The arts can give purpose to children from disadvantaged backgrounds and show them an alternative to the social problems around them, according to acclaimed opera singer Joseph Calleja.
“I believe we can use culture, art, theatre and music to give purpose and to open another window on what life could be,” the Maltese Tenor said of the work of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation.
“We’re actively helping young Maltese talent with monetary input, but we’re also helping underprivileged Maltese children with cultural programmes. There are various studies that show these programmes could be the tipping point to improve the life of a child in trouble.”
Mr Calleja was speaking yesterday at the official announcement of this year’s edition of his annual concert, which will be held on August 3 at the Luxol Grounds in Pembroke. “This concert is always the most important date in my calendar, and the one closest to my heart,” he said, addressing the press fresh from returning to Malta after a concert in Hannover the previous day.
“It’s also the one with the most pressure: if I mess it up I’ll have to hear about it all year,” he joked.
Alongside Mr Calleja, the concert will feature a number of up-and-coming Maltese opera singers, many of whom have themselves benefited from the foundation’s support, including Cliff Zammit Stevens, Nico Darmanin and Marvic Monreal.
“When I started out, there was nobody working professionally in opera, so I’m proud of the fact that we now we have more than half a dozen young people making names for themselves and acting as ambassadors for Malta,” Mr Calleja said.
Also taking part are acclaimed American singer Anastacia, local band Red Electrick and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
Mr Calleja added that the concert would also serve as a tribute to his former mentor Paul Asciak, who passed away earlier this year.
Also speaking yesterday, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Paul Bugeja said events like the upcoming concert represented added value for tourists visiting Malta and should become an integral part of the country’s brand.
He added that the concert, which will be aired on Sky Arts in the UK as well as other television channels across the world, would serve as valuable advertising for Malta overseas.
As in previous years, standing tickets will be made available to the public free of charge.
Tickets for the concert are available from http://nngpromotions.com .