Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1078260
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 FEBRUARY 2019 THIS WEEK MUSIC Malta's younger counterpart to Joseph Calleja, tenor Nico Darmanin, speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about his upcoming concert 'Unforgettable', where he will share the stage with the Big Band Brothers and singer Jasmine Abela - returning to his native Malta as his international career continues to f lourish Teodor Reljic How do you feel about performing in Malta again, and what are some of your fondest memories of the last time you took to the stage here? Coming home to perform is always special. There's something about per- forming for your home crowd. I've had several opportunities to perform over the last few years in Malta but they have been mainly linked to my main opera career, performing in ope- ras and recitals. I fell in love with the Grand Salon of the Archaeology mu- seum during a solo recital at the Three Palaces Festival. It was a unique op- portunity to perform my classical rep- ertoire in an intimate and beautiful setting. I've been thinking of return- ing back to Grand Salon ever since. I'm also very grateful to Joseph Calleja for giving me an opportunity to sing in his 2015 annual concert. It was cer- tainly a great experience performing with Joseph to an incredible audience of thousands. Even though these memorable con- certs are close to my heart, I still cher- ish my first public solo recital at the Church of St Catherine's of Italy in Valletta in 2007. It was a special day when I experienced the connection a singer can have with this audience. What can you tell us about 'Unforgettable'? What drew you into participating in this event? I have dreamt of creating such an event for several years now. It was one of those moments of being at the right place and at the right time when I met [former Arts Council Malta head of Strategy, now director of Culture Ven- Bringing some swing back Tenor Nico Darmanin: "I have dreamt of creating such an event for several years now". Photo by Brian Grech