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Back from Palermo as winners!

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.

 


Off to Palermo!


Karl Schembri hitting Sanremo!

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

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

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.


 

Professional Vocalist

Claire McCartin's distinctive blues voice is a much awaited fresh breath among Malta's evergrowing pop and rock scenes. With a voice which hints Eva Cassidy and Nina Simone, she is constantly evolving as an artist, performing regularly in Malta and also beyond our shores, namely in Russia, Austria and the U.S.

For more information, check out her personal site at www.clairemccartin.com/singer.

Contact

Email:
claire.mccartin@gmail.com

Phone:
(+356) 99262511

Address:
Claire McCartin Vocal Studio
3, Triq il-Prinjol
Iklin IKL 1833
Malta