Celebrated Harpist returns to Malta
When I caught up with Cecilia Sultana De Maria at Valletta Waterfront, it was a blistering hot summer morning. For those of you that have not heard of her, Cecilia is a young musician who is at the top of her game when it comes to playing the harp. Born to Maltese parents in the UK and just 28 years old, Cecilia has already amassed an impressive repertoire of performances and shows no signs of slowing down.
Cecilia grew up in Wiltshire and has happy memories of summer holidays spent in Malta with her family. Malta is a place she speaks of with great affection. “I would cry my eyes out the night before we had to leave my relatives and Malta. I still feel pangs of sadness every time I have to leave now.”
To this day Malta is her bolthole, her respite, and inspiration. “I rarely get to return to Malta, but every time we land I still feel that childhood buzz and excitement; it’s just such a special place.” Cecilia is very proud of her Maltese and Catholic heritage. Her earliest memories are playing the piano non-stop, before switching to the harp. ‘’Harp just seemed much more natural to me,” she added. Despite the change, Cecilia achieved Grade 8 in piano by the time she was a teenager. Her musical prowess prevailed throughout her childhood, gaining her scholarships in the prestigious Purcell School of Music in the UK and attention from the most acclaimed of critics.At the age of 13, Cecilia was lead harpist of The National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, playing at its 25th anniversary celebration at Birmingham Symphony Hall. She then was lead harpist in the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, and made her concerto debut at The Barbican at the age of 17.
In 2008,her name started making the news. Cecilia had entered BBC Young Musician of the year. As one of the string finalists, she placed the highest-ranking harpist in over 30 years, catapulting her into the career path of a classically trained musician. She was also the BBC West of England Young Musician of the Year and won the Walter Todd Award for the Most Promising Young Musician. Subsequently, Cecilia gained the prestigious ABRSM scholarship, this time for the Royal College of Music Masters degree.
Today, Cecilia works at the famous institution, coaching junior music students who are following in her footsteps.She also assists in the grading of musical exams. “The harp is a big part of me, I am lost without it,” Cecilia says, having just returned from playing on a cruise ship. She must spend hours practising to maintain her level.
“I practice around four hours a day and I cannot go more than three days without it!”
The House of Lords, The Malta High Commission in London, Westminster Abbey,Westminster Cathedral, The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Festival Hall and London Cadogan Hall are a few of the prestigious venues where Cecilia has performed. Cecilia is a regular harpist at The Victoria &Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum and The National Gallery. She has also attracted the attention of the Royals – Prince Charles is an avid Harp fan. Cecilia has also played at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Kensington Palace in the presence of Prince Charles, Prince Philip and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Kent, as well as countless television appearances.
In recent years, she played at The Brit Awards with Dizzie Rascal and Florence and The Machine. She has also played at The Royal Variety Performance and worked on BBC television and radio.Cecilia has toured worldwide with multiple orchestras, as well as virtuoso performances in Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Malta and many other European venues. Cecilia has also played in the USA, Canada, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and India. This year Cecilia opened The Warminster Music Festival with a very successful Harp and Voice concert with guest tenor, Joseph Aquilina, in Wiltshire for Aid to the Church in need. It was the best-attended concert of the twoweek festival.
Despite such incredible accolades, Cecilia is very modest and incredibly grounded. “When I switch off all the busyness of touring and lecturing, I channel my creativity into cooking oriental food,” she said. “I really love trying new food, but of course now I am back in Malta, I must have pastizzi!”
Her harp also has an interesting tale. “It is believed that it came from Chicago in the 1920s and belonged to a nun. Her convent was closing down, and she hoped the harp would end up in a Catholic home. It’s so unique I get very worried when it has to be shipped around the world for performances!” It is obvious that her worldwide performances must include quite some logistical planning, as the harp is over 6ft 3, weighs 60kg and Cecilia has a petite stature. “I had to buy a big family car just to fit it in the back. It is really not easy to travel with,” she remarks.
When asked if she had any plans to play locally she said: “I would love to play the annual concert at the Granaries with Joseph Calleja.” Joseph – if you’re reading this, perhaps you could give her a call.