Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1464865
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 APRIL 2022 5 MUSIC MPO Academy springs into action! SINCE its launch in October 2021, MPO Academy, seeking to take Maltese musical education to the next level, has already had a fruitfully diverse few months for students and tutors alike. Boasting a teaching staff fea- turing European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) Double Bass Principal Sofia Bianchi Maester, former EUYO Principal Viola Joana Nunes and American vio- linist Sonja Larson, the full-time tutors are joined by a number of MPO Principals. From workshops and concerts to specialised, individual and chamber music training, stu- dents continue to further their development, particularly as or- chestral musicians. Joana Nunes, one of three MPO Academy full-time tutors, shared insight on her pedagogical approach, stating the importance of "giv- ing students all the tools neces- sary to achieve autonomy faster and feel the urge to play music as the beautiful art that it is…" Bach and Beyond - A Flute and Piano Recital featured as part of the MPO Concert Season 21/22. Academy student Clara Galea was joined by Malta Youth Or- chestra flutist Nicole Spiteri in a recital featuring works from Bach to Dutilleux, showcasing the instrument's versatility, and the musicians' talent. The event also put into prac- tice the chamber performance training which is part of the Academy's curriculum. "The training of Malta's young musicians is vitally important to the Maltese creative commu- nity. My work is dedicated to nurturing these future profes- sional musicians and teachers," said Sonja Larson, another MPO Academy tutor. "My inspiration is that educa- tional model that seeks the mu- sical growth of the student, em- phasizing both technique and artistic execution," echoes Sofía Bianchi Maestre. Instrumental training is also a priority for the MPO Academy. MPO Principal Conductor Sergey Smbatyan led a violin masterclass with a number of up-and-coming vi- olinists. This was also followed by a percussion workshop with Fernando Arias, timpani player and regular collaborator of the MPO. The Academy's vision delin- eated in the launch is enabled within a framework providing the opportunity to further mu- sical studies. As such, the ini- tiative also aims to bolster the number of local musicians join- ing the ranks of the orchestra, enhancing the MPO's position as a cultural ambassador for Malta. "There is an extremely high degree of raw talent and poten- tial among Malta's young musi- cians, and I am very happy that, thanks to the MPO Academy, we are able to support them to fully realise this amazing po- tential, both for their benefit, as well as for Malta's cultural heritage", said Konstantin Ish- khanov, President of the Euro- pean Foundation for Support of Culture. The MPO Academy is present- ed with the European Founda- tion for Support of Culture (EU- FSC) as its main partner, being supported by the Ministry for Education and the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government. More infor- mation may be found on www. maltaorchestra.com