The entries flocked in to The Sunday Times’s Joseph Calleja competition, which saw readers putting on their creative thinking caps and sending us their drawings and paintings of the renowned tenor – those who do better with words were invited to write a poem, instead.

Well, it seems as though talent is not in short supply as the editorial team had a tough time finalising the winners from among all the lovely entries received. Here, we are bringing you a selection of the winners; Stephen Falzon and Caroline Mangion won two Platinum tickets each, while the rest won two Silver tickets each.

Joseph Calleja will this year be taking the stage on The Granaries, in Floriana, on Thursday. Legendary Italian singer Antonello Venditti will be the guest artist; Venditti’s works are known to have a strong social conscience.

Suzanne Vega, the American singer known for her unique style of folk-pop and hit songs Luka and Tom’s Diner, will also be performing.

By Leslie Parker. Right: By Moira Cutajar.

Once again the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the artists under the baton of Mro Steven Mercurio, together with the participation of the BOV Joseph Calleja Children’s Choir under the direction of Gillian Zammit.

For the fourth year running an agreement has been reached between the government and NnG Promotions to ensure the entire standing area will be free of charge and open to the public. There will be seated tickets as usual in front of the stage.

Seated tickets are available online or by calling on 7907 1766. The concert is supported by Bank of Valletta, Go Mobile, Gasan Mamo and Times of Malta.

www.nngpromotions.com

By Therese Storace. Right: By Ethelbert Perini.

The winning poems

Joyful is my heart when I see you,
Overwhelmed I feel when I hear you
Sing
Enchanting everyone by that
Powerful voice, flowing from such a
Humble gentleman

Communicating with your
Audience,
Leads you to a higher
Level,
Encompassing
Joseph’s joie de vivre with passion is
Always amazing
Caroline Mangion (Platinum winner)

From the historical island
One could hear a unique roar;
As the native gateways opened widely
For a Maltese prodigy to soar.

With his great determination
Partnered with his renowned voice,
Joseph Calleja captured audiences
Which guaranteed fame – without any choice!
Grace Ann Pace

You sang Caruso
And You Raise Me Up
To win these tickets,
I’ll try my luck.
Whatever happens
I will be there.
Perhaps not standing
But sitting comfortably on a chair!
Pierre Gatt

Calleja sings, the world he brings
Enraptured at his feet.
His superb voice and graceful poise:
The crowd wants a repeat.
A vibrant timbre, the notes in colour
Is the hallmark of his power.
He’s sung in Paris, London, Rome,
But proud we are – Malta is his home.
Albert Joseph Caruana, St Julian’s
His smile is warm and captivating
Through his deep blue eyes he’s serenely stimulating.
There is a depth, a kindness unseen
A strength of goodness and harmony that’s been.
The voice is awesome, astounding, remarkably gifted.
Breathtaking, tremendously vibrant, the heart is lifted.
Like a welcome storm and tremors of joy at the sound of his voice.
This tenor is brilliance, a gem to have made us rejoice.
Marianne Portelli

Many stars illuminate the universe
Before God warms the sun at dawn
Then he breathes his peace into the world
As a new day is born.
And one Star descends and lingers still
With a voice blessed from above.
To give the world a gift from God
So rare, so rich, so full of love.
Miriam Fenech-Russell