This concert brings together your voice and Patrick Hamilton's piano artistry. What drew you to collaborate with him, and how has the experience been so far?
Patrick has a long-standing history as a music producer, having worked with leading international artists. We met a few years ago while working on a project together in Malta. Even then, I could see his extraordinary musical sensibility and professionalism. I loved his neo-classical piano pieces, music style and improvisation. Let me add that this is the third time that Din L-Art Helwa has invited me to sing at their Christmas concert, but the first time that I am sharing the evening with Patrick.
From the very beginning, there was an instant connection, both creatively and personally. I trusted my instincts completely, knowing that working with Patrick could allow me to fully immerse myself in music every single day. Love and music have been intertwined in this journey, and that has made the collaboration incredibly inspiring and truly transformative.
Music is now my primary and only profession. It is multi-faceted and endlessly layered, and I continue to explore and learn new things every day. My understanding of music has deepened, and it has inspired me in ways I never imagined possible.
Patrick's compositions are known for their cinematic and emotional depth. How do his original works complement your vocal repertoire?
Patrick's compositions have deeply inspired me throughout my musical journey. We work together often, constantly sharing ideas and exploring new directions. Through his music, I discovered that my voice can live in many different genres, not just classical or operatic. His work is rooted in emotion, and that's something I truly feel. It touches my heart, and interpreting his music carries both responsibility and purpose for me.
There is still so much more I want to explore and so much I have yet to discover. For example, we recently performed at the launch of a new museum in Belgium called Brusk. It was an entirely new composition by Patrick, neo-classical, cinematic, and deeply atmospheric. I'm very grateful to have been part of the creative process. We exchanged ideas, improvised together, and I wrote the lyrics. Sometimes you just need a little bit of patience in life and destiny leads you the way.
You've performed on many prestigious stages. What makes this Christmas concert special for you personally?
Performing at Our Lady of Victory Church is deeply special to me. It's always meaningful to perform in my homeland, where my musical journey began, and to reflect on how far I've come. But above all, I have always believed in preserving our local heritage and protecting the treasures that make Malta unique.
Our Lady of Victory Church is one of these treasures. Built in 1566, immediately after the Great Siege of Malta and funded by Grand Master de Valette, it holds immense historical significance. In fact, the church was so important to the Grand Master that he was originally entombed there.
I am truly proud and excited to be giving an intimate Christmas concert in such a beautiful and historically important place. Moreover the acoustics are great. And I am equally happy that I will be sharing this special night with Patrick and special friends at Din L-Art Helwa.
The programme blends opera classics, festive favourites, and original piano works. How did you go about curating such a diverse and emotionally rich selection?
My voice is naturally suited to the operatic repertoire, but I also love exploring new ideas and new colours - so long as the music carries the right emotions. And truly, we can't have Patrick at the piano without sharing some of his own compositions live, just as we can't have a Christmas concert without including beloved Christmas pieces.
My wish is for this concert to be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, both young and old, because it is a concert for music, not for one specific genre. Every piece resonates with me. Every piece holds a memory.
I also hope the audience will feel something unique, something special, and something touching. In many ways, they will be experiencing fragments of my musical journey abroad, brought home and shared from the heart.
Puccini's 'O mio babbino caro' and 'Tu che di gel sei cinta' are beloved arias. What do these pieces mean to you, and how do you approach them vocally?
These are two arias by the same composer, yet they are completely contrasting. On one hand, you have O mio babbino caro from the opera Gianni Schicchi, sung by the character Lauretta. It is a heartfelt plea to her father, begging him to let her marry her beloved Rinuccio, ending with a dramatic threat to throw herself into the Arno River if he refuses. The aria is known for its beautiful, lyrical melody and for its pivotal role in the opera, where Lauretta's desperation ultimately softens her father's heart.
In contrast, Tu che di gel sei cinta is an aria of profound intensity. Sung by Liù as she is being tortured, it expresses her unwavering love and courage, using the imagery of "ice" to describe the cruel princess Turandot, who, despite her coldness, is said to be "conquered by such flame". The moment is heavy, tragic, and emotionally gripping.
Both pieces are deeply emotional, but the first feels lighter and more tender, while the second comes from a moment of immense suffering and sacrifice. Vocally, I approach them very differently: in Lauretta's aria, I aim for a youthful warmth, whereas in Liù's aria, I try to bring more depth and weight to reflect the intensity of the moment she is living.
Can you tell us more about the 'Ave Maria' adaptation from 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and why it was chosen for this concert?
I believe we cannot hold a concert in Our Lady of Victory Church without including a piece dedicated to the Lady of Victory herself. The Ave Maria I chose to perform is an adaptation of the intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana. It is an exquisitely peaceful moment in Mascagni's opera, set in a Sicilian village deeply connected to nature and simplicity.
With this serene and contemplative music, I hope to share a sense of gratitude and positivity with the audience. A moment of calm, reflection, and devotion within this historic and sacred space.
What do you hope audiences will feel or take away from this festive evening of music?
I want the audience to go home with a sense of peace and full hearts. I hope they experience something different and discover new music along the way. With Patrick's unique style of arranging and playing, I feel I can say this with genuine conviction.
Are there any particular Christmas songs in the programme that hold personal significance or evoke special memories for you?
Yes, O Holy Night is a very special piece for me, because it is a song I performed as a child when I was part of one of the most beloved children's choirs in Malta, Cantores Sancti Juliani from St Julian's.
I also have a special Vivaldi-inspired piece, originally written for strings, which we have adapted for piano and voice. I wrote the text for this adaptation myself, and I am very excited to share it with the audience.
The concert promises moments of improvisation. How do you and Patrick prepare for these spontaneous musical moments?
We have been touring with Patrick's album Elements of Nature, which is available on all digital music platforms. During each concert, Patrick improvises according to the atmosphere and the audience's energy. He is an exceptionally talented musician, and his improvisations are shaped by vivid images of nature. The music he creates reflects the beauty he imagines and brings to life in the moment.
How does performing live with a composer-pianist like Patrick influence your interpretation and emotional delivery?
Working with Patrick has always been a truly wonderful experience, one I gladly repeat over and over. Patrick is an exceptionally talented musician whose piano compositions have reached over 100 million streams worldwide. From the very beginning, he has supported me and believed in my talent, even before I fully believed in it myself. Having someone by your side who consistently believes in and encourages you allows the interpretation and emotional delivery to flow naturally, growing progressively without struggle.
A Voice for Christmas Concert will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church, Valletta on Thursday, 11 December at 7pm.
Bookings via [email protected] by sending a donation of €25 to Din L-Art Helwa