Can you give us some background about your life and your studies?

My life revolves around singing and basically my job is my life. There is not much of a gap between the two, even if I am always trying to find it.

My life for the past ten years has been training, studying, auditioning and trying to make a name for myself in the industry.

I was training in London for five years, then I went to Frankfurt Opera House for another two years, at the Opera Studio. And this is now my second season working as a free-lancer.

Verdi's Requiem stands as one of

the most profound statements on life and death ever set to music, blending the drama of his operas with the solemnity of the Latin mass. This is not the first time you are taking part in this famous masterpiece. Could you please give us some comments as to how it has touched you?

Yes, I sang some pieces from it, but this is the first time I will sing it in full with chorus as well.

Personally, I find the beautiful communion between Verdi's music and the requiem mass setting very touching. Throughout Verdi's music you can feel his respect for the Latin mass setting while he gives it a very human touch which I find very inspiring.  It truly elevates you from beginning to end.

This masterpiece transcends the boundaries of a traditional mass. From the thunderous, apocalyptic "Dies Irae" to the tender "Lacrimosa," the Requiem grips the soul and takes listeners on a breathtaking journey through life, death, and redemption. You have a very important singing role in this masterpiece. Is there any section that you particularly enjoy?

Indeed the mezzo soprano part has a very important leading role in this piece, particularly after the first appearance of the Dies Irae. I find that all my parts are so well written that the music truly just flows naturally. But since you ask me to choose, maybe my favourite is the Recordare which is a duet with the soprano. Such sublime music!

Do you think that being emotional with your voice is more important than hitting high notes?

Emotion is expressed through every note, technique is there to help you express emotion and sing in the right way with the best mechanisms that eventually create the best sound. Recently I learnt that being overly emotional doesn't necessarily mean a better quality performance.

What challenges do you face as a mezzo soprano?

Being a great singer especially on an operatic stage, is literally a game of overcoming obstacles and still delivering a good standard of singing.

The costume is in the way, the lights are too bright and you cannot see the conductor, your voice is tired from travelling the day before, or because you're still recovering from a cold, you cannot hear the orchestra very well or they are playing too loudly. The director on stage wants a particular emotion but the conductor is asking for something totally different... and so it goes on. Once you are able to juggle all these things and can still deliver good quality singing then you have won the performance.

Other things not related to performance, which are not easy to juggle include keeping the balance between study, keeping your social media active, making sure your accounts are on point, organising travelling and study sessions/lessons and so on.  But being constantly on the road is probably the hardest bit, especially when you're working in new places which are unfamiliar and you're out of your comfort zone.

What is your favourite and least favourite aspect of being a singer?

Favourite is meeting new people and old and new colleagues and always finding family and bonding with people wherever I go. One thing is certain: this career certainly keeps you on the move, therefore you also really need to be ready for constant change; to be flexible and this helps you grow so much as a person.

Least favourite, is probably the fact that you really need to be on your toes, especially with deadlines and having to study and practice almost every single day. I love performing but to get there first you need to go through the process of learning, which requires a lot of patience and perseverance.

Any Maltese singer you particularly admire?

Many. We are a very talented nation, maybe due to the sun or the sea but who knows. However, Malta and Gozo have a great deal of talent and not only in singing.

Which world famous singer do you particularly admire?

As a mezzo soprano I look up to Elina Garanĉa, the Latvian mezzo-soprano.  She's had an incredible career which I admire.

Did you ever have a mentor?

Always, more than one mentor actually in different phases of my career, the people you trust professionally are very crucial in this business. I have been very lucky and have always found people in my life that guide me to the right path. From home I've always had sound advice from tenor Joseph Calleja and soprano Gillian Zammit, amongst others who have had words of wisdom and encouragement.

Which useful piece of advice have you been given in connection with singing?

To always be authentic, to stick to your gut feeling. Advice comes from everywhere: many people will tell you different things and what to do and should not do. What works for them may not work for you and vice-versa. So yes, I listen and learn but tend to follow my gut feeling.

What are your projects for the coming year?

My season is full of exciting debuts

including the Barbican Centre in London, La Monnaie/De Munt in Brussels with some more Wagner and Mahler's 8th Symphony. Back to Firenze for Salomé.  Then there's UK in summer singing some Handel. And my debut at the Paris Opéra, repertoire to be announced later on.

NOW FOR SOME QUESTIONS SO WE CAN GET TO KNOW  YOU BETTER

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having a clear mind and a calm soul, being at peace and sharing special moments with the people you love.

What is it that you most dislike?

Egoism and lack of common sense.

What is your greatest fear?

Not learning the music in time for the performance. I am haunted by this daily. Yes, I guess not reaching the standard of performance I have set myself worries me a good deal.  Another fear is that of losing out on personal moments with my close ones because of my career.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Probably food. Once in a while it's lovely to indulge in a specially good meal.  And let me also add shoes to this list. I am much less extravagant than Imelda Marcos but I do love shoes.

Do you have a code that you live by?

What is meant to be for me, nothing and no one can take. Life always shows you and takes you to your path.

What is your favourite journey?

Dreaming of goals and years later actually seeing them happen. Fulfilling my dreams and reaching the goals I have set myself makes the everyday sacrifices all worthwhile.