An MADC theatre production of Muriel Spark's classic novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie took home the People's Choice award at the inaugural edition of Malta's Il-Premju għall-Arti on Friday night. 

The Teatru Manoel red carpet event saw Oliver Friggieri's lifelong dedication to Maltese literature honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award, with London-based designer Francis Sultana named Ambassador of the Arts. 

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which entered the awards ceremony with the highest number of nominations, picked up the Best Production award for Symphony No. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven, Europe Day Concert. 

Pianist Charlene Farrugia won a Best International Achievement award for her performances overseas, while children's festival ŻiguŻajg was named the year's Best Artistic Programme.

The Premju Għall-Arti celebrates the best artistic work premiered between September 1 2016 and August 31, 2017. It is organised by Arts Council Malta. 

Apart from the People's Choice Award, which is voted on by members of the public, award winners are selected by a jury of experts and Arts Council Malta representatives. Nominees are entered by open call.  

Winners received a glass and ceramic sculpture by Maltese artist Kane Cali.

“These awards are another way in which we recognise and encourage excellence in the arts, as well as strengthening the sector so as to foster its further growth,” said Culture Minister Owen Bonnici. 

List of winners

Best project in the community
Aħdar id-Deżert
Opening Doors Association

Best International Achievement
Charlene Farrugia’s international performance
Charlene Farrugia

Best work for young audiences
Fanfare Family Concert
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra

Best Artistic Programme or Season
ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People 2016
Fondazzjoni Kreattività

Best Creative Enterprise
Anvil Game Studios

Young Artist of the Year
Matthew Schembri

Artist of the Year
Moveo Dance Company (Dorian Mallia, Diane Portelli)

Production of the Year
Symphony No. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven, Europe Day Concert 

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra
People’s Choice Award

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
MADC

Ambassador for the Arts Award
Francis Sultana

Lifetime Achievement Award
Prof Oliver Friggieri

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