The artistic director of the Manoel Theatre, Adrian Mamo, had another bright idea (he's an ideas man and tends to follow them up). "I thought you might be interested to know that we will be presenting 12 concerts by young performers in the newly opened Sala Isouard at Teatru Manoel from Monday 18 December to Thursday 4 January as part of our 12 Days of Christmas midday concerts." Would I like to attend any? I knew I would, at least one, this being Yuletide there isn't much time to spare. One has to get on with the mincepies and other fattening frivolities, only to regret eating them minutes later.
This series is intended as an opportunity for music and singing students and recent graduates to perform in front of a live audience. "It's also a gesture to go along with the Christmas season, as all proceeds will be in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund," Adrian added.
Certainly, if you are going to be a performer, the best thing you can do is perform at every opportunity even if it is only in front of your pet. When opportunities do not present themselves then seek them out.
Thomas with his father Dr Patrick Farrugia and his mother Elainia
I am a great believer in encouraging the young in anything which is life enhancing that they undertake. If we don't, who will?
It is difficult to stand before an audience and perform. I recall my piano examinations all those years ago and having to perform a 'List' in front of some tall Englishman I had never seen before. Let us not forget the dreaded 'sight reading.'
In spite of Mass and Holy Communion in the morning, and the medal of St Jude and the Holy Scapular, hidden by my mother in my underwear, I knew in my heart of hearts that no amount of prayers were going to make up for the fact that I had not practiced enough throughout the year... And the tall Englishman was going to find out and would probably fail me.
So, I put myself in Thomas Farrugia's shoes. A 19-year-old, he is not even out of his teens, but has already passed his Diploma in performing while also taking engineering exams. He immediately won my sympathy.
Adrian Mamo, Artistic Director, Manoel Theatre at Sala Isouard
Adrian Mamo gave the performance a touch of the theatrical and walked into the now elegant Isouard Hall wearing a long coat which shimmered with gold thread, and presented the young pianist to the almost full house.
One could see that Thomas was no showman but an earnest young man who took his studies seriously.
I avoid on television creaky dinosaurs, middle-aged rockers, sweaty, slightly soiled at the edges but somehow still attractive to young women, or so it seems; men who have grown old and puffy but also immensely rich. In my view, if they are wearing a beard and a ponytail that makes it even worse. And yet they seem to retain their attraction to many, though not to me. Thomas represented Youth.
Thomas and his teacher Kevin Caruana
He chose to play Liszt's Consolation No 3 and his Libestraum which put me firmly on his side even as he struck the first notes of Liszt's Christmas Tree Suite No 1. The recital was made up entirely of Liszt and Tchaikovsky, two composers from the Romantic period. He played 8 pieces in all, and played them well. Romantic composers bring emotions to the fore in their music and often use the notes they write to paint pictures in a very expressive way. I love them, too.
Besides performing in the annual concert organised by his teacher, (Kevin Caruana) at the Malta School of Arts, Thomas also participated and placed first consecutively in the Maltese Islands festivals (2019/2020).
When I spoke to him he told me that "Music is a way for me to express myself in ways words could not suffice and sharing that experience with any audience will always be a pleasure."
He practices around two hours a day depending on how busy he is with university commitments. When a performance is drawing close "six hours is a common figure in the weekends."
His favourite composers are Liszt and Chopin. "I have always enjoyed playing music from the Romantic period," he told me, and proved it by the music he selected for his recital.
I enjoyed Thomas's playing. There were a few mistakes but even the greatest musicians make mistakes, which, on the whole, have to be ignored. More familiarity with the scores will solve that as will listening to good musicians and of course more practice. Believing in yourself and your own creativity is a must to do anything well. Discouragement of any kind is of the devil. This is what Thomas and other young musicians have to keep in mind.
We know that music makes life better. Music has to convey emotion. It has to move us, and touch our heart and soul. It should trigger emotional responses. I believe that Thomas is on the right path. I enjoyed his playing very much but he needs to loosen up and allow his feelings to show, bring them to the fore and share them with the audience. He needs to be more spontaneous but he is on the right track, as they say. Thank you for the music Thomas.
I shall try to attend at least one of the remaining concerts. There are two more: one on the 2nd and the last two on 3rd and 4th January. Check up the Manoel Theatre website for details. Your presence will encourage the young and you will enjoy the whole experience.
This is an excellent initiative and an excellent idea. We need all the musicians we can get in this world of mostly darkness.
More music awaits us. Fever's International Candlelit Concert Series is now in Malta and at the Phoenicia Malta. Listen to music under the gentle glow of candlelight. Classically-trained musicians will be performing a wide array of music programme from Queen to Vivaldi and more, illuminated by a sea of LED candles, flickering and twinkling. It sounds most promising and a lovely idea for this time of year. For availability of tickets 🎻 Candlelight Concerts in Malta Tickets 2023 | Fever (feverup.com)