Category: Uncategorized
Back from Palermo as winners!
Posted by claire in Uncategorized Wednesday, 6 August 2014 07:37 No Comments
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.
Karl Schembri hitting Sanremo!
Posted by claire in Uncategorized Thursday, 8 May 2014 13:06 No Comments
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!
Antoine Farrugia in London
Posted by claire in Uncategorized Tuesday, 29 April 2014 12:59 No Comments
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!
St Petersburg Festival Feb ’14
Posted by claire in Uncategorized Sunday, 2 March 2014 14:07 No Comments
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.
