“Throughout these past weeks, a large number of people have called us to see whether last year’s Bravi is going to be repeated in this year’s schedule of programmes,” said Chilli Promotions manager Ron Scerri. “Unfortunately, and with much regret, the production of this year’s programme is swiftly drawing close to impossible.

“It is a real pity that, notwithstanding the fact that we have already confirmed over Lm50,000 worth of scholarships to the intended winners, have concluded all the logistical arrangements for the production of the programme, that foreign tutors had already confirmed their attendance during the shows and 40 participants were going to compete throughout the whole production (10 more participants than last year), the Board of Directors at One Productions have made this production virtually impossible to stage due to the exorbitant fees we have been asked to pay – more than double what we paid last year,” explained Mr Scerri.

“Mostly, I feel sad not because the programme will not be aired this year but because I feel sorry for all the aspiring youngsters who have talent and were yearning for a platform on which to perform,” he added. “I share in their disappointment because this programme was not a profit-making production but an opportunity for our talented young people to compete for and win four prestigious scholarships abroad.”

In fact, the winner of last season’s Bravi is now embarking on a three-year scholarship at the Cambridge College of Performing Arts College that starts in September and the first runner-up will start a three-year scholarship at Margaret Howard College, also in the UK. The students who came third and fourth also won a one-year scholarship at these two colleges. Two other students will enjoy a one-year scholarship at Stagecoach and another student a scholarship at Moving Bodies.

The management at Chilli Promotions however, are still hopeful that an interested partner in the form of a sponsor will come forward at the 11th hour with an exciting offer.

“All we are asking for is to give these talented youths a chance. From our point of view, if the right opportunity presents itself, we will seize it right away. We are definitely open to any discussions,” Mr Scerri concluded.