New Malta Academy of Performing Arts

A school for young singers, calling itself the Malta Academy of Performing Arts, was officially launched yesterday at a news conference at St James' Cavalier in Valletta.

The academy's director, Grace Borg, said the academy, which will be offering training programmes for upcoming singers aged six years upwards, promises to provide vocal coaching and training in all aspects relating to singing and stage performing.

The former Maltasong chairman said that thanks to agreements with coaches from the United Kingdom and the United States, academy students would have the opportunity to be trained by international coaches.

"Those who choose to attend will benefit from private tuition by coaches who have worked in a number of different capacities with artists such as Will Young, Gary Barlow, 911, Gareth Gates, Charlotte Church and UB40," Ms Borg said.

The academy signed agreements with the JC Academy and Greyology Inc. in Britain, and is offering full development programmes, as well as one-off training sessions.

According to Ms Borg, the academy will give prospective singers the opportunity to travel abroad for more specialised training, international events and recording of songs.

She added that through an agreement signed this week in London between Euro-Media, where Ms Borg is a director, and MTV Europe, academy singers will be able to participate in MTV related activities.

Former Maltasong chairman, Charlo Bonnici, is also involved in the setting up of the academy.

Yesterday's press conference was also addressed by CeCe Sammy of Pop Idol fame, who said she was impressed with how a small country like Malta had so many talented artists.

Those interested in joining the academy may call 2133-1775.