Etienne Cutajar
Born in 1983, Etienne Cutajar is a native of Malta and started playing the horn at the age of 10 under the tuition of Paul Borg. Etienne was appointed third Horn of the then National Orchestra of Malta at the age of 18; he resigned the post after two years and went on to pursue a two-year postgraduate course at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Richard Watkins and Michael Thompson on a full scholarship from the ABRSM.
For two consecutive years Etienne was first horn of the European Union Youth Orchestra with Bernard Haitink conducting. He has appeared as guest principal horn with BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Philharmonia Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and London Brass. Since 2006, Etienne has been third horn of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
As a soloist Etienne has appeared at major venues in the UK including the Purcell Room and Wigmore Hall, in Malta, and at many other venues in Europe and the US. During the Edinburgh International Festival of 2006 Etienne took a solo part in Schumann’s Konzertstueck for 4 horns accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, later that year he recorded Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 with Trevor Pinnock and his European Brandenburg Ensemble. In 2007 Etienne released a solo album Fantasie on the UK label Divine art featuring the Fantasie Sonata for Horn and Piano dedicated to him by his compatriot Charles Camilleri, Malta’s greatest living composer. Etienne is a founder member of Carnyx Brass.
Etienne will be giving a public horn recital at Teatru Manoel on 4 November. The programme will contain music for various combinations of instruments from as early as Baroque through to contemporary times. Included in the programme is the monumental Fantasie Sonata for horn and piano by Charles Camilleri and Sea Eagle for solo horn by Peter Maxwell Davies, a Malta premiere.
How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?
I’m a 24 years old and a Sagittarius, born on 2 December 1983.
What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
I’d like to be principal horn player of a major orchestra and be enjoying an international solo career.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
True love.
What is your favourite occupation?
That of musician, of course.
Significant other?
My girlfriend.
What is your greatest fear?
Sea level rising due to drastic climate changes.
What is it that you most value in your friends?
Their honesty and support
How would you like to die?
Hmm, tricky question. Snoozing away in a hammock by the sea while watching the sun going down, but that is something, which is out of my control. Who knows anyway, let’s just thank God for all the things he gave me and enjoy life!
What is your greatest extravagance?
Till now? My CD release Fantasie.
What is your greatest regret?
Not sure but I always do my best to sort out any misunderstandings that may have occurred.
What is your most treasured possession?
My brand new apartment in the UK
Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?
The talent to sing l-ghana Maltija.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being depressed and stuck in a windowless room.
Where would you like to live?
I have many ambitions and I doubt if I’d be lucky to realise them all. I’d like to live in Switzerland or Sweden but Malta is to me a treasure. I’ve been to great places around the world and have seen some amazing stuff, but they all seem to disappear from my memory especially if I don’t feel touched by the environment. However, I never seem to forget about Malta at all, I suspect that Malta is where I feel I can enjoy a relaxed life.
What is your most marked characteristic?
The sound I make when I play the horn, so I’m told anyway.
Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?
My parents and grandparents, without a doubt.
What is it that you most dislike?
Bad weather.
What is your motto?
Never give up.