Karl Schembri has done it again – this time winning the Sanremo Junior festival in Malta. He was one of 5 young talented Maltese who then travelled to Sanremo in Italy to take part in this prestigious festival on 7 May competing against many different singers from other countries. This wonderful Maltese contingent took Sanremo by storm winning all the best prizes including Karl winning the 1st prize in his 13-15 age category. Well done to all!

One of my students, Antoine Farrugia, has just returned from London after sitting for his Grade 7 Rockschool Vocals exam – and passing with flying colours.  There, he also had the opportunity to sing at the famous shopping mall Westfield. Way to go Antoine!

In June 2013 I was asked to be part of a jury of a Russian singing festival organised by “Triumph” here in Malta. They then kindly invited me to St Petersburg to be part of the jury for another singing festival.  The VIII International Pop Vocal Competition “The Magic World of Coulisses” was held from 20-24 February 2014.

My connection to Russia goes back a long way.  I was one of the first Maltese to start learning Russian back in 1987. Russia, its culture and its people, have been close to my heart ever since.  Since I speak Russian fluently, I was also asked to conduct a master class about the voice.  It was very well attended by not only singers, but also vocal coaches and members of the jury.

My student Karl Schembri has just returned from St Petersburg where, between 20-24 February 2014, he participated in the VIII International Pop Vocal Competition “The Magic World of Coulisses”.   Karl, who is a 14-year old boy soprano, competed with over 300 participants from various regions in Russia and other neighbouring countries.  He managed to garner top votes and won the Grand Prix title for the best solo performance.

The jury consisted of famous artists, professors of creative universities as well as popular musicians, actors, composers and producers. The Head of Jury was Mr. Igor Alekseevich Bogdanov, a professor of the St Petersburg State Theatre Arts Academy, and the Chairman of the Department of pop and musical theatre. The festival organiser “Triumph” commented: ‟Karl’s performance was so wonderful that there was no point in comparing him with others – he was the best.″

My first Students Showcase of 2014 was held on 11 February 2014 at the Russian Centre for Science and Culture (RCSC) in Valletta.  They were accompanied by two great musicians – Kris Domancich on piano and Eric Santucci on guitar.  It was a night full of different genres of music – some Russian music, some pop, some classical and some own compositions.

I would like to thank Oleg Beglov and his wife Viktoria at the RCSC for giving us opportunities like these. For students, it is important to get experience stepping out onto a stage and performing before a live audience. This is a valuable stepping stone in their singing career.