Yet more Maltese singers making headlines abroad!

After winning the Grand Prix at the Triumph festival in St Petersburg last February and coming first in his category at Sanremo Junior in May, my student Karl Schembri has done it again – this time winning the OltreOceano Festival Live Senior contest in Italy. He has been awarded a trip to New York next April, where he will give radio interviews, and perform in various concerts including the OltreOceano Festival Live Senior in New York. Also included is an original song to be distributed on international media.

Coming in second place was another Maltese – Michela Galea (tutored by Pamela Bezzina) – who wowed the audience and the judges with her original interpretation of the song Come Saprei.

The idea of OltreOceano Festival Senior was created as a vehicle of opportunity to educate and nurture up and coming talent. The Italian organisers started the selection process a few months ago, holding auditions throughout Italy and listening to over 400 singers, out of which 16 were chosen for the final.

The final was held on 9 August 2014 in the magnificent Piazza Duomo in Monreale, Palermo. The Head of Jury was none other than Maestro Fabrizio Palma – famous for his role as vocal coach on the popular Italian programme Amici and for having collaborated with many famous artists like Renato Zero, Gigi D’Alessio and Andrea Bocelli amongst others.