Gisèle Grima’s passion for the performing arts was apparent from a young age when she took up dancing and piano. Born in Malta, she began her music training at the age of six. In 2003, Gisèle obtained the LLCM diploma in performance and was subsequently offered the opportunity to undertake studies in Edinburgh after being awarded the Ian Tomlin Malta/Napier Scholarship. She graduated with a First Class Honours degree in music (BMus Hons.) from Napier University in July 2006, having worked on performance under the tutelage of Nicholas Ashton. While an undergraduate, Gisèle was also selected to embark on a short-term course at Tampere Konservatorio in Finland.

Gisèle is an enthusiastic performer and frequently appears as a solo recitalist, accompanist and chamber musician. She has participated in master classes in Malta and the UK with pianists such as Franco Foderà, Ian Brown, Julius Drake and Benjamin Frith. Gisèle has performed in various music festivals including the Stradivari-Lufthansa Competition Festival (Malta), in which she placed second, the Edinburgh Competition Festival, and more recently the Chorlton Arts Festival (Manchester).

Gisèle is very keen to continue developing her musical, artistic and intellectual skills. She is currently studying postgraduate performance with internationally renowned pianist and writer Paul Roberts at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. Next month Gisèle will carry on to specialise in music after having been offered a place to read for a Masters degree in performance at the RNCM.

She will be giving a solo recital as part of this summer’s Malta Arts Festival. Her programme is predominantly French and Spanish highlighting works by Debussy, Ravel, Liszt and Albeniz. This provides a perfect combination to demonstrate the colourful blocks of sound, infectious rhythms and evocative impressions of some of the most exquisite piano music of the early 20th century. The recital will take place on Thursday 16 August at 9pm in the Music Room at St James Cavalier. Tickets are being sold at Lm2 and are available from maltaticket.com, Agenda Bookshops, Exotique outlets, Bookends, News Kiosk Sliema and KSU Vodafone.

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

22. I was born on 8 October 1984. I am a Libra.

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

I’d like to be leading a busy life but still finding time to travel the world.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Achieving my goals, fulfilling my dreams.

What is your favourite occupation?

Tickling those ivories.

Significant other?

Carl, my boyfriend.

What is your greatest fear?

Losing my loved ones, inability to recall cherished memories.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Trust, honesty, empathy and love.

How would you like to die?

Sitting in an armchair, sipping Cristal, celebrating my life.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Classical music CDs. I frequently get the urge to splurge on a handful.

What is your greatest regret?

None great enough to remember.

What is your most treasured

possession?

My Kawai piano – I chose it over a car.

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

I wish I had a natural flair for painting, drawing or designing.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Failure to succeed and unhappiness.

Where would you like to live?

Anywhere as long as the sun shines, the flowers blossom and the rent is cheap.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My determination and confidence.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

Rita Mousù aka Ma.

What is it that you most dislike?

Having nothing to do, dirtiness, overcooked pasta and cockroaches.

What is your motto?

Cherish yesterday, live today and reach for tomorrow.