Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1441473
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 JANUARY 2022 6 CULTURE Musical dream that transforms children's lives becomes reality at Villabianca YOUNG people with disabilities today took centre stage at the of- ficial opening of the Villabianca Centre for Music and the Arts, a dream made reality by the Malta Trust Foundation. Four young musicians and youths from the Equality in Mu- sic Group of the Down Syndrome Association unveiled the plaque which adorns their new musical home in Birkirkara thanks to €1 million in funding from the Foun- dation's international partners and 15 Maltese entrepreneurs. Marilena Haegdorens, whose visually-impaired daughter start- ed playing piano and violin at the age of one, said that at Villabian- ca Melania could express herself freely through music in a safe, serene and non-judgmental envi- ronment. "We felt we faced a mammoth task when we were informed of her diagnosis, but it turned into a beautiful blessing when music and Melania found each other. Villabianca is a place where she can develop her skills and explore different instruments; but most of all, belong to a lovely commu- nity," Ms Haegdorens said. Other young people who at- tend the Centre who were pres- ent included Alessia Bonnici, a 16-year-old musician on the Au- tism Spectrum;, Quiven Ellul, a seven-year-old visually-impaired pianist, and Matteo Valentino, a 14-year-old music improvisor with Leukodystrophy (H-ABC). Villabianca consultant Rosetta Debattista, who is a pianist and music therapist, said: "The spe- cialised team at Villabianca be- lieves that every person, whatev- er their disability or impairment, has a musical part of them which we can help discover and unlock." "Everyone is accepted at Villa- bianca with openness, genuine positive regard, and a willing- ness to make connections. This can lead to change and develop- ment in many areas of life such as well-being, communication skills, confidence, and the ability to express oneself, as well as im- proving musical skills that can lead to so much joy in life." Foundation chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca has been the driv- ing force behind the centre since her contact with the Down Syn- drome Association prompted her to rope in the Assisted Devices for the Visually Impaired Centre (ADVICE) and the Autism Par- ents Association. However, Ms Coleiro Preca said the realisation of this dream could not have taken place with- out the commitment of the pri- vate sector. "They shared our commitment and made this happen. I want to thank them for providing these children with a musical outlet that is capable of transforming their lives." The Malta Trust Foundation's international partners – includ- ing H.E. Emanuele F.M. Ema- nuele di Villabianca, WBarone di Culcasi, who was present for the opening – and 15 local business entities contributed to the setting up of the centre. However, it is estimated that €220,000 a year will be required to keep the school running, so pri- vate entities are being encouraged make contributions to the school which focuses on providing high quality music education for pupils with disabilities: from children with Down Syndrome to those on the autism spectrum and children who are visually impaired. The centre was blessed by Aux- illiary Bishop Joseph Galea Cur- mi.