Biography
I grew up in Malta, but my family moved to the UK in 2008. Shortly after that I discovered the wonderful world of the viola. Before then I had been a violinist, like my sister, but I was rapidly losing interest. I think the viola appeared in my life at the right time.
Throughout my years in secondary school, I joined the local youth orchestras, including the Surrey County Youth Orchestra and Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra. However, I didn’t see a music career as an option. I wanted to be a basketball player.
When I was 17, I had the opportunity to perform with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest player, and from then on I realised that being a musician was the only thing I was interested in. Before my first concert with the MPO, being surrounded by like-minded people with the goal of performing felt like a dream.
I auditioned at all the London conservatoires, and in 2016, I decided to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance with Roger Chase. Being at Trinity allowed me to work toward my goal of being a violist. I got to experiment with Jazz and contemporary music as well as collaborate with dancers and Musical Theatre. I also had the opportunity to perform with some of the most inspiring violists including Rivka Golani, Lawrence Power, and Nobuko Imai.
Further to this, I had the opportunity to go into local schools to talk about life as a musician and music itself. Teaching others allowed me to learn more about myself, how I approach listening to music and what music really means to me on a deeper level. I also found a great amount of joy in introducing classical music to new, younger audiences.
Studying in London allowed me to meet so many keen and inspiring musicians who shared the same goals. We were young students wanting to perform as much as possible to as many people as possible, and we still do. I have been fortunate to play with young orchestras such as the Fantasia Orchestra, Resonate Symphony Orchestra and to lead the National Youth String Orchestra where we tackled great works, but most importantly we shared these performances with young audiences who might be encouraged to take up music in their lives.
Aside from the viola I really love spending time cycling around Greenwich, reading Stephen King, and playing the guitar. I still own a violin but that’s just a hobby.
EDUCATION
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
London, UK
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
Where’s your favourite place to listen to music and why?
It would have to be in my room. It’s where I do most of my practice; however, it’s also where I have my vintage 1960’s record player. I collect records from all genres of music, although some of the great recordings haven’t yet been digitised.
How would you persuade someone who has never heard ‘classical music’ before to come with you to a concert?
The best way I can persuade someone is to admit that listening to classical music isn’t as scary or as formal as it may seem. Allow yourself to sit in a fantastic hall and let your mind wonder as these new sounds are filling the room. Reward yourself by being able to listen to a performance for the first time which is unique and impossible to replicate. All these musicians want to come together to share this experience, and everyone is invited to listen and take part in the event.