The International Spring Orchestra Festival, which runs from Tuesday to April 11, will be free for children aged 15 years and younger. Artistic director and founder of the festival Karl Fiorini said that this initiative was aimed at instilling “awareness in young people about the importance of having a culture”.

“It is all very well and good to provide youngsters with educational programmes and tailor-made concerts, however this should not stop there. It would be like stopping at fairy tale level, without getting to know the masters such as Shakespeare, Pirandello, Dostoyevsky, etc,” he said.

“Children should be made aware of how important classical music is for their education as human beings and as European citizens.”

Fiorini argues that youngsters should take an active role in society. In this light, the International Spring Orchestra Festival opened its platform for young performers to express their musical talent five years ago.

Children should be made aware of how important classical music is for their education as human beings and as European citizens

The Rising Stars lunchtime concert series serves as a spotlight for highly gifted youngsters to each perform a 20- to 25-minute recital during the hour-long concert.

There are also two free masterclasses for young pianists on April 9 by guest artists Roland Conil and Véronique Muzy, professors of the Conservatoire du Grand Avignon, at Palazzo Pereira, Valletta. Those interested in participating may send an e-mail to admin@iso-festival.com or info@karlfiorini.com. Places are limited.

Another masterclass has been organised for music students of the Performing Arts School at University by Roberto-Beltran Zavala, who will be conducting the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra on April 11 at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta.

For more information, visit www.iso-festival.com. For bookings, call 2124 6389 or send an e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.