Most of the country will be tuned into PBS tonight as a mixture of new faces, established singers and some former winners take centre stage at the MFCC Millennium Stand Ta’ Qali for Eurosong 2009. 20 songs will compete for one of three places in the super final as decided by a panel of foreign judges. The three chosen songs will then battle through televoting for the right to represent Malta at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow between 12 and 16 May. Josanne Cassar spoke to all the participants, to give you a round up of who’s who
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How the 20 finalists were chosen
There were 182 submissions and from these, the jury selected 56. Then the TV programme Euroshowbox started and viewers had the chance to vote along with a new, second jury. On the last programme the votes were opened by notaries, with 15 finalists chosen by the second jury and 5 finalists chosen by the public.
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1. The Elements – Ha Hi Hu (Carm Fenech)
David Ellul Mercer
Day job: Architect & Civil Engineer
“This is the first time I’m competing and in fact, we formed the group especially for Eurosong. However, Andrew, Gillian and myself have performed together in the past four editions of Voices, in which I was also a soloist. I’ve taken part in several musicals and Pantos. I used to form part of the a capella group Akaphellas.
Music is what allows me to take my mind off work and relax after the stresses of the day. Winning would be an opportunity to perform on one of the most prestigious stages in Europe, in front of probably the year’s largest audience. It would be a fantastic experience.”
Gillian Portelli
Day Job: kindergarten teacher
“Singing has always been my passion. My first experience on stage was at the age of four, singing in a festival Kantatfal. I’ve been with the Voices choir since 2000, and a backing vocalist for the Youth Song Festival and National Orchestra Goes Pop.
I attended Stage Coach and completed a course in TV presenting with Where’s Everybody. I have taken part in two Pantos and appeared in TV commercials.
After making it through to the final night of Eurosong, I am now excited to be embarking on this adventure together with my fellow Elements. I hope my bubbly and exuberant personality will shine through when I sing on stage.”
Andrew Barberi
Day job: residential social worker
“This is the first time for me.
At age 18 I joined Voices and have had solos in each edition. In 2006, I was honoured to be the first recipient of the Louis Naudi Award – a one year singing tuition with Denise Mulholland.
I attended Masquerade for around seven years and have taken part in various musicals, Pantos and acted on television.
Music and the Performing Arts have always been a hobby for me. Winning the festival would mean a break through in the local music industry. The Eurosong is the most prestigious song festival in Malta and therefore participating in it this year is already a dream come through. Representing Malta in the Eurovision would definitely be a lot of work, but a great experience, both personally and also in my singing career.”
Justine Bezzina
Day job: accounts clerk
“I’ve already taken part once, in 2005.
I’ve been singing for about 13 years and I’ve been performing on TV since then. I’ve participated in a lot of festivals and in 2003 I was chosen to be a backing vocalist with Lynn Chircop in Latvia, a great experience!
Winning would mean a lot because every singer here in Malta wants to win this festival, and whoever wins will get a lot of publicity not just here but all over Europe.”
2. Baklava – Kamikaze Lover (Philip Vella/Gerard J. Borg)
Joseph Chetcuti
Day job: Lawyer
“This is the second time for me, my first time was way back in 1998 with a group called Orion. In 1999 I presented the festival with Mariella Scerri. In 2006
I was part of the Vertigo team when we represented Malta in Helsinki – it was amazing!
This group was formed for Eurosong 2009 and is very fresh. We’ve all taken part in many local classical performances and some of us have been abroad as members of the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra.
As for our respective professions, we’re a beautiful mix I would say. Tiziano is a hotel manager, Joseph is a teacher and Elaine is an aspiring teacher, Annaliza is a journalist (with The Malta Independent) and me, well I’m lawyer, TV presenter/producer and musician – it’s really a colourful burst of energy!
Winning this festival would be amazing, exhilarating and simply magical!”
3. J. Anvil – Choose your number (Augusto Cardinali/Giovann Attard)
Day Job: Sales & Marketing with Favourite Channel
“This is the third time I’m taking part (previous editions were 2005, 2006). In 2007 I presented the festival with Stephanie Spiteri.
I started singing very late in my career as I studied dancing first. Thank God, in these past four years I have had loads of opportunities apart from the festival itself, to perform abroad and on various TV programmes.
At the moment, I’m producing and presenting two programmes one of which is Saturday Night which features live entertainment.
The fact that I’m in the final already means a lot to my team. I believe that with my style of songs there will always be an impact, whether good or bad. Our song this year is very groovy and unique. Finally, ‘break a leg to all” and may the winning song bring good results.”
4. Wayne Micallef – Where you belong (Wayne Micallef/Luke Ambrogio)
Day job: Full time musician and producer
“This is my third time in the festival; the first two times were with my sister and brother in a group called The Mics. This time I’m a little more relaxed about the whole thing because I’m only focusing on me, rather than the whole band, and just trying to deliver a passionate performance. I started when I was only 7 – my Dad is a musician and he used to get me up on stage to sing with his band.
I recently came back from a two and a half year tour of the UK where I was the lead singer/keyboards in a band. Performing abroad was a very mind opening experience and made my realize just how much talent there is in the world, which makes it even harder for people who come from this tiny island. I recently had two hit songs which made it to number 5 in Malta’s top 10. I’ve just released my new single called I Need to Know which is currently number 2 in the Malta People’s charts. Obviously, everyone is after the number one spot and I’m no different but I’m not the type of guy to obsess about it. I look at it as another way to promote and perform my music, but if my name comes up tonight it will be an honour and privilege to represent my country abroad.”
5. Classic Rebels – Tonight at the opera (Ralph Siegal/John O’Flynn)
Ivan Attard
Day job: Delivery person with Grech’s Bakery
“For me it’s the first time.
The formation of our group was specifically for the Eurosong but from the very beginning we felt that this was the birth of something promising and that there is a long journey in front of us.
As a tenor, I used to perform with several church choirs. My wife, who has always believed in me, encouraged me to perform in several cultural events in Gozo, and TV programmes. After winning Pjazza 2008 the feedback I got encouraged me to keep going. Today, I’m living a dream which I had never dared to dream, This is a new chapter in my life, I’m in the Eurosong finals.
I deeply wish music that could be my fulltime profession. I hate using the word ‘winning’, but I love the words “reaching successfully for more”. Two companies SONY and MGB are behind us (which will cover all expenses to Russia) and they can help us a great deal.
Winning the festival is the best way to give life to the music projects I have in my heart.”
Dario Mifsud Bonnici
Day job: Salesperson
“This is the first time I’m taking part.
I started singing at the age of 15 at the Euro Institute of music. In 2006 I took part in the programme L-Isfida and placed fourth. I have taken part in various musicals and last year Eleonor Cassar and I sang a duet and came second in the competition Simply Music.
Winning the festival might mean the start of a professional music career, perhaps on MTV, well anyway, that is my aim.”
Aldo Busuttil
Day job: Communications Officer with government entity
“This is the second time I am taking part in Eurosong. The first time was in 2005. This group was formed as part of Ralph Siegel’s project coordinated by our manager Grace Borg.
I started vocal coaching with the mezzo-soprano Marie Therese Vassallo in November 2000. My first major public appearance was in The University of Malta Student’s Festival and since then I’ve been performing on a regular basis on TV and in classical concerts. I now study voice technique, repertoire and interpretation under the supervision of dramatic soprano Antoinette Miggiani.
I used to be a “full time” singer but I soon realised that I was getting the pay of a part timer. Unfortunately in show business especially in hotels in Malta, it is not how good you are but who you know!
Gaining more popularity and contacts is an exciting experience and it would an honour to represent my country in this international popular festival.
James Saliba
Day job: Psychology graduate
“This is my first time in the Eurosong.
My very first audition was to sing at a Sixth Form soiree. From that I auditioned for a TV show called Hot Spot. This lead to my attendance at Masquerade, where I spent about two years. Now I am currently undergoing training in Bel Canto with Alice Horne, with whom I have done several amateur productions and concerts. I am also currently competing as a finalist on the TV show The Academy.
Winning this festival would be a unique experience and an honour to be part of bringing the “Gold” home to Malta.
6. Victorio Gauci/Dorothy Bezzina – Promises (Chan Vella/Alexia Schembri)
Victorio Gauci
Day job: front office agent in a hotel
“This is my first time. I have been submitting songs for six years and now with the support of my loved ones, the composer and author we have successfully made it to the finals.
Dorothy and I have performed together before and have even won a festival.
I have been singing for 12 years, participated in local and international festivals and have also won some of them. I studied voice and music at the Vocaltech College in London and took part in a musical at the London Palladium. I’ve taken part in several musicals and sing in various hotels and also at weddings. I was a resident singer on Showtime Stairway to Success, and now on Allegria.
I wish music were my fulltime profession because it’s the one thing I love to do most.
If we had to win this festival it would be a big surprise for me and my family. It would also be a great pleasure and honour for me to represent Malta, holding that flag high with such passion… it would mean a lot to me.”
Dorothy Bezzina
Day job: student (MA in Interpreting)
“This is my first time in the finals.
I made my debut on stage at a very young age, and have performed in various musicals. In May I will be playing the part of Lucy in Masquerade’s theatre production of Jekyll and Hyde. I’ve sung solos with Voices, and had good placings in various festivals.
I am one of seven children and singing and harmonising together come naturally to us.
It is quite difficult to take up music as a full time profession here, especially if you have nothing to fall back on, given that the music industry might not work out well for you. I do sing at weddings and other occasions, but I intend to pursue my studies before chasing my dream.
I would certainly be delighted to win the festival, but I feel there’s more to it than simply winning, especially since this is my first time. I treasure the friendships built and the memorable moments of this whole new experience.”
7. Chiara – What if We (Marc Paelinck/Gregory Bilsen)
(Day job: secretary – Water Services Corporation)
“This is the third time I’m taking part in this festival, I took part in 1998 and 2005 and I won both times.
I like to watch it every year and I always wish I were there. Some people might say that I should take a break, but I feel that this is the only big showcase for musicians in Malta so why not try again? Another reason I am back is that it was always my father’s dream that one day Malta would win the Eurovision.
I wish this was my full time profession but unfortunately it is very difficult to earn a living just from music. This is a tourist island, so work is very seasonal.
Winning this festival would mean a great deal this time; it would bring me great happiness and a chance to finally win the Eurovision, especially when I have been so close to winning before. Mostly it would make my father’s dream come true which is very important for me.”
8. Rosman Pace: One Million Ways (Rosman Pace)
“This is my fifth time.
My career started at the age of eight. I’ve participated in various festivals and shows both locally and abroad, and am very proud to have won a number of international song contests on behalf of my country. I have been working with some very well known English producers, and will be releasing an album later on this year.
I have been involved in many musical productions and was a resident singer on a leading TV show.
If I am fortunate enough to represent Malta in the Eurovision it would be a dream come true. It has been my aspiration since I was a kid after watching Mary Spiteri placing third in Sweden for Malta. Just winning the Malta Eurosong is amazing on its own considering the incredibly talented singers and songwriters we have. We all have dreams we want to conquer and when it’s so close but you can’t grasp it, sometimes it’s easier to throw in the towel! But I know I can do this, for my country and for myself.”
9. Q – Before you Walk Away (Paul Giordimaina/ Fleur Balzan)
Fiona
Day job: Secretary
“This is the 7th time I’m taking part and we formed this group especially for Eurosong.
I am mainly known as a wedding singer, and also remembered particularly as the singer with the motorbike!
I have a background of participation in festivals but my most successful three participations, were an award in 2001’s International Festival of the Maltese Song for the most promising young talent. In the International TV song festival 2007, I placed third with Paul Giordimaina and Fleur Balzan’s song Lilek Habbejt and on representing Malta abroad with the same song 5 months after, I was pleased to place second in Bulgaria’s Discovery Festival 2008. So far that has been my greatest achievement.”
Leontine
Day job: Assistant Head at Zebbug primary school
“I’ve been taking part since I was 16, with lots of breaks in between – partly through choice and sometimes because my songs got stuck in the semi-final phase. A number of us have already sung together as a group, but we might have more songs as Q in the future... who knows?
I started singing at the age of 9 and at 15 I got my first assignment as a TV presenter for a kids’ show. Since then I’ve been involved in tens or hundreds of projects I guess! Music or let’s say the stage is my life... or has it taken over my life?!
I would really love it as my full time job... however I love my profession (as long as children are around, I’m happy!) Winning the festival as part of Q would be a big reward for all the sacrifices and hard work we’ve done. Speaking personally, winning would be another milestone in my second career and an honour for myself, my family and my country.”
Pamela
Day job: Speech and Language Pathologist
“It’s my 5th time this year. I started in 2005 and have managed to be in the finals or semi- finals each time.
I started my singing career when I was 12 and took part in a number of festivals. In 1999 I won the Youth’s Festival with a song written and composed by myself. I’ve also taken part in various musicals, concerts as well as festivals abroad.
I also teach vocal technique and singing with a musical theatre school.
Winning the festival would mean another great experience and a great responsibility to represent my country in such a well-known contest. It would also mean broader exposure for me (and us!) throughout Europe. It would be great to win it with the singers in Q and the team behind us as they are great singers, great musicians, great friends and so professional in their work.
I could not ask for more!”
Glen Vella
Day job: Learning support assistant
This is my third time and each time has been different. In 2005 I participated as a soloist, last year I sang a duet with Pamela and this year I’m with a group. I’m very excited about this performance.
I’ve been working on television since I was young, and was a resident singer on Kalamita. Apart from that I have always been involved in musicals, local festivals and concerts.
I spent 5 years doing music full time until I graduated and started working as a learning support assistant.
Winning this festival would be a super buzz and a great achievement for which I have been working hard for many years. My fingers are crossed for this year.”
Luca Xuereb
Day job: full time musician
“This is the first time I’m taking part.
Normally I work as a pianist-singer in weddings, functions and hotels. My band and I used to be residents on Showtime and Allegria.
Winning this festival would be the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me as a singer. We’d go crazy for sure!”
10. Kylie Coleiro – Let it shine (Andrew Zahra/Joe Julian Farrugia)
Day job: student
“I have taken part five times in the Junior Song for Europe but this is my first Eurosong. I am the youngest singer this year.
I started singing at the age of eight in local talent shows and festivals. I have also been a resident singer in various TV programmes.
I would like to thank my friends and teachers at St. Francis Secondary school especially Sr. Edmondina for their constant support, which I really appreciate.
If I win this contest I will start believing that miracles do happen... just kidding. It would be a great achievement, and I wouldn’t mind winning at all, of course!”
11. Jamie Tonna – Where Was I? (Jason Paul Cassar/Mario J. Farrugia)
Day job: full time musician
“This is the first time for me. I started singing at the age of 7, and formed part of a 5 piece band in the UK at age of 8. I also play keyboards. I’m currently a resident singer on the TV show Kalamita.
Singing and playing is my full-time job, and I am currently working 5 days a week in different hotels around Malta. It would be an honour to represent Malta in the Eurovision Contest and an experience of a lifetime.”
12. Christine Barbara – Life is an Opera (Rita Pace)
Day job: Student
“This is my first time. I started singing at a young age and discovered my passion for classical singing while attending vocal training with acclaimed soprano, Gillian Zammit.
Since then I’ve participated in various festivals, both locally and abroad. I sang at festivals in Bucharest and Egypt when I was just fourteen years old. I also took part in the first Junior Eurovision and was one of the six finalists. When I was 13 I was the resident singer on Time machine. At 16 I took part in L-Isida, which was a very rewarding experience for me. I have performed with the Junior College orchestra both in Malta and abroad.
At the moment I am studying for my voice diploma and I intend to make music my fulltime profession.
Winning the festival would obviously be a very satisfying experience and would certainly open a lot of doors for me. It would give me the opportunity to meet new people with different musical abilities and varying musical styles.”
13. Eleanor Cassar – Someday (Paul Giordimaina /Fleur Balzan)
Day job: Fulltime singer
“This will be my sixth time in the finals.
I started singing at the age of 11 and participated in various young talent festivals and won on several occasions. When I was 14 I was asked to support various well -known singers as a backing vocalist. I also take part in musicals and dramatic productions with the SKENE group.
I have done very well in foreign and local festivals, often placing first - most notably L-Ghanja tal-Poplu and Indifest.
Together with my band, I sing at receptions, wedding Masses etc. Last December I started training and working on a local radio station (Calypso Radio) as a DJ.
It would surely be an experience to represent Malta in the Eurovision. Not that it would be my first time representing my country, but this festival is the most popular here in Malta. Besides it gives you a good exposure across Europe and that could bring about international opportunities as well.”
14. Raquela – Crossroads (Philip Vella/Gerard J. Borg)
Day job: Administration in a private firm
“This is my first time.
I started singing quite by chance, when I participated in the St. Aloysius’s College soiree. Other musicals and solo performances soon followed, including my participation in Voices with whom I have performed as a soloist. In October 2007 Ludwig Galea and I won a competition, and got the chance to perform alongside Mick Hucknall from Simply Red.
Unfortunately, singing is not my fulltime profession, although I have been asked to perform in private functions on several occasions.
Winning is an achievement I have not really considered as yet. Being present among all the finalists is an honour in itself. Let’s hope all goes well, in the first place! Winning would mean the public’s belief in my song and my representation in the upcoming competition taking place in Russia. This will certainly give me the strength to face the future.”
15. Miriam Christine – Mama (Miriam Christine Warner)
Day Job: Vocal coach and directs The Gozo Children’s Choir
“This is my fourth time. My first experience was in 1995; I then took part in 1996, aged only 17, and won. I went on to place 10th at the Eurovision and to this day, it is still a great memory. My last participation was in 1998 after which I decided to take a break from Eurosong and concentrate on other projects, which included two CD albums, several music videos and concerts abroad.
I’ve decided to take part after an absence of 11 years, because I wanted to experience the Eurosong the way it is today. I also wanted to reach out to the public again after taking a break to have a baby.
I started singing and playing the piano when I was six years old. Over the years, I have won several festivals, and travelled to different countries.
When I won I was still a child and I didn’t quite fully understand what was going on around me. I have gained so much experience over the years, and I feel that now I have so much more to give. Winning the Eurosong would be like winning it for the first time – to be there representing your country is the experience of a lifetime.”
16. Avalon – Georgina & Ruth Casingena (Paul Abela/Joe Julian Farruga)
Ruth Casingena
Day job: Teacher of voice and piano
Producer/director of Journey.
“This is the first time I’m taking part. Avalon was formed for the festival - Georgina and I had never performed together before this.
I’m a classically trained musician and my repertoire ranges from Renaissance to contemporary. I furthered my music studies at the De Singel Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium, and have performed operatic, sacred and chamber music both locally and abroad. I have also been involved in musical theatre and acted in plays, film and on several TV series. I was the resident singer on Saga, and vocal coach and judge for Bravi. I am currently working with vocal coach Denise Mulholland on extended technique and interpretation.
I hope that winning this festival triggers off a new page for Eurosong – an era of mass appreciation of the different genres of music, where different categories of songs and voices will come together into a celebration of Maltese talent, which is healthy for both public and performers.”
Georgina
“I’ve taken part about six times. I won in 1991 as a duet with Paul Giordimaina with the song Could it be and we placed sixth in the Eurovision in Rome.
I enjoy taking part, and then this year as a duet with Ruth
Casingena, it’s a different experience. This song is very original. It mixes Ruth’s classical style with my style of pop and I think the combination has worked well.
I’ve been singing for quite a while now. I have represented Malta at the Eurovision as a singer, composer, backing vocalist and author, a feat which I’m very proud of, placing 6th, 3rd, 10th, and 9th respectively. Besides that I have taken part in numerous festivals, TV appearances, etc.
I don’t work, but I sing in concerts and a few events, TV and so on and I take care of my family.
Winning would mean another experience and a big responsibility, but I’ve done it before and I haven’t done too badly either!”
17. Alison Ellul – Typical Me (Philip Borg/Gerard J. Borg)
Day job: Data Marketing Executive with Vodafone
I have taken part four times, three of which were as a duet with my sister Annalise.
I have been singing and dancing from the tender age of six, taking part in various festivals both in Malta and abroad, and winning prestigious titles. I studied music and play the piano and have also performed on TV. The highlight of my career till now has been performing with James Brown in Russia, where I won the International Artist Award.
I studied at Paul McCartney’s School of Performing Arts and later joined a UK girl band for over a year. I read for a media degree at the University of Manchester and just finished my Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of Malta.
I started presenting radio programmes when I was ten years old, and presented and produced a number of TV programmes. My current show is called Trekking where the crew follow adventurous people around on their travels. I recently launched a single, Gold Blinds, as a solo artist.”
18. Trilogy – The song in your heart (Paul Abela/Joe Julian Farrugia)
Eleanor Spiteri
Day job: Nurse
“This will be my third time. The idea for Trilogy came from performing in musical productions; that is where we all met. Mro. Paul Abela came up with this idea of forming a group and Joe Julian Farrugia came up with the name. We have done quite a lot of travelling abroad such as in Bulgaria where we placed first in the Discovery Festival.
I started singing with ActReact’s Malta Children’s Choir directed by Ray Mangion at the age of 12 and took part in various musicals. I later took part in several Masquerade productions.
I participated in the TV programme Hotspot, placing second out of 50 contestants and was one of the resident singers on Tista Tkun Int. In July 2008, I had the great opportunity to sing the American National Anthem in front of a crowd of 40,000 people at the San Francisco Giants Stadium.
It would be absolutely amazing to win! It would truly be an honour for me to represent Malta together with my friends and singing partners Roger and Daniel. I know that experiences like these will never be forgotten.”
Roger Tirazona
Day job: Teacher of Personal and Social Development
“This is my seventh time and my third time with Trilogy. In 2006 we placed third and in 2007 we placed second.
I’ve been performing in musical theatre since the age of 9. My first big break was performing Javert in the concert version of Les Miserables at the age of 18. I studied and still study voice at the Johann Strauss School of Music. Mostly my career grew from the theatre and I owe much to my participation in musicals, which has led to various concerts both with Trilogy and as a soloist.
I also work in music production as a recording studio engineer.
Winning the festival this year would mean a lot to me. It would be a great honour to once again carry the Maltese flag to an international festival. Secondly, Moscow is my second home as my wife is Russian and half of our family is there. I think we would be great ambassadors for our country especially since I am learning to speak the language. My in-laws have told me, “Roger do your best and we hope Trilogy will win so we will come to Moscow and support you”.”
Daniel Debono
Day job: works for FIMbank
“This is my second time. I was asked to join Trilogy about a year after it had been formed. I have been appearing on television from a young age hosting shows such as Owkej. I was involved in theatre as a teenager and eventually placed third in the first edition of L-Isfida. I went on to the UK to perform the role of Rooster in the musical Annie in Staffordshire. I am a DJ on Radio 101 and a fan of contemporary country music.
I’m an International Relations graduate and from a young age my dream has been to become an ambassador so representing Malta would in a way partially fulfil that dream! Representing my country in Russia would also be special for me because it is a country which interests me – in fact, my dissertation was on Russian contemporary politics. I even spent one year studying Russian, although I must admit all I remember now is how to read and write the language.”
19. Claudia Faniello – Blue Sonata (Ray Agius)
Day job: Fulltime singer
“This is the fourth time for me. Last year I placed second year and third with Caravaggio and Sunrise respectively.
I have participated in many TV shows and festivals both here and abroad, and have been invited to various events such as Top Sprint in Sicily as a special guest.
With my brother Fabrizio I produced the song for the charity Puttinu Cares.
Winning this festival would be a reward for the hard work we have done in these past few years.”
20. Klinsmann – Butterfly sky (Klinsmann Coleiro/Joe Julian Farrugia)
Day job: Musician
“This is my third time. The first time I took part in 2007 I placed third with She Gives me Wings.
I have been singing and playing since the age of 10, so I have a lot of experience on TV, musicals festivals, concerts both in Malta and abroad. I’m working on some of my original material in England with my producer and my management company.
At the moment I’m taking my career very seriously and I’m working very hard to improve it day by day.
Winning the festival for me would be a big achievement as I’m only 18 years old. I love playing the guitar (for those who say I don’t I’m quite happy to play live in front of them) and writing my own music, so showing my talent to the whole of Europe would be a dream come true for me.”