by Anvil Game Studios. They designed an online game based on the Napoleonic Wars and won in the “Best Creative Enterprise” category.

Throughout the evening, the theatre rang with congratulations and words of gratitude in the Maltese language. There was only one exception: the thank-you speech was delivered in English when Konstantin Ishkhanov, President of the European Foundation for Suppor t of Culture, the first and so far only foreign recipient of Malta’s highest award in the arts, received the “Honour of Cultural Promoters” for his unique contribution to the culture of Malta.

The award winners received a glass and ceramic sculpture created by the Maltese sculptor Kane Cali. It embodies the author’s attitude to creative work, when vibrations, waves, the movement of water freeze and become a physical object. Artists must not struggle, they must create: such was the sculptor’s idea.

Albert Marshall EXECUTIVE CHAIR, MALTA ARTS COUNCIL:

“Il-Premju Għall-Arti 2019 awards ceremony is a very important event for us. For those who have dedicated their life to the arts, it is a wonderful opportunity to receive the recognition they deserve. The government of Malta focuses particularly on culture and the creative indus tr y. It is generally unders tood that culture requires investment. These cultural investments will b e n e f i t th e p e o p l e o f Malta and will advance the development of Malta’s economy.”

ARTS COUNCIL • MALTA

PHOTOS COMMISSIONED BY ARTS COUNCIL MALTA

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Jason Micallef HEAD OF THE VALLETTA CULTURAL AGENCY “AUDIENCE’S CHOICE AWARD”:

Creating the Valletta cultural agency was an important step and we will continue our collaboration. We have a great number of cultural and infrastructural projects in the works. In particular, creating the Valletta Design Cluster, Malta’s first. It’s a wonderful thing to be creating this project for creative professionals in our capital, for those who are just now launching their projects and for those who are working on projects that are already under way.

UNIQUE SCULPTURE IN GLASS AND CERAMIC,

BY MALTESE ARTIST KANE CALI

PHOTOS COMMISSIONED BY ARTS COUNCIL MALTA

“I am very glad that our agency received this recognition, t h e h i g h e s t a w a rd f o r achievements in the arts for the year 2019. All the programmes we ran were dedicated to developing Maltese culture, Valletta. It is wonderful that all the people we have been working for have chosen us as deserving recipients of this award. It was the result of the “Valletta 2018” year. Now, the key thing is to look forwards and to use the successful experience of the events we held to continue our work.

Andrew Farrugia ANVIL GAME STUDIOS PRODUCER “BEST CREATIVE ENTERPRISE” WINNER:

As for cultural events, we invite local artists to take part in shaping new projects. We will be developing a large-scale programme and, at the same time, we will certainly continue with existing projects, such as the Malta Fashion Week, the Valletta Film Festival, the Notte-Bianca Museum Night and, of course, our traditional Christmas celebrations.”

CHAIRMAN JASON MICALLEF AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CATHERINE TABONE RECEIVED AUDIENCE’S CHOICE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE VALLETTA 2018 FOUNDATION

“We will keep this award in our office and it will inspire us to s trive for fur ther achievements. We are the first Maltese company to design online games. It is a very interesting thing: not only to be part of history but also to make history.

We are ver y happy to have this opportunity. Our winning this award may inspire many p eople in Malta to start working on game design. This is a very interesting industry with a huge potential. For us, it is not only a business, it is also art, the possibility to create something interesting and worthy of attention.”

ARTS COUNCIL • MALTA

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PHOTOS COMMISSIONED BY ARTS COUNCIL MALTA

WINNERS Best Creative Enterprise: Anvil Games Studios ANDREW FARRUGIA Innovation Award: Magna Żmien – ANDREW ALAMANGO Artist of the Year: The New Victorians Best Artistic Programme or Season: The Malta Jazz Festival 2018 - Festivals Malta Best International Achievement: Kirana, Soundscapes Ruben Żahra Best Work for Young Audiences: Hush – DENISE MULHOLLAND and LUKE SAYDON

Luke Saydon COMPOSER, STAGE DIRECTOR (“PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR”, “YOUNG ARTIST OF THE YEAR”, AND “BEST WORK FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES” AWARDS):

“Such recognition certainly means a lot for a creative person, and not just for me, but also for those artists who took part in our project, particularly young artists. This is something special and today is a wonderful celebration! It is very nice to see this special attention to culture. When I was a child, arts in Malta were treated merely as a pleasant hobby, something you did for pleasure, not as a career. But for the last few years, for instance, I have been working as an artist professionally, this is my only job. Thank you, Malta! I am grateful for having the opportunity to work in culture, to meet many new and interesting people every week, to give the world theatre, music, works of art. This is great! Yes, much has been done and much has changed for the better.”

Production of the Year: Hush – DENISE MULHOLLAND and LUKE SAYDON

Best Project in the Community: Deep Shelter – PAMELA BALDACCHINO in collaboration with the V18 Foundation Audience’s Choice Award: Valletta 2018 Opening – Valletta 2018 Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award: RICHARD ENGLAND

PHOTOS COMMISSIONED BY ARTS COUNCIL MALTA

Young Artist of the Year: LUKE SAYDON

Honour for Artistic Legacy: Soċjeta’ Santa Marija u Banda Re Gorg V Mqabba Honour for Cultural Promoters: European Foundation for Support of Culture – KONSTANTIN ISHKHANOV LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER RICHARD ENGLAND

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MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

A Union of Cultures MPO Moscow Tour

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he Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will give four concerts in Moscow as part of the MPO MOSCOW TOUR – A Union of Cultures project. The upcoming tour is organized by the European Foundation for Support of Culture, together with the MPO, in partnership with the Association for Support of Cultural and Commercial Initiatives (APKI), under the auspices of the President of Malta. On 21 November, famous Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja will perform on the stage of the Zaryadye Hall, conducted by Constantine Orbelian, Honoured Artist of Russia.

The Svetlanov Hall of the Moscow International House of Music will host the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra on 23 November, together with violinist Ray Chen, one of the most prominent young musicians of our time, winner of The Queen Elizabeth Competition (2009), who performed at the Opening Ceremony of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Japan at the age of eight.

The Malta orchestra will be conducted by maestro Sergey Smbatyan, Honoured Artist of the Republic of Armenia, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian

State Symphonic Orchestra, who has recently been appointed Principal Conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Sergey Smbatyan, will be performing in the Stravinsky Big Hall of Helikon-Opera on 25 November, together with pianist Alessandro Taverna, winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition (2009).

The Grand Hall of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatoire will host a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra on 27 November. Legendary Israeli violinist, viola player, conductor and teacher Shlomo Mintz will be performing. The orchestra will be conducted by Sergey Smbatyan.

The concert programme of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, visiting the Russian capital for the second time in 2019, includes works by Russian, European and Maltese composers: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Antonin Dvorak, Alexey Shor, Christopher Muscat, Nicolas Isouard, and Charles Camilleri.

MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

21 NOVEMBER ZARYADYE CONCERT HALL Zaryadye is a multifunctional concert venue, with two halls and an organ. It is situated below ground – the building is built into one of the artificial hills erected by Russian architectors and builders. Above ground is the entrance area and a rounded roof made of glass and metal structures – The Glass Canopy, the world’s largest translucent structure without enclosing walls. The structure makes it possible to retain heat under the roof even in the winter.

25 NOVEMBER STRAVINSKY HALL, HELICON-OPERA Helikon-Opera is located on the territory of the oldest Moscow estate. It’s history began in 1730s, when knyaz Vasily Nikitich Repnin built a two-storeyed mansion in the Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street. The thick stone walls stood out the 1812 Fire of Moscow and are now a part of the existing building. The facade and interior décor of the main building date back to mid-1880s and late 1940s. Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, 19 is a well-known address for the Muscovites.

A quarter of a century ago the Musical Theatre HelikonOpera directed by Dmitry Bertman was born there.

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23 NOVEMBER SVETLANOV HALL, MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF MUSIC The Moscow International House of Music was officially opened on September 28, 2003 with the debut of a new orchestra, the National Philharmonic of Russia under musical director Vladimir Spivakov. Also known as the Moscow International House of Music (Dom Muzyki), it is situated on the Kosmodamianskaya Embankment off the Garden Ring Road.

27 NOVEMBER GREAT HALL, MOSCOW STATE CONSERVATORY The Moscow State Conservatory, named after the famous composer Piotr Tchaikovsky, and frequently referred to as the “Tchaikovsky Conservatory”, was founded on September 1, 1866, by Nikolay Rubinstein (1835-1881), a brilliant pianist, conductor and musical “propagator”. At present, the Moscow Conservatory is one of the finest and most famous schools of music in the world. This said, as opposed to being one school of music, the Conservatory is, in reality, an entire complex of institutions, consisting not only of the Conservatory itself, but also of different Conservatory-affiliated schools.

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INTERVIEW • JOSEPH CALLEJA

Joseph Calleja

“ Moscow has some of the World’s Warmest Audiences!”

ON 21 NOVEMBER, MOSCOW’S POPULAR MODERN ZARYADYE CONCERT HALL WILL HOST A CONCERT FEATURING THE MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND JOSEPH CALLEJA, MALTA’S MOST FAMOUS TENOR, LEGEND OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND AND A WORLD CELEBRITY, AS THE SOLOIST. IN THIS INTERVIEW, JOSEPH CALLEJA SPEAKS ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR MALTA, OPERA AND RUSSIAN CULTURE.

Joseph, you are Malta’s Cultural Ambassador, the public knows you as a Maltese tenor, the ‘Maltese falcon’. What does it all mean for you? How does this affect your creative development, your personality?

I am proud of the name the international press has given me. I always remember my native island; I talk about it in every interview with foreign journalists. I invite famous performers to Malta; I try to find investors for cultural projects on the island. I am very earnest about my role as cultural ambassador for my homeland, which I love dearly.

INTERVIEW • JOSEPH CALLEJA

How would you describe cultural life in Malta today?

Cultural life has definitely become more dynamic. The present government has certainly done a lot for our culture. Yet still much more can be done… Developing cultural tourism on the island has great prospects, as has creation of cultural programmes for all visitors to our island.

Every August, you perform in Floriana in Malta together with world-famous musicians. How do you choose the guest performers for those universally beloved concerts?

Are they just colleagues on the international stage? Or are you fast friends?

Some of the guests do, indeed, become friends, for instance, Andrea Boccelli, Riccardo Cocciante, and the late Lucio Dalla…

Do you have favourite places in Malta? What is your perfect day at home?

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I performed Boccelli’s Con Te Partirò and the BBC broadcast it live. After the concert, I was so inspired by it all that I myself streamed live on Facebook, as a tennis fan in the stands.

Once you said there is no need to go to university for 25 years to go to operas. Yet what do you think it actually takes to understand opera?

An ear for music and a bit of time to evaluate what you are hearing. Just absorb the sound. Like you would a good cigar or a glass of wine!

On 21 November, at the Zaryadye Concert Hall in Moscow, the European Foundation for Support of Culture, together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, is organizing a concert as part of the ‘MPO Moscow Tour – A Union of Cultures.’ Why did you decide to take part in this international project?

Mellieħa and some spots on Gozo are my favorites. Then there are certainly Valletta and Mdina. A perfect day for me is a long walk around the island but it is best done in winter. For summer, I would choose something else: a boat ride exploring our picturesque coastline.

I have always admired Russian culture: I like Russian literature, Russian romances… as for the audiences, well, Moscow has some of the world’s warmest audiences! I have performed in Moscow several times and I can say this with confidence.

Malta has so much, concentrating thousands of years of history. The island is right in the middle of the Mediterranean and all the great civilizations of antiquity left their mark here.

This is unique, so one can explore Malta endlessly.

The EUFSC, the organizer of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s tour, is a key player in developing classical music in Malta and abroad: it holds multiple musical festivals, concerts, master-lasses, competitions and other important events. What is your opinion of the significance its activities have for Malta?

Rock music was your first love (in one of your interviews, you said that you were in a rock band at school), but opera became your main passion. How did that happen?

As a teenager, I played with Konrad Pule in the band Scar. It was at the De La Salle school. I liked Queen, Iron Maiden, AC/ DC, Deep Purple, Nirvana… But I was born with an operatic voice and that ultimately determined my musical path. When I was 13, I saw “The Great Caruso” starring Mario Lanza. And when I heard his voice, I decided I wanted to sing opera arias.

Later, my teacher Paul Asciak told me I had what it takes to make my dream come true. The confidence my teacher gave me launched my operatic career.

Your life is filled with concert tours. Which performance is the most memorable and why?

I could name a great many concerts but, if I had to choose just one, then singing at Wimbledon in front of 20,000 people was amazing. It was a few months ago at the celebration of the re-opening of Tennis Court No. 1.

– I know that the Foundation organizes the annual Malta International Music Festival, which attracts world-class classical performers and allows Malta to take an important place on the world’s cultural map. Of course, the work of the EUFSC is very important for development of our culture in general and I hope the number of the Foundation’s projects will increase by the year.

What do you think are the unique features of the Russian mindset?

I’ve always admired the Russian ‘sense of honour’ and love of their country. Besides, talking about Russia, we always talk about recognized cultural riches, works of classical music and literature.

What will you certainly take with you to Moscow?

Warm clothes. Your audiences are very warm but the autumn can be quite cold.

When I was 13, I saw “The Great Caruso” starring Mario Lanza. And when I heard his voice, I decided I wanted to sing opera arias.

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INTERVIEW • SHLOMO MINTZ

Shlomo Mintz

“ Moscow is a special city for me...”

INTERVIEW • SHLOMO MINTZ

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ON 27 NOVEMBER, THE GRAND HALL OF MOSCOW STATE TCHAIKOVSKY CONSERVATOIRE WILL BE HOSTING THE FINAL CONCERT OF THE MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TOUR “MPO MOSCOW TOUR – A UNION OF CULTURES”.

SHLOMO MINTZ, THE LEGENDARY ISRAELI VIOLINIST, VIOLA PLAYER, CONDUCTOR AND TEACHER, WHO FIRST TOOK UP THE VIOLIN AT THE AGE OF THREE AND DEBUTED AS A SOLOIST OF THE ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WHEN HE WAS ELEVEN, WILL BE PERFORMING. WE TALKED WITH HIM ABOUT THE SEA, ABOUT MUSIC, MALTA AND MOSCOW.

You were born in Moscow but then moved to Israel.

In your opinion, how has this city changed over time?

Do you have any particular places in Moscow, which you love the most?

I am sure that Moscow is not the same city that it was when I visited it for the first time in 1982. I was born on Arbat Street and left Moscow when I was only two, but my parents spent a lot of time in Moscow. So of course, the city has a very special meaning to me. Besides visiting the main institutions, the Kremlin, Red Square and other important and very emblematic places, Moscow has a very special atmosphere, which is constantly changing, with small theatres, venues and local activities. I am personally not so informed on those activities but I always enjoy being introduced to new things whenever I go to Moscow.

As a soloist you will perform at the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of its Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan within the MPO Moscow Tour – A Union of Cultures project. Could you present us your concert programme?

First of all, I would like to say that I am very excited to perform with the MPO on the same stage. Well, within that frame the composition of Alexey Shor is certainly new and revealing, it represents and gives the scope of the sea which is far away from Moscow. So, something to imagine for the Moscow audiences and I suppose in that way it is a sort of exchange. I will also play in this concert, “Le Coq d’Or” by Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov as a sign of “the union of the cultures”.

You have already performed works by A. Shor within the Vienna Classic Strings Festival, the Wandering Music Stars International Festival in Israel, at a concert in Kazakhstan, and soon you will play his compositions in the USA and Russia. As a composer, have you found something in common with the music of Alexey Shor?

I find his music near in harmony progression and in the sense of neoclassicism. Both Mr Shor’s and mine tastes are deeply rooted in the classical period and of course, it is reflected in any of the compositions that either him or me have composed.

So, in that way gives me great pleasure to perform his music.

Recently, you have participated in many projects organized by the European Foundation for Support of Culture. Do you have any plans to continue your cooperation with the Foundation and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra? Shall we wait for you in Malta?

I am looking forward to work with the Foundation all over Russia in 2020; this is something that I have missed in many, many years of career as a soloist and as a conductor, and it seems it will happen next season. But not only to work in Russia, but also in other countries where their activities are. I think that they are doing an important and very tremendous work and they should be fully credited for all their efforts.

I am also looking forward of course to come back to Malta where I have played and conducted before, and I will be pleased to be back for a visit. It is a beautiful place with a great audience and hopefully after this work together in the upcoming concert in Moscow, we will continue working together. I am looking forward to it!

I will also play in this concert, “Le Coq d’Or” by Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov as a sign of “the union of the cultures”

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INTERVIEW • RAY CHEN

Ray Chen

“ You can hear Malta in Alexey Shor’s music...”

ON 23 NOVEMBER, THE MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF MUSIC WILL BE HOSTING THE MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AS PART OF THE MPO MOSCOW TOUR – A UNION OF CULTURES PROJECT. VIOLINIST RAY CHEN, ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT YOUNG MUSICIANS OF OUR TIME, FIRST PRIZE WINNER OF THE YEHUDI MENUHIN (2008) AND QUEEN ELIZABETH (2009) COMPETITIONS, WILL BE PERFORMING.

B

orn in Taiwan and raised in Australia, Ray Chen was accepted by the Curtis Institute of Music at the age of 15 and studied with Aaron Rosand. As winner of the New York International Young Concert Artists competition (2008–2009), the musician was authorised to play a 1721 Stradivarius violin The MacMillan on loan.

The concert at the Moscow International House of Music will start with the Festival Overture for symphony orchestra by the Maltese composer Christopher Muscat.

Then, Ray Chen will perform the work Phantasms by contemporary American-Maltese composer Alexey Shor. The subsequent performances will include the

famous concert piece by French composer Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor.

In 2018, Ray Chen took part in the Malta International Music Festival, where he performed a work by contemporary American-Maltese composer Alexey Shor. According to the violinist, Shor’s music is inspired by life on the Mediterranean and the bounties of the sea.

“You can hear everyday life of the island encoded in his music, something intimate, authentic and, at times, you can imagine how the storm is raging on the seashore”, said Ray Chen.

INTERVIEW • RAY CHEN

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5 QUOTES BY RAY CHEN “ PERHAPS FOR A SHORT TIME, IN THE LATE 90S, IT MADE SENSE TO GO ON STAGE IN EVERYDAY CLOTHES BUT EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE THEN. And this means that, as an industry, classical music should take a closer look at how young people behave. We have begun to pay much more attention to image so I think we need to organise concerts in a format that would be interesting to go to”. “ THE VIOLIN I PLAY USED TO BELONG TO THE HUNGARIAN VIRTUOSO JOSEPH JOACHIM, WHO WAS ONE OF THE “GODFATHERS OF THE VIOLIN” AND WAS ON FRIENDLY TERMS WITH BRAHMS, BRUCH AND SCHUMANN. All three composers dedicated their violin concertos to him.

Sometimes, I like to joke that all the notes are already there, you just need to convince the violin to open them up to the listener”. “ TO PLAY A STRADIVARIUS VIOLIN MEANS TO FEEL A DEEPER CONNECTION WITH THE COMPOSERS WHO WROTE WORKS FOR IT. We are talking about thousands of hours of music that have already been associated with this instrument. You feel more confident, and this adds magic to the music. But the most important thing, probably, is sensing history and tradition – something that best characterises a classical musician”.

“ T HE ROLE OF CONDUCTOR IS SIMIL AR TO THAT OF A STORYTELLER CRAFTING THE ENVIRONMENT OR WORLD IN WHICH THE MAIN CHAR ACTER (THE CONCERTO SOLOIST) LIVES. Each performance is like a re-telling of King Arthur or Hamlet, where the orchestra can either help or hinder the hero. A perfect conductor knows the minds of the 60+ members of the orchestra and can anticipate the mind of the soloist, too, creating the perfect path organically and without force. “ T HERE IS SOMETHING MAGICAL ABOUT SEEING YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST PERFORM MAGIC ON STAGE, A FEW METRES AWAY FROM YOU. No studio recording, of course, can convey such magic. This is similar to the way actors appear in films: with perfect hairstyles, in perfectly ironed shirts – and then you see them in everyday life, in a store or a restaurant. They are, of course, the same as everyone else but… no, there is something enigmatic, mysterious about them”.

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INTERVIEW • ALESSANDRO TAVERNA

Alessandro Taverna

“ Music expresses emotions when words aren’t enough...”

ON 25 NOVEMBER, THE STRAVINSKY BIG HALL OF HELIKON-OPERA WILL WELCOME THE MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA GIVING A CONCERT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF SERGEY SMBATYAN, THE SOLO TO BE PERFORMED BY ALESSANDRO TAVERNA, WINNER OF THE LEEDS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION (2009).

A

lessandro, born in Venice, has performed in the world’s most famous halls and was awarded the Premio Presidente della Repubblica by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano for artistic achievements and his international career. In this interview, Alessandro Taverna talks about his career as a musician, which started with a recording of Mozart works on tape and continued at concert venues around the world.

You were hailed by the British music critics as the “natural successor to his great compatriot Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli”. Do you personally feel the connection between you and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli?

I’ve always smiled thinking about this comparison and I’m conscious I’m only able to try to aspire to his greatness. Of course, I feel a deep connection with his figure and with the concept of music that he embodied

INTERVIEW • ALESSANDRO TAVERNA

and conveyed: the musicians have to remain a means to let pass the real message coming from the score, and they have the duty of interpreting the musical sign with integrity and seriousness to let the emotions spring from it.

How was the passion for music and piano born and what does the Music mean to you? Have you had a musical family or particular mentor/inspiration who influenced you the most?

My parents are not musical at all and I’m not sure if there were music roots in any of my previous generations. I remember to have grown up with music as a natural thing, as something that I liked and that I’ve always tried to carry on in the most “genuine” way possible, never thinking that it should have become my job. I had a memory linked to the beginnings: it was a tape with Mozart Piano Sonata in A minor played by Sir Andras Schiff, which I loved so much that I promised myself that one day I would have been able to play it too. As a little child, I had not that kind of opportunities that technology and Internet grant nowadays: I still remember what was the joy to look at the score for the first time, when my piano teacher gave it to me.

Thinking about what Music means to me, sometimes I answer that it is a way to be able to talk about emotions with words that I would not have the courage to use.

I know that Italy is known as a country of musicians: I would ask if it is possible to be Italian and not to be a musician?

They say that Italian as a language has a special musicality (and, more generally, that our way of expressing ourselves as musicians is somehow linked to the inflections of our native language). Italy, towards which I feel a very deep bond, is surely a country which has given to mankind so much from both a musical and artistic point of view. Today, we’re probably experiencing the difficulties that, I’m sure, we find everywhere about being musicians in a world that is interested in classical music perhaps only in a small percentage: a good average amateur level is probably missing among Italian families, and this could represent a growing problem, which involves especially the education system… nevertheless, the interest on music can never be said to have faded, even in a fastchanging society like ours.

Your career path crosses with such big names in the field of classical music as Laura Ferrari, Franco Scala, Leonid Margarius and Boris Petrushansky. Can you memorize a couple of useful tips you gained from working with them?

There are both technical and expressive tips that I have learned and treasured by studying with them: indeed, I have always tried to look at the good that exists in every situation and from very different teachings, without rejecting anything “completely”, even what maybe I wasn’t totally agree with.

Among all, I believe in the legato, in the importance of phrasing and in the use of a particular fingering as “first-class” expressive means.

You have already performed in different countries including in the UK, Slovenia, Switzerland and now you will perform in Russia together with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra: what are your expectations from this particular concert?

I’m really very excited, first because I’ve never performed in Moscow, and also because it’s my first meeting with the Malta

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Philharmonic Orchestra. I always think that working with the orchestra is one of the most exciting situation for a musician: it’s like make chamber music, only in a much larger size and I’m sure this magic will also take place with Maltese musicians and their Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan. Russia has always represented in the musical universe an essential reference point, for their incredible musical tradition and for the incomparable artistic legacy, therefore being there will be a moment of deep emotion and great responsibility.

Could you tell us what is the music programme for the concert at the Stravinsky Big Hall of Helikon-Opera?

The evening will be opened by Alexey Shor’s “Travel Notebook”, and this will be followed by Nicolò Isouard’s “Du Medecin Turc” Overture, Charles Camilleri “Mediterranean Dances” and Albert Garzia’s “Suite” from “Bahr”.

You will perform a suite “Travel Notebook” by AmericanMaltese composer Alexey Shor. How can you describe his music?

Highly imaginative. It’s something very much provoking for the soloist, because of its undoubtedly modern language, its originality and, why not, for its catchiness. I had the feeling, by sitting on the piano to study this piece, to be able to breathe a different air, fresh, that doesn’t sound like “academic”, a music that is not a prisoner of schemes or that does not have to pay a tribute to anybody but that is free to express itself according to the limpid composer’s primitive idea.

Are you excited to perform Maltese music together with truly Maltese musicians – the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra – on the same stage?

As I said before, I’m very much looking forward to play this piece with 100% Maltese musicians. And hopefully, after this first meeting, to play together again in Malta!

Russia is a country with a great passion for piano music and orchestral music. What are your main thoughts on this country having a big relation with the music?

The word “passion” in its authentic meaning can exactly explain the relation between Russia and music: I would add the word “colorful” (my first musical memories related to this country, are linked to the choreographies and the ballets by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Stravinsky, as well as to its extraordinary performers). I expect to breathe the same enthusiasm that I’ve always felt by watching and listening to the Russian masterpieces of last century, together with a sense of deep seriousness and respect.

Do you have your favourite Russian composers?

Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, Scriabin and Stravinsky are certainly among my absolute favorite ones.

Have you ever participated in projects organized by the European Foundation for Support of Culture? Do you have any plans to continue your cooperation with the Foundation?

This is the first time for me, and I definitely hope to continue in this project that promotes and helps through culture to establish international relations in a wider sense… and we know they are necessary, especially nowadays.

FILM • STORBJU

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Not Just Noise!

FILM ON SETTE GIUGNO IS NOW BEING SHOT IN MALTA

“QUIET ON THE SET! AND… ACTION!” VERDALA PALACE, FORT MANOEL, THE STREETS OF THE TOWN OF BORMLA ON MALTA, THE MANOEL THEATRE WILL HEAR THESE COMMANDS MANY TIMES IN THE COMING DAYS. IN SEPTEMBER 2019, SHOOTING STARTED IN MALTA OF THE FIRST FILM DEDICATED TO THE ISLAND’S HISTORY. THE FILM TELLS THE STORY OF ONE OF MALTA’S MOST DRAMATIC MOMENTS, JUNE 1919, SETTE GIUGNO, WHICH IS SOMETIMES CALLED “THE FIRST MALTESE REVOLUTION.”

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FILM • MADE IN MALTA

Malcolm McDowell ACTOR

“The film I play in tells the story of the Maltese people’s striving for independence. They succeeded, and the first impetus was given back then, in 1919. To oppose the powerful British army, they needed to be very brave. Very young people, students (who took part in those events) made Malta’s future independence possible.”

Pedja Miletic PRODUCER

“In essence, we are now making the biggest product on Malta’s film market because this is the first film that is Malta’s intellectual property. This is how this film will be promoted internationally.”

FILMING CREW

THE FIRST FILM MADE IN MALTA… ABOUT MALTA! Let’s start with what everybody knows. Malta is a world-famous film set. Over several decades, it has seen the making of more than 300 films, including “Troy,” “Gladiator,” “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Captain Phillips,” “Midnight Express,” the “Game of Thrones” saga. Sometimes, the legions of fans of those epic films do not even know that there is a small Mediterranean island out there where all those films were made.

The irony is that none of the hundreds of films shot on the island are about Malta itself and none are made by local filmmakers. This bizarre situation is to be rectified by the making of the film “Storbju” in Maltese and “Just Noise” in English. Shooting started on 14 September.

FROM TALKING THE TALK TO WALKING THE WALK The local production company Monolith is the trailblazer of Maltese filmmaking. For several years, the company produced lowbudget films. Yet scriptwriter Jean Pierre Magro had been nursing the idea of a largescale film capable of conquering global filmmaking centres and, one day, he pitched the project to producers Pedja Miletic and Aaron Briffa.

He showed them the script for a film about the events of 1919. “The film tells the story of the day we call Sette Giugno. It was an uprising that happened when Malta was ruled by Britain. This is the time when the

Maltese nation began to realise their need for freedom. That is the moment of our national pride!” Aaron Briffa says.

The producer recalls, “When Pedja Miletic and I saw Jean Pierre Magro’s script, we knew it could make a wonderful film. We decided to realise this terrific idea!”

Pedja Miletic says that, initially, Jean Pierre Magro’s script was more for a short film but the topic was too big, so the film could not possibly be a short one. “ We w ent to Kon s tantin I shk hanov, President of the European Foundation for Support of Culture, showed him the script, and described our vision of the project.

He agreed to help us in implementing our idea; then we were joined by Malta’s Ministr y for Justice, Culture and Local Government and the Ministry for Tourism.

That was the start of making the film”, said Miletic.

THE “STORBJU” FILM CREW In addition to Pedja Miletic and Aaron Briffa, the already mentioned members of the Monolith company, the production team includes Kons tantin Ishkhanov, President of the European Foundation for Support of Culture, as the general producer.

The Italian director Davide Ferrario, whose directorial debut was the 1989 film “La fine della notte”, was invited to take the helm of the picture.

Ferrario is known for his ability to work in different genres. His portfolio includes documentaries that have been shown at Russian film festivals, feature films and

FILM • STORBJU

musicals. He is a regular at the Venice International Film Festival, winner of the Berlinale. Ferrario is also known for his novel Fade to Black (1995) made into a 2006 film

by Oliver Parker.

Ferrario says that, in the new film project, the subject is key for him. “ This is not just a fragment from the history of Malta; this is a universal story of people f ighting for their rights and independence. So the tale we are telling i s international and under s tandab le throughout the world”, Davide Ferrario says. “Malta is located between Europe and Africa, at the cross-roads of culture; i t i s a n i s l a n d t h a t w a nte d to b e independent. I will try to represent that striving in visual images!”

The film crew will be visualising Malta’s striving for independence in the town of Bormla, which has few aerials and water tanks on rooftops, thus making it possible to create the illusion of the early 20 th century. The Manoel Theatre will be another shooting location. Initially, there were no plans to shoot there, but the old theatre won the hearts of the filmmakers when they saw it. Verdala Palace will serve as the residence of the British governor in the film. Finally, Fort Manoel will also be a shooting location.

Hollywood stars Harvey Keitel and Malcolm McDowell are among the film’s cast. We will name but a few of the many films starring Harvey Keitel: Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” and Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”

As for the films with Malcolm McDowell, in choosing just two them, we confine

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ourselves to his starring role in Stanley Kubrick’s “Clockwork Orange” and in Tinto Brass’s “Caligula.”

In their first days on Malta, the legendary actors attended a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in the Mediterranean Conference Centre. “This was a concert worthy of any world capital. A wonderful conductor from Armenia, a mar velous Russian pianist, the amazing sound of the orchestra! I’d also like to note that the musicians chose Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’, which is not the easiest piece to perform! And it was terrific!” McDowell said after the concert.

CINEMA AND MUSIC Not by chance did the Hollywood stars go to Malta Philharmonic’s concert. Aaron Brif f a says that an impor tant par t in making the film is that the music for it will be recorded by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, led by its principal conductor Sergey Smbatyan.

“This is Malta Philharmonic’s first foray into the film industry. They have never done any thing like that before!” Brif fa emphasised. “Our idea is to bring together members of the arts industry of Malta: from musicians to actors to stylists and designers, to give those creative people a unique opportunity to show their talent beyond the island of Malta.”

As for the music for the future film to be recorded by the Malta Philharmonic, it has been written by the contemporary AmericanMaltese composer Alexey Shor.

THE UNIFORMS FOR THE ACTORS PLAYING BRITISH SOLDIERS HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

BY THE SAME COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURED THE UNIFORMS BACK IN 1919.

Aaron Briffa PRODUCER

“Many famous films have been made in Malta but they were all made by foreign companies. This is the first time we have given Maltese actors an opportunity to work on a film with such Hollywood stars as Malcolm McDowell and Harvey Keitel. We will show Malta itself. It was the background for many films but it has never been recognisable. For instance, in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, you see Malta’s beautiful port but the caption says it’s Venice or Madrid. We want to show Malta as Malta, and this is also a new thing. People will see how beautiful our island is!”

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FILM • MADE IN MALTA

LEFT TO RIGHT: AARON BRIFFA, MALCOLM MCDOWELL, PEDJA MILETIC, HARVEY KEITEL

BEHIND THE SCENES

DAVIDE FERRARIO, DIRECTOR

HARVEY KEITEL WITH FILM EXECUTIVE PRODUCER KONSTANTIN ISHKHANOV

MALTA, LONG STORIES, AND PRESS CONFERENCES AT THE MANOEL THEATRE Jean Pierre Magro, who wrote the script, is a producer and writer with a PhD in transmedia narratives from the University of Exeter. He says that, when he told his friends he wanted to be a writer and write film scripts, they just laughed, saying that people of Malta “do not like telling long stories.” And at one point, he decided that making a film about Malta in the Maltese language and selling it on the international market was impossible.

“But then my colleagues and I developed a plan and, when I realised that the government was ready to support us and we had a common vision and great goals, I believed in the success of the idea”, Magro

said at the press conference marking the launch of the project. The conference was held in the Manoel Theatre on 4 September.

In addition to the creators of the idea, the presentation of the unique Maltese project was attended by Minister of Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici, Executive Chair of the Arts Council Malta Albert Marshall, Minister of Tourism Konrad Mizzi and President of the European Foundation for Support of Culture Konstantin Ishkhanov.

Commenting on the plot of the film dedicated to Sette Giugno, Minister of Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici noted: “We want people, particularly the younger generation, to know our history. It is sometimes difficult to talk to the young people of Malta about events that took place more than a hundred years ago. We try to preserve our

FILM • STORBJU

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VERDAL PALACE IS ONE OF THE STORBJU FILM LOCATIONS

historical memory. We celebrate the events of 1919. What we have today largely comes from what happened in those days.”

Alber t Marshall , E xecutive Chair of Arts Council Malta, believes that the making of the f ilm is a ver y important landmark for both Malta’s film industry and the entire cultural sector, since this is the f irst time

the government has participated in creating a feature film dedicated to the history of Malta.

In turn, Minister of Tourism Konrad Mizzi said that Malta’s own f ilm project is an impor tant s tage in developing Malta’s film industry and a wonderful way of promoting the island internationally.

SETTE GIUGNO 2019 MONUMENT, VALLETTA

The monument is dedicated to the pivotal moment in Malta’s contemporary political history. It was created by Anton Agius, one of Malta’s most striking 20 th century sculptors.

The monument was unveiled on 7 June 1986. We see the figures of six men with bare torsos. Two of them hold the Maltese flag. The other four symbolise the Maltese who perished during the riots.

Today, Sette Giugno is one of Malta’s five national holidays. Every year, on this day, a requiem mass is held by the monument.

THE E VENTS OF 1919 ARE C ALLED THE FIRST MALTESE REVOLUTION. IT WAS THE FIRST STEP IN THE STRUGGLE FOR MALTA’S I N D E P E N D E N C E F R O M B R I TA I N . T H E INCREASING UNEMPLOYMENT AND RISING BREAD PRICES BROUGHT THE PROTESTING PEOPLE ON TO THE STREETS. LATER, 7 JUNE 1919 WILL BE CALLED “THE DAY OF WRATH.” THE SETTE GIUGNO UPRISING OF 1919 HOLDS THE FUNDAMENTAL PLACE IN THE MALTESE NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS. THE PROTESTS ENDED IN TRAGEDY: SEVERAL INSURGENTS WERE SHOT DEAD BY THE BRITISH TROOPS IN VALLETTA.

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ICE SHOW • JESTERS’ WEDDING

Jesters’ Wedding

MALTA’S FIRST ICE SHOW PRODUCTION COURT INTRIGUES, LOVE AND WORLD-CLASS ICE-SKATING STARS IN A SHOW DEDICATED TO ONE OF THE MOST MYSTERIOUS EPISODES IN RUSSIAN HISTORY DURING THE REIGN OF EMPRESS ANNA IOANNOVNA. “JESTERS’ WEDDING”, THE FIRST ICE SHOW IN MALTA’S HISTORY, WILL PREMIERE ON THE ISLAND ON 13 DECEMBER 2019. THIS SHOW IS AN ADAPTATION OF THE “CRYSTAL PALACE” BALLET TO THE MUSIC OF ALEXEY SHOR, A CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN-MALTESE COMPOSER. HOW IS THE UNIQUE FESTIVAL OF ICE AND MUSIC CREATED? THE ORGANISERS OF THE FAIRY TALE ON ICE SPEAK ABOUT THE DETAILS OF PREPARING THE SHOW.

ICE SHOW • JESTERS’ WEDDING

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Karl Borg PROJECT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, IS IN CHARGE OF THE OVERALL PREPARATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE EVENT: LIGHTING, SOUND, THE ICE, SETTING UP THE PLATFORM … IN A WORD, HE TRANSFORMS THE ORGANISERS’ INNOVATIVE IDEAS INTO REALITY:

“My company has, for several years, been preparing large-scale events and I can confidently say that the platform we are creating for the ice show that is shortly to become one of Malta’s major events is 55 metres wide and 60 metres long. It will accommodate the sets, the revolving stage for the opera diva, the ice field, audience seating and lighting equipment.

Fourteen companies are involved in the preparations. Over 70 people in total will work on the platform at different times. It will take a month to build the entire complex. The ice surface will be installed over five days. Four refrigerators will be used to prepare the ice area, the ice will be installed in layers and we will ultimately have over ten centimetres of ice.

Specialists from Germany will come to work on the ice surface. Several trailer trucks will transport the requisite equipment. At the same time, even more trailer trucks will set out from Russia carrying stage sets for the show, while our local team will be preparing the platform with all the necessary utilities.

“The auditorium” will seat over 1,000 people. So, we will have one of Malta’s largest platforms, lighting, sets with an abundance of complex elements and, certainly, the ice… Preparing such a large-scale project is an incredible experience for us. This is a great inspiration for everyone working on the show!”

Alexey Yagudin 2002 OLYMPIC CHAMPION, FOUR-TIME WORLD CHAMPION, THREE-TIME EUROPEAN CHAMPION, TWO-TIME WORLD PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION, WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPION, PARTICIPANT IN AND HOST OF FAMOUS TV SHOWS (“STARS ON ICE”, “THE ICE AGE”, BOLERO DANCE SHOW), ACTOR, HOST OF TV PROGRAMMES ON THE LIVING PLANET, CHANNEL ONE, MATCH TV, TNT BELARUS TV CHANNELS, A REGULAR ON ILYA AVERBUKH’S ICE SHOW.

“Malta will see me as Balakirev. He is a court jester. But… every jest contains a grain of truth.

And Anna Ioannovna herself marks her jester’s words. Balakirev can do as he pleases. He lords it over the other jesters. In today’s parlance, he is the boss. I like this part because it’s so contradictory: my character can act like a clown, doing things few people are allowed to.

At the same time, he is part of the Empress’s inner circle: to some degree, he has influence over everything that goes on in the country. Alexey Shor wrote classical ballet music and, transferring it on to ice is a terrific challenge. Our task is to keep the audience on the edge of their seats from the word go until the final note. And we are doing absolutely everything to achieve just that, including providing unique sets, costumes and special effects. This will be a riot of colours bolstering the effects of the music! After all our ice shows, “Romeo and Juliet,” “Carmen,” and others, we want to do something even better each time…”

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ICE SHOW • JESTERS’ WEDDING

Vadim Volya and Olga-Maria Tumakova COSTUME DESIGNERS, “GOLDEN MASK” AWARD WINNERS, ARE INSPIRED BY THE MUSIC AND PAINTINGS TO CREATE THE MOST STUNNING COSTUMES FOR THE ICE SHOW:

“When working on the costumes for the ‘Jesters’ Wedding’ ice show on Malta, the key thing for us is to create the historical context. We depict the age of Anna Ioannovna and we need the audience to understand it. We used paintings as our inspiration. We did this because the audiences mostly know the baroque esthetics that define the period from contemporary paintings. Of course, we will have to do without crinolines, for instance, because they are not particularly compatible with the skaters’ consummate proficiency! Wigs and makeup are also a problem in this respect but we will have some wigs.

An important feature of ice show costumes is they need to be easily transformable. Skates prevent skaters from changing fully: the skates always stay on because there is no time to re-lace them! So some costume elements are taken off and put on to create a new image each and every time.

The music for the show certainly inspires us in designing the costumes. It is very important that we perceive the work as an integral whole, particularly its musical component. We are making several dozen costumes for the ice show, and each must be a work of art.”

Nina Kobiashvili SET DESIGNER FOR THE “JESTERS’ WEDDING” ICE SHOW, GRADUATE OF CENTRAL SAINT MARTIN’S ARTS AND DESIGN COLLEGE, UK:

“In designing the sets for Ilya Averbukh’s ‘Jesters’ Wedding’ ice show, I was guided both by the historical materials from Empress Anna Ioannovna’s reign and by Alexey Shor’s music for ‘Crystal Palace.’

Our creative group studied the recording of the ballet’s performance at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow and we made adjustments for the entirely different speed and choreography of the emotions and actions on ice.

A careful study was made of materials about the coronation of Empress Anna, about her relations with the members of the imperial court, the aristocracy, and the contributions made to development of opera and ballet at the time.

The contemporary interpretations of the Triumphal Arch celebrating Anna Ioannovna’s coronation and of the 1740 Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, built on the orders of the Empress, were created on the basis of historical engravings and descriptions.

The central part of the set is Anna Ioannovna’s crown, designed like a Faberge egg: it has a mechanism that allows it to open and close. It serves as a symbolic association with St. Petersburg and, together with the revolving platform, is used to mark the change of scenes in the show. At the same time, the crown that opens and closes with Anna Ioannovna inside, like a puppet, is an interpretation of the image of the Empress trapped by her own power.

The intrigues of the jesters and their impact on political events are a separate topic. The sets feature a composition that represents an arch with gigantic arms springing from jesters’ hats and meant to pull the strings of the puppet. As the show goes on, the question remains: who rules whom? Does Anna rule the jesters or do they rule her?”

FRIDAY • 13th DECEMBER 2019 • 7 PM INDEPENDENCE ARENA PARADE GROUND, FLORIANA

TATIANA TOTMYANINA

MAXIM MARININ

ALEXEY YAGUDIN

EKATERINA BOBROVA

DMITRY SOLOVYOV

IVAN RIGHINI

ANNA AGLATOVA

LOVER, JESTER DUNKA

LOVER, JESTER GOLITSYN

JESTER BALAKIREV

EMPRESS ANNA IOANNOVNA

EMPRESS’S LOVER JESTER BIRON

COURT GENTLEMEN

OPERA DIVA

DIGITAL PROJECTIONS • NATURAL ICE

Jesters’ Wedding FIRST EVER IN MALTA WITH MUSIC BY AMERICAN-MALTESE COMPOSER ALEXEY SHOR S T A R R I N G

WORLD, OLYMPIC GAMES AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, TOP-INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS WINNERS & LEADING OPERA SOLOIST OF BOLSHOI THEATRE OF RUSSIA

ORIGINAL PLOT, BAROQUE SCENERY AND CHIC COSTUMES! TICKETS: SHOWSHAPPENING.COM • INFO: +356 27-87-77-05 Public Broadcasting Services Limited

Public Broadcasting Services Limited

32

DAYS OF MALTESE MUSIC

Days of Maltese Music IN ARMENIA, KAZAKHSTAN AND RUSSIA

THE PROJECT ‘DAYS OF MALTESE MUSIC’SPEARHEADED BY THE EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR SUPPORT OF CULTURE HAS ENTERED ITS SECOND YEAR. IN 2018, MALTESE MUSICIANS PERFORMED IN CONCERT HALLS WITHIN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THIS YEAR THE PROJECT WAS EXTENDED TO ARMENIA AND KAZAKHSTAN, APART FROM RUSSIA.

D

ays of Maltese Music 2019 featured Maltese conductors and instrumentalists in various countries. Violinists Carmine Lauri, Reggie Clews and pianist Bernice Sammut Attard performed in the Capital of Armenia, with concerts held in Yerevan in March 2019, during which a premiere of Joseph Vella’s Symphonic Poem “Rebbieha” (“The Victorious”) was performed. The late Joseph Vella symbolic within Malta’s musical culture.

During the month of May 2019 Maltese trombonist Roderick Bugeja, pianist Bernice Attard, and conductor Alexei Galea Cavallazzi were welcomed at prominent concert venues in the capital of the sun-drenched Republic, Nur Sultan, in Kazakhstan to perform with the Eurasian Symphony Orchestra.

Russia hosted Days of Maltese Music with concerts in twelve different cities, featuring conductors Alan Chircop and Alexei

Galea Cavallazzi; and clarinettist Godfrey Mifsud, pianist Charlene Farrugia and Trombonist Roderick Bugeja in eight different cities, which included Sochi, Ryazan, Omsk, Barnaul, Astrakhan, Chelyabinsk, Petrozavodsk and Saratov.

Days of Maltese Music in Russia – 2019 were organized by the European Foundation for Support of Culture, the International Cultural Foundation and the Association for Support of Cultural and Commercial Initiatives (APKI), with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Malta in Russia, which started on 25 May and will continue until 15 December.

The project has proved to be an excellent example of work intended to bring together musical talents from different countries on one stage and create further bridges between Malta and the Nations which hosted these concerts. We have spoken to some of the Maltese musicians who participated in this project, who shared their views and experiences with MyMAC Magazine.

INTERVIEW

#1 • 2019

Alan Chircop

“ The true purpose of music is to unite people”

M

altese orchestra conductor Alan Chircop combines an international career in music with his artistic direction engagements of the European Foundation for Support of Culture. He has been conducting international orchestras in many different countries for more than 20 years and has frequently performed in Russia. In 2019, he featured in concerts within the Days of Maltese Music project. He describes how music brings countries closer and about the national psyches of Russia and Malta.

What is the importance of the ‘Days of Maltese Music in Russia’ project? How should this collaboration between musicians from different countries continue?

This is a very important project from the point of view of enhancing and maintaining relations between our countries.

The Russian school, in music, has always been very well- known for its high standards. For the past fifteen years, I have been involved in presenting Russian virtuosi to Maltese audiences, and in my capacity as artistic director of the European Foundation for Support of Culture, I have been taking an even more active part in developing different projects with the participation of Russian artists.

I have always felt both the mutual connection between us, musicians, and the social characteristics of the audiences of our countries. This musical collaboration has given me many opportunities to get a better feel of the traditions of Russia, the unique cultural features, and to appreciate what we have in common – despite the great difference in size of these two nations.

The audiences in Russia are very warm and at my concerts in Russia I have always felt this special warm reception. It’s very nice to often hear comments, like ‘discovering or getting acquainted with Maltese musicians helped Russians discover Malta’. In this way, we act as Malta’s cultural ambassadors.

Such joint musical projects are tremendously important as they enhance the relations that already exist and but also enable new connections. This is the true purpose, beauty and power of music – to unite people.

Delighted Russian audiences show their lively interest, not only in music, but also in getting to know more about Malta. So, seeing the Maltese performing in Russia, listening to them and talking to them, is something which Russians really enjoy and appreciate. Our countries have mutual respect and appreciation towards each other. Thus we feel very welcomed in Russia.

There are obvious geographical differences between Russia and Malta. Yet the national psyches of Russia and Malta have a lot in common. How is this affinity manifested in music?

I’ve always believed that culture is not a ‘behaviour’. Culture is a ‘lifestyle – a way of living’. Despite the geographical

differences you noted, people are the same everywhere. They adapt their ‘lifestyle’ to their environment and circumstances.

I think Russians and Maltese have many things in common: respect for traditions, tolerance, humility, the ability to be grateful and the capacity to adapt to new circumstances, which is usually ascribed to islanders. I’ve always felt that Russians are very hospitable, while our tourism industry boasts on this very same characteristic of the Maltese people.

The contemporary American-Maltese composer Alexey Shor whose works you performed as part of the project, lived and studied in Moscow for several years. Do you think it influenced the language of his music?

In many respects, music reflects a composer’s life experience.

This, in turn, depends on your environment. Becoming acquainted with Russia makes it possible to identify one’s self with the specific features of Russian composers’ works. I agree that, in that regard, Alexey Shor has a rich range of ideas. The time he spent in Russia surely had a significant influence on his work. Yet, Alexey Shor’s music reflects the Maltese mindset too; he is also inspired by the history of our island, such as the Great Siege; and also by contemporary events, such as the loss of the Azure Window in Gozo. Alexey Shor’s music is very touching, moving, sincere and lucent. Audiences easily identify themselves with the composer. He communicates with his audiences in a language that everyone can feel and understand.

Are there works featured in ‘Days of Maltese Music in Russia’ that are particularly congenial to you?

I find the music of Charles Camilleri and Joseph Vella particularly appealing when performing abroad, as I knew both of them since I was a young lad. We were good friends and I enjoyed a very close and respectful relationship with both. Thus I have a special insight into their music, specifically since most works I performed, had been discussed with the composers themselves, at different stages of my career. So it’s more than just performing a work. There are many memories which allow you to interpret their works at a more profound level.

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DAYS OF MALTESE MUSIC

Carmine Lauri

“ I’ve been so looking forward to going to Armenia!”

IN APRIL 2018, VIOLINIST CARMINE LAURI WAS THE SOLOIST AT THE 6 TH MALTA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMING WITH THE ARMENIA STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. A YEAR LATER, HE AGAIN TOOK THE STAGE WITH THE ORCHESTRA, THIS TIME IN YEREVAN, AS PART OF THE “DAYS OF MALTESE MUSIC IN ARMENIA” PROJECT. “This is my first time in Armenia. I’ve been so looking forward to coming here. Last year, I performed twice in Malta as the soloist with the Armenia State Symphony Orchestra. I admired the orchestra and working with its principal conductor, Sergey Smbatyan, was a pleasure. Back then, I already told my colleagues that I wanted to travel to Armenia. And now it has happened thanks to the ‘Days of Maltese Music in Armenia’ project, and I hope we will work together again many times in the future. The Armenia State Symphony Orchestra is a fantastic orchestra, its musicians are consummate professionals and wonderful people. I often perform contemporary music; I know works by Armenian composers. I believe, in particular, that the works of Aram Khachaturian are amazing. I think Khachaturian for Armenians is what Tchaikovsky is for Russians.”

I think Khachaturian for Armenians is what Tchaikovsky is for Russians.

V iolinis t Carmine L auri, one of Malta’s most famous musicians, has, since 2000, been one of the co n cer tma s ter s of th e L o n d o n Phi l h a rm o ni c ; he has als o b een gues t concer tmas ter of the Malta Philharmonic Orches tra.

In 2006, Carmine Lauri was awarded the National Order of Merit and, in 2015 , the Gold Medal of the Malta Society of Ar ts in recognition of his outstanding international career.

INTERVIEW

#1 • 2019

Reggie Clews

“ The Maltese and Armenians adore music…”

THE CO-CONCERTMASTER OF THE MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, VIOLINIST REGGIE CLEWS, BELIEVES THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE PROJECTS SUCH AS “DAYS OF MALTESE MUSIC”: THIS IS THE WAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF MALTA AND ARMENIA TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER BETTER. “Since we represent a small country, such events are very important for us. ‘Days of Maltese Music in Armenia’ expands the area of collaboration between our two countries, makes cultural diplomacy and exchanges vivid and intense. Armenia clearly values its culture very highly. Armenia has many talented artists who are in demand throughout the world and who have an excellent musical education. In my collaboration with Armenian musicians, I have noted their love of music and their disciplined approach to rehearsals.

Malta may be lacking a large musical education network or a big selection of artists. Even so, we adore music and we are very earnest about our work, just like Armenian musicians.

It is very important for us to be open to the world and I think that Malta and Armenia are close in that regard. We like exchanging ideas, as this is conducive to overall development of Malta and Armenia. I am curious to know what Armenian audiences think about Maltese musicians and composers!”

Violinist Reggie Сlews, currently assistant concer tmas ter with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, has toured half the world. In addition to being a musician with the Malta Philharmonic, Reggie Clews also gives s o l o co n cer t s , h o l d s master classes, and sits on jury panels of international competitions; he is cofounder of the Malta Fine Instrument Society. In addition to his musical achievements, he holds an Associate of Science degree in busines s administration.

It is very important for us to be open to the world and I think that Malta and Armenia are close in that regard.

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DAYS OF MALTESE MUSIC

Roderick Bugeja “ The audiences liked the folklore of Malta…”

A

piece of traditional Maltese music performed on the trombone and Rimsky-Korsakov’s music: Roderick Bugeja, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s principal trombone, speaks about his most vivid impressions from the concerts in Kazakhstan What do you think is the significance of the ‘Days of Maltese Music’ project in general and of ‘Days of Maltese Music in Kazakhstan’ in particular?

Every country has its own unique performance features.

Even when performers remain faithful to what the composer intended, their interpretations vary, depending on the culture and on the musical background of the performance.

This project allowed us professional musicians to share what our countries can offer in the rich range of classical music.

It is not often, for instance, that the Maltese and Kazakhs can share their ideas and interests in the world of music.

The ‘Days of Maltese Music in Kazakhstan’ project helped me, as a Maltese performer, and the Eurasian Symphony Orchestra made up of promising Kazakh musicians, to form a creative tandem and share the realities of the world of music. Working with Kazakh musicians, I enjoyed the rigor and discipline that are typical for their work with pieces of music. I will use the experience I derived from this collaboration in my work. This project enriched me as a musician. And I believe that, in turn, I also influenced the Kazakh orchestra and our audiences.

Why was it so important to present the works of Maltese musicians in various countries?

Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean and a melting pot of different cultures. The musicians in our orchestra hail from around the world and they introduce a richness and variety of styles to our performances. Our orchestra is very openminded and it has allowed me to perform Nikolay RimskyKorsakov’s Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra, which is

Roderick Bugeja, principal trombone of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, began studying music at the age of eight: he went to the Johann Strauss School of Music in Valletta and the Pinto B and music club in Qormi. At that time, Roderick took part in several national competitions organised by the Malta Band Club A ssociation and Malta Society of Ar ts. Later, Roderick Bugeja began playing the alto. In addition to his collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orches tra, Roderick Bugeja heads the Vittoria B a n d c l u b ( N a x x a r) , comp os es music and enjoys aerial sports in the time he has left after his musical activities.

rather unusual for an orchestra, because the piano or the violin are the traditional soloists.

Working with such a large number of talented musicians expands your horizons. While remaining faithful to the essence of classical music, Maltese musicians have the gift of being flexible and diverse. Although our national orchestra is only 50 years old, it has succeeded in achieving a high level as a philharmonic orchestra, because our rich cultural history goes back thousands of years.

This cultural history developed a profound love for the arts in our artists’ souls. This quality has allowed us to succeed in both local performances and abroad, at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic and the Grand Hall of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory.

When we are invited to perform as conductors or soloists, we can convey our musical culture to the orchestra we are working with.

I have tried to do this by arranging a piece of Malta’s folklore for the trombone for my encore performance. I think it was very well received.

Are there works on the concert programme that you find particularly pleasing and why do you relate to them?”

I’ve always been drawn to Russian composers, to Russian music. And this determined my choice: I selected a work by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov. This work, initially written for wind orchestra and soloists, has an excellent melodic line and it is also a challenge for the soloist, who, in turn, is enriched through both studying and performing it. This piece puts technique, sound, articulation and expression at the fore.

I just love the folklore of Malta. It developed when my country was going through difficult times. It was an honour and a pleasure for me to give the audiences in Kazakhstan and Russia a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the history and culture of Malta.

INTERVIEW

#1 • 2019

Bernice Sammut Attard “ It is very interesting for me to perform in those countries where we have no other language in common save for the language of music…”

I

n March 2019, 18-year-old pianist Bernice Sammut Attard performed at a concert in Yerevan and, in a few weeks, she was welcomed to Nur-Sultan (Astana), the capital of Kazakhstan. In October, Bernice travelled to Astrakhan and Ryazan in Russia.

So, the ‘Days of Maltese Music in Armenia’ project and then Kazakhstan and Russia.

Do you feel that you are an ambassador of the Maltese culture?”

Since I’ve have studied in the UK, I’ve always felt an ambassador of my culture. It is a great honour for me to represent Malta at the ‘Days of Maltese Culture’ project.

Malta is a very small country and sometimes people do not know about this island, which is a pity… It’s an island with a rich and ancient culture.

Nonetheless, the world of music is very small… And I think that, as Maltese musicians travel around the world, they

meet other musicians and show the music they can offer and learn about the music other countries can offer.

It is very interesting for me to perform in those countries where we have no other language in common save for the language of music. This was the case in Armenia, in Kazakhstan and in Russia. A concert is a time of true communication with the people of any country.”

What impressions do you have of the concerts?”

This has been my first time in these countries: in Armenia, in Kazakhstan and in Russia! Of course, Kazakhstan and Russia are very big compared to Malta.

I was tremendously impressed. I have wonderful memories of collaborating with the orchestras of those countries.

I enjoyed this experience of making music!”

Bernice Sammut Attard grew up in a musical family.

She started studying music at the age of seven. Bernice graduated from St Martin’s C o ll e g e w i t h h o n o ur s and then was admitted to one of the UK’s most famous schools of music: Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester. After graduating from Chetham’s School, she enrolled in the Royal Conser vatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

The young per former reached the semi-f inals of the Eurovision Young Musicians 2018 with an audience numbering in the millions.

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DAYS OF MALTESE MUSIC

Alexei Galea Cavallazzi “ This is certainly a very important stage in the history of Russia-Malta relations!”

Сonductor Alexei Galea Cavallazzi, a graduate of The Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatoire.

Was awarded the “Federation Council. 20 Years” medal for his contribution to development of Russia-Malta cultural ties. In 2018, the Tyumen Philharmonic Orchestra inaugurated Days of Maltese Music in Russia with the “Malta-Siberia: Music Unites” concert. This year, Alexei Galea Cavallazzi has participated in the concerts of the Days of Maltese Music project in Kazakhstan and Russia. in Russia than in Malta. The ‘Days of Maltese Music in Russia’ project is in its second year and you are taking part in it again.

What makes this project unique?

What is the project’s particular importance for you?”

This project is certainly a ver y important stage in the history of Russia-Malta relations. This is the first cultural programme organised on such a large scale and featuring classical orchestral masterpieces.

This programme allows Russian and Maltese musicians to meet to create something special.

Besides, I like being in Russia, in the country where I studied. I have nice memories connecting me with Russia.

Do audiences perceive music differently in different countries?

Talking about audiences is difficult.

Certainly, for the artist, the audiences can seem to be the same… It means that we think the audiences energise us, that they received our performance very well, etc. And there is some truth in this. Yet, in fact, every person perceives music differently… This is why the word ‘audience’ is both true and false at the same time.

O v ati o n s at th e e n d of a performance are very gratifying for the performer. The life of the artist is full of self-sacrifice for the sake of art and ovations mean this life is not meaningless, they mean that the tremendous work the artist had done deserved appreciation from the audiences. Of course, not only work matters, talent does, too. Work can be described in simple terms. Talent is a great mystery; one can only be silent about it. I enjoy performing in Russia, in Malta, and in Kazakhstan.

INTERVIEW

#1 • 2019

Godfrey Mifsud “ This project offers the Maltese musicians the opportunity of being cultural ambassadors for their nation and to promote Maltese culture abroad”

W

ithin the project Godfrey Mifsud per formed in Sochi,Russia in September and now is looking forward to his p er formance in Saratov, Russia in December.

In your personal opinion, what is the significance of the project “Days of Maltese Music”?

I believe that the true essence of this project is the pure enhancement of the intercultural dialogue between dif ferent countries, through a common medium – music. This project offers the Maltese musicians the opportunity of being cultural ambassadors for their nation and to promote Maltese culture abroad. On the other hand, the Maltese public is being given the opportunity of attending concerts and listening to world-class foreign performers and musical works in Malta.

How was your concert in Sochi? Have you ever dreamed of Touring in Russia?

The concert experience in Sochi was a very positive one. I have had the opportunity to perform in various countries and venues around the globe, also in Russia, but this was my first time in Sochi. The place is beautiful and especially at the time when I visited (September), it was full of life, since it is a seaside resort. The staff and director of the Organ Hall where the concert took place were welcoming and even though at times

there might have been a slight language barrier, this was very easily overcome through music. The Sochi Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Oleg Soldatov was very easy to work with. It boasts of a nice group of musicians with whom I found very much at ease to work with.

Professional exchange: have you gained any experience from Russian musicians and what useful clews you left for the orchestra? Do you think that the music language unites nations?

A s mentioned briefly above, the work interaction with the Sochi Symphony Orchestra was quite fluent, since we all focused on the music that was being delivered and all the language barriers were easily overcome. After all, a musician’s issues and experiences can be similar, immaterial where one is situated. I was pleased that, one of the works that I performed (Fantasia on Rigoletto – Bassi), which was a special arrangement by a great musician and friend of mine Freddie Mizzi (also a clarinet player) was a new work for the orchestra. The reaction was very positive, the musicians seemed to enjoy performing it and were curious to ask questions about it after the rehearsal.

On the other hand, I took some of the CD’s which I recorded, that feature Maltese works for clarinet, and these seemed to create a lot of interest, since most of the musicians were not familiar with our local musical heritage and oeuvres.

Godfrey Mifsud started his musical s tudies in Malta at an early age and furthered his clarinet studies in UK while participating in mas ter classes with international soloists.

After winning various local competitions he made his public debut with the Malta National Orchestra in 1997. He has performed and recorded works

by Maltese composers including Carmelo Pace, Charles Camilleri, Joseph Vella and upcoming composers including Ruben Zahra, Albert Pace, Albert Garzia, Gordon Zammit and Karl Fiorini.

Godfrey Mifsud currently holds the post of clarinet tutor at Malta’s main music institution, the Malta School of Music and is a visiting lecturer in Performance Studies at the University of Malta.

40

MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE

Pierre Fenech MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE CEO

We Will Present an MCC Virtual Museum

THE 16TH CENTURY BUILDING OF THE LEGENDARY KNIGHTS’ HOSPITAL, WHICH IS LOCATED ADJACENT TO FORT ST ELMO AND OVERLOOKS THE GRAND HARBOUR, HAS LONG BEEN ONE OF VALLETTA’S MOST OUTSTANDING LANDMARKS. SINCE 1979, THE PLACE HAS BEEN WELLKNOWN AS THE MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE, WHICH IS CONSIDERED ONE OF MALTA’S MOST FAMOUS CONCERT AND BUSINESS VENUES. HOW WILL THE MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE USE THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE TO RESURRECT THE PAST? MCC’S CEO PIERRE FENECH REVEALS THE SECRET ON MY MAC MAGAZINE.

MCC • VIRTUAL MUSEUM

Everyone in Malta knows the history of the MCC, which was built in 16th century to become one of the best hospitals in Europe. Currently, we know it as a conference and concert centre. Can you share with us MCC’s future plans?

We can divide the future into three aspects.

We have normal operation of the MCC as a conference centre and, in the past few years, with the help of investments, we have made a lot of infrastructural and technical changes like installing a Wi-Fi system, upgrading the sound system… And all the old air-conditioners have been replaced with new ones, reducing noise and air pollution. We have invested a lot of money in changing the infrastructure for the latest technology. And we will continue this work.

Then we have a second aspect touching on the cultural sector. We invest in the theatre: we have big plans and high expectations for it. We don’t want just some refurbishment, there will be a complete renovation.

Currently, we have a lot of events already booked for the next two years, which is why this renovation work will start only in 2022.

For 2021, we will host the 10 th edition of the Malta International Music Festival, which is organised by the European Foundation Support of Culture and Cirque du Soleil, another top-notch event for us.

And f inally, the third aspect will be something new for MCC. Every day we have a lot of visitors who keep asking us what our building was used for in the past.

We thought: what can we do to show people our history? The first thing that comes to mind, of course, is a museum. And

#1 • 2019

yes, we already have one. It is the Knights Hospitallers museum. But obviously, the limited space can’t accommodate in all the visitors coming here or people come when the museum is closed. That’s why we have decided to inaugurate a Virtual Museum using modern technology.

We will create a hologram of Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette. The excursion will start in the La Vallette Hall and people will be able to speak to him and ask questions such as: how he built Valletta, what was his vision, why he constructed the city in a certain way…

He will answer all of them.

Then you can move to other MCC halls, walk around and, using your mobile phone, you will be able actually to see what was here hundreds of years ago. And not only see: you will be able to engage and join in … You can even explore how hospitaller knights treated patients, lie in a bed and take a real photo with patients and knights and post it on your social media. We will use a Virtual Reality (VR) system for the new museum.

Then we have a roof that is being used as an independent venue that we have recently inaugurated. By the way, the roof is also a part of the Virtual Reality museum: we will have a recreation from the time of the Great Siege of Malta (1565) – visitors will see knights travelling from Kalkara to St Angelo. Also, in the sky, people will be able to see Second World War aircraft coming to bombard Malta. And we will do it more interactively so our visitors can actually use gamification to try to shoot down the aircrafts and see them falling into the sea.

Besides, from the roof of MCC using GPS

JEAN PARISOT DE LA VALETTE

“THEN WE HAVE A ROOF THAT IS BEING USED AS AN INDEPENDENT VENUE THAT WE HAVE RECENTLY INAUGURATED.”

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MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE

technology and a mobile app, our visitors will be able to see different places around the Grand Harbour; the electronic guide will show the places in VR and tell their history.

In front of the MCC there was the Chapel of Bones but it was destroyed during the Second World War. You can find just a few rocks from the foundations there but we will use 3D reality to recreate the Chapel. So our virtual museum is something new and we are going to present it soon, in January/February 2020. The presentation will close our celebration season 19/20 of the MCC’s 40 th anniversary.

I assume that such an old building has a lot of secrets and mysteries, right?

It was quite “unexpected” when we have found a new underground floor during the Temi Zammit Hall renovation works (laughing). We immediately got in touch with the Heritage Authority and Planning Authority to see how we could restore this place for further use. It is a very sensitive place so we have to be very careful now and lots of research needs to be done to explore the floor properly.

Originally, the hospital had three floors, though people know just about two of them. We have a Sacra Infermeria, which is on the street level; under this, we have La Vallett Hall and below we have another level that is just a few metres above the sea. Historically, the top level was used for the elite, for the knights; another one, La Vallett, was used for the common people and one level below was for prisoners and slaves. We will make a reconstruction of the three levels.

How will you implement such a big plan for reconstruction of the building and creation of the VR-museum?

Next year, the physical museum will be closing down for refurbishment. We will do some upgrades connecting the

MCC and Fort Saint Elmo so that the museum will be located between these two places. This year, we have some areas inside that are already closed for construction works but the MCC is still operating. We will do our work step by step.

What kind of reconstruction will be carried out in the concert hall?

As I said, we don’t want to do just cosmetic changes; our aim goes beyond just changing the chairs or carpets. The main renovation process will affect the mechanism of the stage: it will be able to change automatically from a seating to a standing area, tailor-made, all automatic. We saw a system similar to the one we want to install in Moscow, in the Zaryadye Hall, and the transformation process is really impressive. We want to do the same here.

The Christmas season is coming. Could you announce any upcoming events?

We are expecting the Cirque du Soleil, which we will host for the first time, and they are doing a show specifically for Malta.

We signed an agreement with Cirque du Soleil for three years, so it is not just a one-off event. For us, it is very important collaboration.

What is the biggest challenge for you in this work for the Mediterranean Conference Centre?

– The biggest challenge is to find a balance between the cultural and business parts in the life of the MCC but I think we manage the balance quite well. We need to know how to grow the place, we need more space and the government is considering that we might take a new place to manage for conference and cultural events. So, in the future, this area in Valletta will be a big cultural hub

MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT LEAVES A LASTING

IMPRESSION The historical Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta offers you a vast range of venues where you can celebrate your corporate event - be it inside or outside. Choose from our centuriesrich indoor venues, steeped in character and beauty, or opt to go for the lavish novelty of our rooftop terrace - a state-of-the-art outdoor space with unbeatable views of the Grand Harbour.

Either way, you would have certainly selected the perfect venue for your event.

Valletta, Malta • T: +356 2559 5215 • sales@mcc.com.mt • www.mcc.com.mt

MEDITERRANEAN 1979 CONFERENCE CENTRE 2019

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ARTS COUNCIL • MALTA

Mary Ann Cauchi DIRECTOR FOR FUNDING AND STRATEGY AT THE ARTS COUNCIL MALTA

We work to support the cultural and creative sectors in Malta WHAT IS MALTA PRESENTING AT THE VENICE BIENNALE 2019?

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED FOR THE ‘IL-PREMJU GĦALL-ARTI’? HOW CAN LOCAL ARTISTS FIND SUPPORT FOR THEIR PROJECTS? DIRECTOR FOR FUNDING AND STRATEGY AT THE ARTS COUNCIL MALTA, MARY ANN CAUCHI ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS.

INTERVIEW

#1 • 2019

THE PAVILION RECEIVED CRITICAL ACCLAIM BY LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS IN THE VISUAL ARTS FIELD. PREPARATIONS FOR THE NEXT EDITION HAVE ALREADY STARTED. IN ADDITION, ACM IS ALSO PREPARING ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE LONDON DESIGN BIENNALE 2022.

MARY ANN CAUCHI DIRECTOR FOR FUNDING AND STRATEGY AT THE ARTS COUNCIL MALTA Throughout her career, Mary Ann held various positions in the cultural and creative sectors. Previous to her current appointment as Director Funding and Strategy. she was Head of the Malta School of Music where she designed internal and external school policies and updated the teaching and learning processes amongst other duties; she led and implemented the accreditation of all courses at European level. For ten years, Mary Ann directed her company Artsphere International, based in Malta with international networks.

During this time, she gained a strong reputation for her project consultation expertise, as well as for management and artistic direction of concerts, festivals and large-scale public celebrations, including the first edition of the Malta Children’s Festival, the European Year of Creativity and Innovation and the revamping of the Premju Nazzjonali Ħaddiem tas-Sena. Prior to that, Mary Ann worked at the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, where she founded Notte Bianca Lejl Imdawwal and worked on numerous largescale artistic and cultural events. She administered the initial arts funding programme, the Cultural Support Programme. Mary Ann holds a Master of Philosophy in Musicology and a Bachelor of Arts with distinction in Music Studies and History of Art from the University of Malta. She has experience in the performing arts, particularly as a musician

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This year, Il-Premju għall-Arti’s nomination system is more accessible whereby the public may submit nominations of their preferred artists and artistic works.

What is your personal role in the Arts Council Malta and what is the structure of the organisation?

I have been working as Director, Funding and Strategy, at the Arts Council Malta (ACM) for the past year. It is a comeback for me because I used to work here as an Art Executive 13 years ago.

Through it s funding unit, ACM manages a public investment of € 2 million per year. The strategy unit manages and overseas the implementation of the Create2020 strategy. Create2020 is based on f ive impor tant pillars focusing on creativit y, ar tistic excellence, internationalisation, c o mmuni t y e n g a g e m e nt an d p ub li c cul tur al organisations .

The Arts Council Malta’s remit encompasses 11 Public Cultural Organisations, including Festivals Malta, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, KorMalta, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Malta International Contemporar y Art Space (MICAS), Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Spazju Kreattiv, Teatru Malta, Teatru Manoel, Vallet ta Cultural Agenc y and ŻfinMalta – the National Dance Company.

What are the main goals of the Arts Council Malta?

Arts Council Malta has five main goals: 1) nurturing the creative potential and support for its development; 2) investing in artistic excellence; 3) connecting Malta to the international artistic community; 4) providing more opportunities for people to engage in creativity; and 5) building the capacity of public cultural organisations.

These five goals are implemented using specific strategic tools being Internationalisation, Education and Development, Creative Industries Diversity and Communities, Funding and Brokerage, Research, Communication and EU Projects.

As part of the internationalisation strategic tool, ACM is currently a member of 7 platforms and networks including: International Federation for Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), EU National Institutions for Culture (EUNIC), the Compendium for Cultural Policies and Trends, IETM – International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts, Salzburg Global Forum, and ENCATC – European Network on Cultural Management and Policy.

INTERVIEW

#1 • 2019

IETM, for instance is a network of over 450 performing arts organisations and individual members working in the contemporary performing arts worldwide: theatre, dance, circus, performance, interdisciplinary live art forms, new media. This offers the possibility for artists to build new connections with the international counterparts. ACM’s membership in such a network and those mentioned also means that Malta is represented in the ongoing debates and conversations on matters that impact cultural policy and practice.

ACM already supported six participants from Malta to attend Salzburg Global Forum. The latter forum offers an opportunity for training, master-classes and conferences, allowing our artists to promote and develop their projects.

Where does Malta present the creations of local artists?

In 2017, Malta has returned to the Venice Biennale after 17 years. Arts Council Malta commissioned and co-ordinated the 2019 Venice Biennale. The Malta Pavilion Maleth/Haven/Port – Heterotopias of Evocation, commissioned by the Arts Council Malta and curated by Hesperia Iliadou, was inspired by the Odyssey and saw three artists from Malta – Vince Briffa, Klitsa Antoniou and Trevor Borg. The Pavilion received critical acclaim by local and international experts in the visual arts field. Preparations for the next edition have already started. In addition, ACM is also preparing its participation in the London Design Biennale 2022. The latter projects all form part of reaching our Internationalisation goals.

How do you work with Education and Development programmes?

Amongst other initiatives such as Artivisti and Young Artists’ Development Programme, ACM organised monthly workshops and talks under the ACMlab series. This is Arts Council Malta’s regular platform for information, networking and matchmaking sessions, as well as discussions and regular meetings practitioners within the sector. Topics aim at reaching the wider spectrum of creative practitioners and audiences.

Latest topics include Using Social Media for Artists, European Cultural Networks, Intellectual Property and Music Rights. Another initiative is the Culture Pass in collaboration with the Culture Directorate allowing primary and secondary students to attend performances for free of charge.

Speaking about Diversity and Communities, and EU Projects, how do these programmes work?

ACM is currently working on setting up a Cultural Rights’ Programme through research and focus groups amongst children, older people, youth, people with different abilities, people active in traditional culture and other groups.

Research and also Communications play an important role within ACM as they both are crucial operative pillars so as to understand and disseminate information amongst our creatives, audiences and the general public.

ACM is currently leading a €1 million European Social

In 2017, Malta has returned to the Venice Biennale after 17 years.

Arts Council Malta commissioned and co-ordinated the 2019 Venice Biennale.

Fund (ESF) project, investing in the cultural and creative capacity skills in Malta’s public sector. This ESF project provides specialised training programmes. These programmes are aimed at public sector employees involved in the cultural and creative sectors, to render public administration and public service on a regional, local and national level more efficient in line with the Create 2020 Strategy and National Priorities.

In just a few months 2019 will draw to a close, so is it time to speak about Strategy 2020 and 2021–2025?

– Next year, Arts Council will be evaluating the Create 2020 strategy. A consultation about the 2021– 2025 strategy will be carried out to reflect the National Cultural Policy that will be launched soon. Preliminary discussions indicate that sustainability and wellbeing will be key in the upcoming strategy.

As from 2016 ACM has been investing in various cultural organisations in Malta such as the META Foundation, Teatru Salesjan, the Opening Doors Association, BLITZ, Kinemastik, the Mediterranean Literature Festival, the Malta Short Film Festival, the Designers’ at the Malta Fashion Week, the Valletta Film Festival, L-Għanja talPoplu, and the Beland Music Festival. Given that the

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latter 3-year partnerships are coming to a close, we have evaluated the impact of this programme on the organisations to see how it can be improved for the next call. The new call for interested organisations was launched in October 2019.

We started our interview with Funding programmes.

What are the grants local artists can apply for?

First of all, I would like to mention that the Malta Arts Fund is celebrating its 10 th anniversary in 2019. This fund focuses on two strands of artistic excellence.

The first strand on research and the second on the implementation of projects that are considered to have innovative elements.

The Cultural Export Fund focuses on travel, presentation and touring and translation aiding ACM to reach its internationalisation goals.

The Creative Communities focus on the creative projects within communities. Kreattiv addresses creative projects in school settings. The Young Talent Fund targets a specific age group – young people under the age of 18 who train, compete or perform overseas.

One of the most interesting projects is KulturaTV. Who can ask for support from the fund?

The KulturaTV funding programme supports private TV stations only. Innovative cultural programmes, documentaries about culture in Malta or drama or series intended primarily for television and also digital platform operation are examples of projects supported

by Kultura TV. Beneficiaries are provided with coaching and mentoring throughout the duration of the project.

Creative artists are based not only in Malta but also Gozo; which programmes support artistic life on Gozo?

Gozo, Malta’s sister island is small but with a very active cultural life. In fact, it is worth pointing out that two opera houses, a few meters away and opposite each other have sold out opera nights during the October – Gozo’s Opera Month. ACM supports the Leone Philharmonic Society and the La Stella Philharmonic Society. Other supporting investments in Gozo include the Victoria International Arts Festival, the Gaulitanus Festival, Feel the Magic Chorus Urbanus Festival and the DCapitals Cittadella Arts Festival which all invite international and local performing artists and collaborations.

Arts Council Malta works with the Creative Industries Platform. What is the aim of the platform?

This programme facilitates the creation of sector support platforms within the Culture & Creative Industries that will provide targeted assistance to help the sector grow in a sustainable manner. The scope of these platforms is to provide support and services to help creative professionals improve their product and take their creative ideas to market. Currently the programme is specifically addressing filmmakers, visual and literary artists.

In October 2019, the Third edition of ‘Il-Premju għallArti’ was launched. It is quite a new project. What is the aim of the ‘Il-Premju għall-Arti’ and what is new in the third edition of the award?

‘Il-Premju għall-Arti’ is a national awards programme to celebrate the achievements of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. Il-Premju għall-Arti is Malta’s most prestigious award acknowledging excellence in artistic work that premiered during the year.

The eleven categories include Artist of the Year, Production of the Year, Best Creative Enterprise, and an Award for Innovation. Il-Premju għall-Arti also awards four non-competitive honours including the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Honour for Cultural Promoters, the Honour for Artistic Legacy and the Ambassador of the Arts. This year, the nomination system is more accessible whereby the public may submit nominations of their preferred artists and artistic works.

#VBF20

WHEN /

JANUARY 10 -25, 2020 WHERE /

31 CONCERTS IN 17 DIFFERENT VENUES ACROSS MALTA ABOUT /

THE 8TH EDITION OF THE VALLETTA BAROQUE FESTIVAL WILL ONCE MORE FEATURE TOP-NOTCH ARTISTS, BOTH FROM MALTA AND ABROAD, PERFORMING WONDERFUL MUSIC FROM MONTEVERDI TO BACH & BEYOND. MORE INFO

MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE, CULTURE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT