In the lead-up to the Malta Youth Orchestra’s concert Youth for Youth, held in collaboration with the Lisa Maria Foundation, Brian O’Regan discusses the exciting project with some of the people involved.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Lisa Maria Foundation and how you came to be involved in the organisation?
Joe Borg, administrative coordinator of the Lisa Maria Foundation: The foundation was established in memory of Lisa Maria Zahra after her tragic death at the age of 16. The main purpose of the foundation is to promote initiatives that help to secure a safe learning environment for children and young people during their formative years. I was familiar with the family’s story and I was keen to get involved.
Can you tell us about your own background and what it means to you to be working with the Malta Youth Orchestra?
Maria Blanco, Malta Youth Orchestra training programme director: “I am deeply passionate about music education. Over the past few years, I have worked extensively with students in specialised music schools and colleges in the UK, preparing young musicians for a variety of concerts, competitions and examinations. I am delighted to now have the opportunity to work closely with some of Malta’s finest young musicians because I strongly believe that the work we are doing here is vital for the sustainability of music in our country. These young musicians are our future!”
What is particularly special about this concert for you and what are you most looking forward to?
Noel Curmi, musician: “It is the opportunity to perform alongside the professional musicians of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. I have played with members of the MPO before and it is always a fantastic opportunity to learn from them. The Malta Youth Orchestra tutors have been really great and I’m really looking forward to performing with them and the rest of the MPO.”
What are you most looking forward to about the concert programme?
Stefan Calleja, musician: “This year’s concert consists of some really exciting music. There’s a wide variety of composers in the programme including Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich and John Williams. The pieces are also very well known like the William Tell Overture, the Nutcracker Suite and the theme from Star Wars. It’s difficult to choose a favourite because they are all great masterpieces, but I must admit that I have a soft spot for Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Star Wars is a general favourite of the whole orchestra, so there’s a sense of excitement about playing this one too.”
What is the purpose of the concert and why did you want to collaborate with the Malta Youth Orchestra on it?
Joe Borg: “In addition to promoting the safeguarding of children and young people, the foundation also supports other youth initiatives in areas such as sports and music. Last year, we supported the Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra (UK) and organised a concert in Mellieħa.This year we are delighted to be working with the Malta Youth Orchestra and supporting our local Maltese musicians.”
As a cellist, are you particularly excited to be working with the guest conductor David Watkin?
Desirée Quintano, musician: “Yes, being a cellist myself I feel very fortunate and excited to work with David Watkin who has had a varied career as a cellist and also as a conductor. Working with different conductors gives me the opportunity to see music from different perspectives. No matter how many times a piece is played, a conductor will bring something new to the performance. With his experience as a cellist and conductor, I think I will learn a lot from Watkin. Not just technical skills but also about interpretation, phrases, articulation.”
What is so special about this concert for the musicians?
Maria Blanco: “This concert is a unique opportunity for the young players of the MYO to play alongside the professional musicians from the MPO. Most of the MYO musicians have participated in an extended training programme this year, working on a weekly basis with specially-appointed tutors from the MPO.
“Together with conductor David Watkin, we have also chosen some very special repertoire for this concert, which gives the young musicians an opportunity to challenge themselves and develop their skills, while also being a very interesting and enjoyable programme for the public.
“It is a very special event and I am sure that participants and audience alike will have a very memorable experience.”
• Youth for Youth will be held at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta, on Friday and Saturday at 7.30 pm. Entrance is free. Ticket reservations from www.ticketline. com.mt. For further information, visit www.maltaorchestra.com.
The Malta Youth Orchestra wants you to get involved in this very special concert by sharing your thoughts, photos and videos using the hash-tag #Y4YMalta which can be used on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.