You have performed in some of the world's most iconic halls - from Carnegie Hall to the Berlin Philharmonie. How does the intimacy of the Manoel Theatre speak to you as a performer?

Every concert hall has its own soul, its own acoustic personality, and its own way of inspiring both musicians and audience. Having performed in many extraordinary venues, I have learned that intimacy can be just as powerful as grandeur. Teatru Manoel is not only a performance space, it is a work of art. Its remarkable interior creates an atmosphere where the audience feels close to the musicians and every gesture, breath, and nuance becomes part of a shared experience. As an orchestra, we are deeply proud to be the Orchestra in Residence at the Manoel.

You are both Artistic Director and Co-Concertmaster of the De Valette Chamber Orchestra. How does this dual role shape your relationship with the musicians and with the repertoire you choose?

Being both Artistic Director and Co-Concertmaster creates a bridge between artistic vision and the daily reality of the orchestra. I am not leading from a distance; I am inside the sound, the rehearsal process, and the life of the ensemble. When you rehearse, record, and perform together, you understand the orchestra's needs in a very direct way. You feel what must be developed, what must be protected, and in which direction the ensemble can grow. Our musicians come from leading orchestras and expect seriousness, precision, inspiration, and an international standard of excellence. My goal is to build an orchestra defined by quality. In art, there are no shortcuts. "United by a shared dedication to excellence" is not a slogan but our credo. Everything truly valuable is rare because it is difficult to achieve; it requires devotion, discipline, sacrifice, and passion. One of my teachers in Berlin told me: "Practice makes the master." I still believe this deeply. Success is built through work, day after day - this is the spirit of our orchestra.

The programme for this concert moves from Mozart to Bach and Kreisler. What drew you to this combination, and what kind of emotional journey do you hope the audience will experience?

I hope the audience experiences this programme as a journey through different forms of beauty: the freshness of youth, the depth of expression, and the warmth and radiance of the violin. With Mozart, we encounter genius, youthfulness, and innocence. Bach brings us to mature, spiritual, deeply human beauty. With Kreisler, we arrive at virtuosity, charm, and nostalgia - music that speaks directly to the heart. I hope listeners feel not only different composers, but different ways in which music can touch us: through light, through depth, and through pure emotion.

You have collaborated with orchestras across many cultures and continents. Do these international experiences influence the way you approach a piece, or the way you lead an ensemble?

One of the great privileges of our profession is that music allows us to encounter many cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking. Performing across Europe, Japan, Korea, China, and the United States has left unforgettable impressions on me. Inspiration comes from people, places, and the discovery of other cultures. These experiences shape our sensitivity and open our imagination. I have learned that the same piece can sound completely different depending on the ensemble, its culture, and its personality. This is especially true in chamber music, which is a dialogue - listening, responding, exchanging ideas, creating something in the moment. It should never be exactly the same twice. Music should not be about copying, but about creativity and the courage to search for something truthful. For me, the most important thing is to remain creative on stage, so that every concert be so that every concert becomes a new experience, a living moment shared with the audience.

You have been recognised with major awards and scholarships. Was there a moment or mentor who truly changed your path?

Throughout my career, I met extraordinary mentors and collaborated with world‑renowned artists. When I was twelve, I began travelling to Switzerland for violin lessons. Later, Berlin and London became important chapters in my development. Each place opened new possibilities and helped me grow as a musician and as a person.

Being a musician requires discipline: many hours of practice, dedication, sacrifice, and devotion to the instrument. Awards and distinctions are a great honour, but the greatest reward is the audience - the feeling that people in the hall are sharing the same emotions with us. I would not say one mentor changed my path; rather, my path continued to grow through hard work, passion, and discipline. It has always been a journey of development, of searching for new inspiration, and of never accepting that something is "finished." As Artistic Director, this responsibility is even greater. An orchestra must be alive, constantly growing, asking questions, and searching for artistic truth.

What do you hope young Maltese musicians - especially those who will see you at the Manoel - take away from your presence and your artistry?

I hope young Maltese musicians feel inspired and encouraged to believe that the highest artistic standards are within their reach. Our Chamber Orchestra offers something rare: direct access to inspiration, experience, and excellence. Not every young person can travel abroad to study with renowned teachers or hear world‑class musicians in person. This orchestra brings that world closer. Many of our musicians hold leading positions in major orchestras. To see them, hear them, and work alongside them can be life‑changing. This is why we are expanding our Learn from the Master programme, giving young musicians the chance to take part in masterclasses and lessons with our soloists and orchestra members. What I hope they take away is the belief that excellence is possible - but it requires curiosity, discipline, and passion. Music is not only a profession; it is a way of growing as a human being. If we can inspire young artists to work harder, dream bigger, and believe more deeply in their path, then we have fulfilled something important.