Gisèle Grima replies
You form part of the Teatru Salesjan's artistic organisational team. How did this all start? What is your role?
Gisèle I became part of Teatru Salesjan in the summer of 2014 when I proposed the idea of having a residential children's choir. When music and children come together the result is simply magical. I have to say that the theatre's directors were immediately cooperative and have given me the right kind of support. The choir is now up and running and I am pleased to say we have a very committed bunch attending the weekly rehearsals with much enthusiasm. I then gradually became involved in coordinating the Young Artists Series concerts which I feel we desperately need on our island at the moment. As a pianist and educator, this is simply part of my job, to nurture and cultivate talent by creating new opportunities that serve as a valuable platform for all those involved including the audience.
Since all the performers are quite young, would you say that the Young Artists Series concerts will attract a younger audience? Why/Why not?
Gisèle One really hopes and aspires to attract a wider audience when it comes to music recitals. It is not always easy but given the performers' ages this time round, we have no doubt that their friends will certainly join in supporting the concert and their playing of course. The experience should not only be one of support but also of appreciation, one that leads to an understanding that the live performance of music can reach out to anyone and everyone.
How were the performers chosen to be part of the Young Artists Series Concerts?
Gisèle We quickly wanted to schedule a few concerts in this year's performance calendar and we were urged to scout and find a group of young classical musicians to perform in the first event which was held in March. We were surprised at the quick response and after listening to their playing, we were delighted to include them. More so because of their enthusiasm and different personalities. For the upcoming concert, we chose to focus on a different type of recital that may open up to a wider audience and so we went with the idea of musical theatre. With so many drama schools around the island focusing on musical theatre, we were not faced with any difficulty in finding potential singers. Eventually we would like to vary our programmes further and open up to those students who perhaps were never given an opportunity to perform in public.
How would you like to see Teatru Salesjan developing in relation to the local classical music scene?
Gisèle The theatre offers a fantastic performance space with a grand piano that must be utilised. Its setting certainly suits classical music recitals so we hope that it will serve its purpose further. Although our aim is to have concerts promoting different music genres, the encouragement to involve projects and performances around classical music education will certainly prevail at the theatre. I would like to see Teatru Salesjan as a theatre worthy of more recognition, one that not only spreads the joy of music-making but also brings people together to share such experiences.
Ella Marie Cardona replies
What is the Young Artists Series and how does it tie in with Teatru Salesjan?
Ella:The Young Artists Series is an opportunity in which local promising talent is encouraged and promoted through a number of concerts. Each concert is aimed at providing young and talented musicians with a launching platform for their career. Teatru Salesjan, as its former name Juventutis Domus suggests, is a house for the young. It forms part of the Salesian Oratory in Sliema, a non-profit organization which helps to provide various educational opportunities for the development of young people. The theatre is a means of reaching out to young creative individuals wishing to develop their performance skills in a holistic manner.
Describe the event to be held this month. What is the audience to expect?
Ella: This season's second concert as part of the Young Artists Series will take place on Saturday 25th April at 8:00pm. The evening will include excerpts from musicals that are loved by the young and old. The participants are Gabrielle Grima (Gisèle's sister), Lara Camilleri, Kristina Frendo and Ramona Galea, all of whom have been studying with renowned tutors on the island. Gisèle and Julia Miller are the accompanists.
The Young Artists Series embraces music with youths. How important is it for student musicians to be given such opportunities?
Ella: Teatru Salesjan makes it a point to encourage and promote such events where young musicians are offered the theatre and possibility to perform in front of an audience to showcase their talent. This is seen as a golden opportunity especially since such musical events in Malta are currently lacking.
What in your opinion do you see is the future of Teatru Salesjan as a centre for culture and creativity?
Ella: Teatru Salesjan has now been in operation since 1908. So, for more than 100 years it has served as a place of inspiration for all those individuals wishing to cultivate and contribute in building a stronger and creative society. The theatre is and will continue in the future to serve its original purpose - by acting as a 'home' where new creative works can be developed. By creating workshops and other creative sessions, the theatre will also serve as a school, by engaging young people through non-formal education. Last but not least, Teatru Salesjan will serve as a 'playground' where individuals are given the opportunity to share, discuss and develop innovative artistic concepts, fostering healthy dialogue through creativity and culture.
(The concert will take place on Saturday 25th April at 8pm at Teatru Salesjan, Howard Street, Sliema at 8pm. Tickets may be obtained at the door against a donation of Euros 7).