One of the most telling moments during yesterday’s Joseph Calleja 2015 concert was Calleja’s riposte to a comment made by the leader of that fantastic Maltese band, Red Electrik. After thanking Calleja for inviting them the leader of the band said that Calleja was making Malta proud and that we needed more people like Calleja. The Maltese tenor’s reaction encapsulated the reason why the concert was so grandiose: “There are many like me around me.”

Quite naturally that comment was partly said out of courtesy but there was so much truth in it. The list of Maltese talent participating in the contest – the longest list ever – included Red Electric; Ivan Grech, soprano Miriam Cauchi, Mezzo Soprano Marvic Montreal, tenors Nico Darmanin and Cliff Zammit Stevens, the children’s choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. All gave very good performances.

I loved best the Hallelujah sang by Joseph Calleja and Red Electrik. Simply awesome. The same could be said about the pieces Calleja sung with the others. I particularly liked the number with the two young male tenors.

Calleja who reached such career heights knows how difficult it is to succeed in this competitive field. It is most praiseworthy of him that he is striving to give a helping hand to so many Maltese artistes. As he said more than once during the concert, some who have talent just need that extra push.   

Commenting about Calleja himself is superfluous. His versatility on top of his fine voice explains his popularity. He is not just a great singer but also a very able manager of the crowds. His frequent touch of humour makes a big difference – for the better. The American singing sensation Anastacia was excellent. She was an important part of the mix that NnG provided us with.

Truth be told I was a bit sceptical of the move from the Granaries to Luxol. The former gives a unique historical backdrop while the latter provided the organisers with the possibility of putting up a grandiose stage. At the end the gamble paid off.

One has to remember that the concert is not just about music and singing. It is a happening combining together the singing, the music, the tempo, the lighting, the visuals and the special effects. I will not repeat what I wrote about all this last year but I cannot not mention Anton Attard who is a master at doing all of this to perfection. This is really the Attard/Calleja Concert.

Malta got talent on stage and behind stage. They all make us proud.