Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1480753
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 OCTOBER 2022 10 ALMANAC My essentials BETTINA ZAMMIT 20 years old, Singer and Performer Bettina Zammit is a 20-year-old soprano, actor, and dancer, who has most recently originated a principal role playing 'Fillide' in Caravaggio – The Musical (2022). Bettina is classically trained in singing and currently is under the tuition of Denise Mulholland. Bettina also forms part of Malta Opera and The Monteverdi Project in Malta where she receives vocal training from soprano Gillian Zammit. 1 4 5 1. Book 2. Film/TV 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place YOUTUBE is defintely an es- sential for me as a performer and singer. I tend to watch videos such as masterclass- es on a piece that I would be working on at the time and excerpts of performances from operas and musicals. These teach me a lot about a crucial aspect of performing and singing, which is to give interpretation and convey emotion through the perfor- mance of the song or piece. MY playlists are decorated with a wide selection of genres which I love, from indie rock, such as early Arctic Monkeys albums and dream pop, such as Beach House songs, to rap and R&B music, with favourites most- ly by Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar. My favourite genre, how- ever, is indie rock; some of my favourites from this genre are by a local band called roża. On the other hand, I'm an avid listen- er and lover of musical theatre. Currently, I've got 'Falsettos' and 'West Side Story' cast recordings on repeat. Lastly, I enjoy listening to classical pieces from compos- ers such as Liszt, Holst, Mozart, Fauré and so many more. Listen- ing to musical theatre and classi- cal music are essential for me to become more familiar with the genres, are super interesting to explore and inspire me to keep bettering myself as a performer. A place I'd love to travel to is New Zealand. I am drawn to the country's natural beau- ty, the animal and sea life, the people, opportunities to do some extreme sports like bungy jumping or skydiving – the list could go on forever! I'd also love to have an entire holiday dedicated mainly to watching West End or Broad- way shows and musicals. REASONS TO STAY ALIVE by Matt Haig, a nonfiction novel that recounts the au- thors' experience living with depression and anxiety disor- der. Haig shares the lessons that living with and overcom- ing his struggles with mental illness taught him, and his reasons to stay alive. A friend lent this book to me early in 2022 during a difficult peri- od in my life. It is accessible, to the point, and relatable, but most of all inspiring. Read- ing this book helped me to be more appreciative, empathet- ic, aspire to live life to the full- est and definitely encouraged me to continue persuing my passions when I was feeling hopeless. I don't watch films very often, however some of my favourite and most moving films I've ever watched are The Shaw- shank Redemption, The Tru- man Show, Shutter Island, The Notebook, The Pianist, Whip- lash and Soul. 3 2