On April 5th, 2025, contestants and judges arrived from abroad in Malta to participate in a competition with Maltese contestants. The event officially began on Monday, April 7th, with Frank Bonnici, Artistic Director, opening the competition and introducing the programme. He invited Mary-Ann Cauchi from Arts Council Malta to make a presentation on Maltese arts and culture. Following her presentation, Prof. G.W. Pirotta, Ambassador of the Czech Republic, shared insights into the Czech Republic's cultural and musical interactions with Malta.
The performances included:
- A piano recital by Veronika Liskova, showcasing works by A. Scriabin and H. Dutilleux.
- Contestants from the Czech Republic, Malta, Italy, Ukraine, and Tanzania, trained at the Malta School of Music or the Conservatoire in Prague, presenting an array of musical pieces on piano, violin, double bass, electric guitar, and flamenco guitar.
The competition categories spanned three days, covering film music, classical music, traditional pieces, and favourite songs. Contestants performed sonatas, preludes, nocturnes, movements from renowned composers, pop hits like Queen's songs, and themes from famous films such as Schindler's List and The Gladiator. Maltese folk music by Charles Camilleri and Czech folk variations added cultural depth to the event.
Highlights included:
- Adrian Mamo, President of the Malta Society of Arts, presenting the historical significance of the Manoel Theatre, followed by a sightseeing tour of the venue.
- Joe Camilleri's masterclass on percussion and Godfrey Mifsud's workshop on the clarinet.
- Performances of Maltese traditional music Għanja by Kalcidon Vella and Denise Vella.
- Yuri Charyguine's accordion recital and class.
- Masterclasses and lectures by experts such as Mga. Michal Rezak, Brendan Ball, and Diane Brincat on topics ranging from piano techniques to brass instruments.
- A flamenco performance by Rosana Maya (South Africa) and jazz music by Frank Bonnici alongside Anthony Saliba (double bass) and Joe Camilleri (percussions).
Winners of the Competition:
- 1st Prize: Violinist Ester Mullerova - to perform at Ehrbar Hall in Vienna, Austria.
- 2nd Prize: Pianist Ksenia Nykyforenko - to perform in Prague, Czech Republic.
- 3rd Prize: Pianist Julian Mamo - to perform at the Malta Society of Arts.
Each winner will receive gifts in addition to their performances.
Here's looking forward to the next competition which has become so popular.
