Claire Massa graduated from the University of Malta with a BA (Hons) in Music Studies and a PGCE in the teaching of music. She is currently reading for a

Masters in Voice studying with Prof Jerzy Artysz from the Chopin Academy in Warsaw, Poland and Prof Michael Laus from the University of Malta.

Her performances include Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen, The Little Sweep by Benjamin Britten, L’Amico Fritz by Mascagni, Fenena in Verdi’s Nabucco, Gertrude in Romeo and Juliet by Gounod, The Old Lady in Bernstein’s Candide, Madalena in Rigoletto, Mozart’s Requiem, Stabat Mater by Pergolesi, Stabat Mater by A. Tucapsky, Dixit Dominus by Handel and Gloria by A Vivaldi. She has also participated in other musical works. Claire has recorded three CDs: War Requiem by Charles Camilleri, Stabat Mater by G. Abos, and finally works by Benigno Zerafa and other Maltese composers. She was also invited to sing in Germany. She is the founder of Vocalise, a foundation aimed at the training and development of young singers.

Vocalise and St Monica Choir are organising the performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio on 4 January, 2007 at 7.30pm at St John’s Co Cathedral. The concert is in aid of the Augustinian Mission in Tagatay in the Philippines. It will be directed by Hans Jurgen Nagel. Participating in the event are Rosabelle Bianchi, Claire Massa, Charles Vincenti and Peter Kubik, St Monica Choir and Vocalise Chamber Orchestra. Entrance is free.

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How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

I am 33 years old, born on 20 February, 1973. I am a Pisces.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

Having two or three children, and keeping quiet.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Feeling calm and serene.

What is your favourite occupation?

Fortunately or unfortunately, I enjoy most of the things I do, be it singing, teaching or being a housewife. I seem to find pleasure in all these things. But my real favourite is to laze and laze again with a large cup of tea in front of a good soppy film.

What is your greatest fear?

Being let down by those I love and trust.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Honesty, kindness and patience.

How would you like to die?

Not knowing that I died. I hope never to die at the end of a long illness or being of burden to those around me.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Eating chocolate and sleeping.

What is your greatest regret?

Hearing the alarm clock ring in the morning.

What is your most treasured possession?

I have none. I like all the things I have but I don’t attach myself to anything material.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

I love watching people dance. I think it is so beautiful. I would really love to be able to dance, nothing elaborate but just dance decently!

What do you regard as the lowest depth of

misery?

Being alone when you really don’t want to be alone.

Where would you like to live?

I am happy where I live but I would like to live in a house in the countryside with a very large garden or in a house right next to the sea.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My friends say I am always smiling – so I guess it is my smile.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My parents.

What is it that you most dislike?

Injustice.

What is your motto?

Things always happen for a reason. Be

positive.