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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 JULY 2023 6 ALMANAC My essentials EDWARD MIFSUD 31, musician I am a musician with a background in piano performance and composition. I am currently involved in various contemporary music projects, and regularly produce, direct and perform in local music and theatre productions. I also teach music at secondary school level. I am interested in youth work, sports and current affairs. 4 5 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet 4. Music 5. Place I make a conscious effort to stay well-informed about lo- cal current affairs through a variety of sources, mostly on- line. One source that I con- sistently follow is Jon Mallia's podcast. Its long-discussion format tends to provide an accurate portrayal of the in- terviewee's perspective, or the argument being present- ed. The podcast covers a wide array of topics, presented in a captivating, informative and enjoyable style. Kudos to Jon and all the team! AS a musician, maintaining an open mind when listen- ing to music is essential for a multitude of reasons: draw- ing inspiration, growing ar- tistically, collaborating effec- tively, engaging with diverse audiences, as well as adapting to the ever-changing musical landscape. However, from time to time, I do find myself falling back to the progres- sive rock genre, whether it's the pioneering bands of the 1970s like Yes, Genesis, ELP, and Pink Floyd, or contem- porary artists like Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson, Haken, Dream Theater, and Tool. The genre captivates me with its expansive instrumenta- tion, unconventional melo- dies, harmonies and metres, as well as its classically in- spired song structures. I'D say that some of my favour- ite places around the island are the (very few) theatres we have. All the magic happens there, stories come to life, artist and audience become immersed in- to the realm of make-believe. Every time I set foot on stage, the initial anticipation and nerv- ousness first transform into a state of total concentration and focus, then to pure elation and a sense of relief. A whirlwind of emotions indeed! HAVING delved into Jordan Peterson's online content, I recently had the opportuni- ty to read his 2018 book 12 Rules For Life. It's a self-help book that discusses meaning and responsibility in life. One aspect that deeply resonated with me was the notion that prioritising long-term fulfil- ment should be regarded as an individual's life mission, even if it means making sacrifices and relinquishing immediate gratification along the way. Peterson argues that certain life circumstances may tem- porarily overshadow our hap- piness, yet we can still feel a sense of accomplishment in our relationships and career choices by adopting a resilient approach when facing life's challenges. PETER Jackson's The Beat- les: Get Back provides a rare glimpse into the creative pro- cess of one of the most influ- ential bands in history. The three-part documentary merg- es together hours of previously unreleased footage from their 1969 recording sessions, which ultimately led to their final album, Let It Be. It's truly re- markable to witness the exact moment when timeless classics such as Get Back, Don't Let Me Down, I've Got a Feeling and Let It Be were created. 3 2 Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 1