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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 AUGUST 2023 6 ALMANAC My essentials NICO DARMANIN Opera Singer Born in Malta. Went to De la Salle College and then studied Law at University of Malta. Alongside my studies I always studied piano which later led into musical theatre singing. At the age of 20 I developed a new passion for opera and at 24 after auditions in London I was awarded a Scholarship at the Royal College of Music. I'm now an international opera singer and entrepreneur. I have a passion for gin, so I designed a brand and recipe called KAKO Gin. I am typical an island boy, always on the beach and in the water. I live always seeking adventures. 4 5 1. Book 2. Film 3. Internet/TV 4. Music 5. Place I like to follow Russell Brand on social media as he is con- stantly exposing the true so- cio-political climate in the world. He exposes things which we in our daily lives are missing. He is truly an in- telligent guy. Someone who is not scared to expose govern- ments, big corporations and the truths which are always hidden away from. MY favourite music is usually the opera I am currently stud- ying. I engross myself in the music and start to find phras- es and corners which are just exquisite, and I tend to stay singing them throughout the day. I also have a soft spot for sacred music. Especially Masses written by the Ital- ian composers Puccini, Verdi and Rossini. There is some amazing stuff out there. MY favourite place in Malta is on the cliffs of Mellieha. There is something special about go- ing for a walk alone and contem- plating one's existence. A place I would love to go is Bali as I wish to learn how to surf at a higher level. I would also love to go to South Africa to see the wildlife. I love nature! RESONANCE by Ricky Caru- ana - This book is absolutely fantastic. A Maltese writer with an insight so profound that I would say Ricky is one of the earthiest intelligent hu- mans on this planet. This book really helped me reaffirm my beliefs in what everything is. I speak of the Universe. Un- derstanding Religious beliefs and spirituality as a whole. This book touched my soul. It is truly profound and for this I thank Ricky Caruana for describing so perfectly that which I think I always under- stood. THE Deepest Breath - This film is a half documenta- ry which is mind blowing. I have always had an obsession with free diving. I never really got into it as a sport, but it is something I am interested in. This sport helps you achieve meditative states so deep that one can hold his breath to a ri- diculous amount of time. The lesson I learnt from this movie is how anxiety can affect a life changing situation… true love for someone will make you go to extremes. 2 Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 1 3