A Sense of Wonder

Though soprano

has achieved so much through a mixture of flair, commitment and determination. She commenced her career by learning the piano but her love for singing was becoming much more evident. This led to a singing adventure which began locally through competitions where she also placed first several times and eventually competed twice abroad, in Macedonia and in Italy, where again she managed to place Malta’s name among the winners in both countries.

Through eminent and capable tutors like Nicola Said and Alice Horne, Michaela honed a style that landed her a variety of roles in various presentations, which also saw her sing alongside the worldfamous Clare College Choir.

caught up with Michaela during a busy time in her career, and just a few days before her performance at The Three Palaces Festival. only

MICHAELA Eric Montfort

19,

AGIUS How did your parents and significant others influence you to take up singing? Did you start off with singing or did you also learn to play a musical instrument?

It was primarily my mother who noticed my inate passion for music and she therefore took the initiative to help me develop it. Throughout my journey, I have always found support from my family and significant others. At the age of five, I was introduced to the piano and have been studying it ever since.

What new perspectives did you find over your studies, and indeed, your career as a soprano?

I have always taken my education seriously but I believe in trying out new things and being an all rounder. Apart from my academic studies I have tried many sports such as gymnastics and dancing. Also, apart from the piano, I learnt to play the guitar, but out of all these activities, I chose to mainly focus on my career as a classical singer.

For those who are not so deep into music, how many types of sopranos are there? Where do you fit?

There are mainly seven soprano types, these being the ‘subrette’, the ‘lyric coloratura’, the ‘dramatic coloratura’, the ‘lyric soprano’, the ‘character soprano’, the ‘lyrico spinto’ and the ‘dramatic soprano’. I fit best into the ‘lyric coloratura’ type as it categorises a light, bright and flexible voice.

Do you like melodrama in soprano singing? Or would you prefer to keep focusing more on the delivery? Do you prefer theatrical operatic performances or giving concerts?

Personally, I do like melodrama as it conveys the musical message better. I feel that the delivery of the music and meldorama go hand in hand. I prefer giving theatrical operatic performances as I have more liberty to move around and embody a character.

How do you manage your vocal and indeed, physical self-control? Is singing a kind of meditation for you as well as the actual discipline you practise?

Being a singer can be very demanding and requires a lot of sacrifice. In order to be in perfect condition for all my performances, I have to always be careful and refrain from anything that might make me unwell, such as cold beverages, alcohol, shouting, staying out late, and so on. Even though singing requires a lot of sacrifice, it is a meditation in itself since I can express my emotion freely and through singing I can enter a world of my own where I can leave all my worries behind.

Whom do you consider as your most favourite and influential artiste and why?

My most favourite and influential artist is Renée Fleming as she not only has one of the strongest and most pleasing voices to listen to, but is also a great actress to which your eyes are drawn to in performances. Apart from the performance aspect, she is a very kind-hearted woman who encourages a lot of young talent today. The Three Palaces Festival will take place between 3 and 11 November. Further details can be obtained from info.fm@festivalsmalta.com as well as the official website 3palacesfestival.com

Michaela Agius