Charles Buttigieg, an 18-year-old baritone scholar from Gozo, has been admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in the US, the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation has announced. 

He was selected after auditioning before an admissions panel in Philadelphia with the support of the Foundation.

The Curtis Institute has produced some of the world’s best musical talent over the years, including Leonard Bernstein.

Mr buttigieg said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been accepted. I worked very hard to get to this stage and will redouble my efforts to make a success of this wonderful opportunity.

“I would like to thank everyone that has helped me in my development so far, including Juliette Bisazza, the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, and of course Joseph himself who has been a pillar of support and inspiration.”

Mr Calleja said he was delighted to hear the news.

“Charles already has an idea of the dedication and patience required to become a
professional opera singer and this is the first step in a long and difficult journey.

But he has a rare talent that can only flourish at such an outstanding academy and I cannot congratulate him enough on this achievement.

“Great credit is due to Juliette Bisazza, Charles’ voice coach, who has worked with him fora number of years and prepared him so well for this audition. Well done to both,” Mr Calleja said.

The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians to engage a local and global community through the highest level of artistry.

One of the most selective schools in the United States, Curtis accepts an average of just four per cent of applicants each year, and a tuition-free policy ensures that talent and artistic promise are the only considerations for admission.