Did you grow up in Malta and are your parents Maltese?
My parents are both Maltese, from Rabat, where I grew up before moving to England for 6 years to study and work.
Are there musical genes in your family tree?
My mother used to play the violin with the Manoel Youth Orchestra. She is partial to Elvis and Abba, but enjoys musicals too. My uncles love opera, but basically I come from a family of engineers, pharmacists, teachers and accountants - perhaps somewhere in the past someone sang - who knows?
What set you on the road of a musical career and that of opera singing in particular?
I have always loved music; as a child I would sing along to my favourite cartoons and to my mum's compilation cds (you guessed it Elvis and Abba!). I took a liking to musical theatre at a very young age and when I was ten I gave my debut at the Manoel Theatre in Masquerade's production of Annie. I started lessons with Maltese soprano Gillian Zammit in classical voice. I participated in various musicals and concerts.
It was always a dream of mine to study in England and with the help and support of my parents, I moved there at 19 and I completed a 3-year course in Musical Theatre at Hertfordshire Theatre School.
In 2017 I had the opportunity to play 'Christine' in The Phantom of the Opera and I had to go back to my classical roots to train for the role, since then I took an avid interest in opera and obtained an LTCL in Music Performance.
Supported by Arts Council Malta I attended a course in The Melofonetica Method by Dr Matteo Dalle Fratte at the Veneto Opera School. I form part of The Abos Project and Consort - a baroque ensemble and I look forward to also being a part of Opera Nova - an initiative for opera singers by Gillian Zammit and Denise Mulholland.
Apart from singing did you take other courses to help you with your career, drama for example?
I took piano lessons with the late Lina Spiteri from age five, this helped greatly with my singing. After performing in Annie I became a member of Masquerade Theatre Arts School and trained there for many years in Acting, Singing and Dance leading up to my move to England.
I am now also a tutor at Masquerade, I completed an LTCL in Vocal Teaching. I feel that apart from the joy I get from helping my students to excel in their goals, be it exams, performances or just simply improving their singing, it also helps me as a singer, to understand my voice better.
Which cities provide the most opportunities for aspiring opera singers in your view?
I had the opportunity to attend a masterclass in Linz, Austria with Sumi Jo, I feel that it is one of the places where opera is still very much appreciated, as well as Italy.
Have you ever tried shattering a glass with your voice? Do you think this is possible or just a myth?
I have yes - unsuccessfully - if anyone knows the trick please share, I would love to be able to do it sometime!
Have you ever had an embarrassing or unpleasant experience on stage such as voice cracking, zip bursting open, words forgotten?
When I was around 12-13 I played one of the 'royal children' in Masquerade's production of The King and I.
We wore these sort of robes held by a rope; there was a scene where we had to pray to Buddha and freeze in certain positions till we sang the next line - of course the rope loosened and my pre pubescent body was exposed for all to see till the next line. Anthony Bezzina, our director was very strict with us and there was no way I was going to move if he told us to freeze - so I held the position with very red cheeks, till the music came on - still one of my most embarrassing stage incidents.
Do you have a favourite composer and a favourite opera?
I know this is going to be extremely cliché but I love Puccini's Bohème. I feel that even if you are not an opera lover, the music alone is enough to move the coldest of hearts.
What are you going to sing for us on 30 August?
Some lovely popular arias by Gounod and Donizetti as well as a little bit of musical theatre. The programme has something for everyone - of course Verdi features as well and some well known Maltese songs.
What is in your diary after 30 August?
Gianni Schicci at The Aurora Opera House in Gozo, Notte Bianca, a concert with The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and my lovely daughter, Bonnie, starting nursery, which I am probably the most nervous and excited about!
Opera in the Capital with two tenors and Nadia will be accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in St. George's Square, Valletta, on 30th August 2024. Tickets: www.showshappening.com