He created the first event that married the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and rock, and is now chairman of this same institution. Alex Vella Gregory speaks to Sigmund Mifsud about his plans for Malta’s top musical establishment.

Sigmund Mifsud

Like most other board appointments, Sigmund Mifsud’s new role has not been without controversy.

Some have expressed concern at his lack of experience on an administrative level, while others have seen it as a blatant political appointment. Is such cynicism justified?

Mifsud started from very humble beginnings. He is known for his light, classical concerts with the Sliema Sacro Cuor Band, as well as his forays into pop music as conductor of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra’s (MPO) Orchestra goes Pop series. His years spent with the local band club not only helped him advance as a performer, but also got him started as a conductor and organiser.

It was therefore a big surprise to everyone when he announced his candidature for the general election under the PL ticket. However, I decide to leave that sensitive topic for later, and focus on his role as chairman.

Mifsud is very much aware of all of this, and also of people’s expectations. His response is surprising: “Every criticism is valid and has to be taken into consideration. If there are those who believe I am not worthy of the job, they have every right to think so. They will have their answer at the end of my term as chairman.”

Too much self-confidence? Maybe, but all within a positive attitude. There is none of the usual: “Oh, I found a mess and have to start from scratch”, and certainly no pity parties. He is keen on building on the good done by previous boards, and on moving the MPO forward.

“In the 15 years I have spent with the orchestra, I have seen it change drastically, especially over the last few years. It has not only grown bigger but also better. We are no longer in a situation where the orchestra has to justify its existence.”

Mifsud is convinced of the importance of the MPO in Malta’s cultural life, and now he wants to bring more investors on board. There is already a lot of government backing but he is aware that the orchestra cannot rely solely on state funds.

He cites the Karl Jenkins concert as an example of the type of money needed. With just state funding, the orchestra struggles to put on such high-profile events. He also wants to export the orchestra more and believes it does have the level required to play abroad.

The issue goes beyond a mere balancing of accounts. Investment is not about events but about the musicians themselves, including investing in better instruments, in training and in their musical development. He wants to break the vicious circle that is so easy to be a part of in the cultural scene. “I cannot be an amateur law enthusiast and take on a court case,” he explains. “Thus it stands to reason that I cannot be an amateur musician and play in the nation’s foremost ensemble.”

Of course, such things take time, so it will take at least another season before the changes materialise. Yet, even now, he is looking at ways of improving on the past. He wants to build on the success of the orchestra’s pop-oriented concerts and have more light music events. He also wants to build on the Baroque concert series, and there are exciting plans ahead.

“With the Baroque concert series, we felt that with the Baroque Festival now in place, it would be a good idea to move into new territory. We are investing a lot in our premises at Robert Sammut Hall, including a lot of work on improving its acoustics. This will help us put on better concerts.”

I question him on his political involvement, and he calmly concedes defeat, if one can call it that. “I went into politics, believing firmly in my duty, and it was Joseph Muscat who had asked me to be part of his team. Of course, I realised quite early on that I realistically stood no chance, but I still gave my utmost towards what I believe in.”

Would he consider contesting again? Mifsud mulls over the question for a moment, and then replies. “I am the chairman of a national institution. I do not think it is appropriate in my position to ally myself politically with any party.”

Of course it will take time before people start seeing Sigmund Mifsud as the chairman of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra instead of the politically-charged musician blowing the PL’s trumpet. But Mifsud is confident, not only of himself, but also of his team and, ultimately, of the orchestra itself.