Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1518765
NEWS 14 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 10 APRIL 2024 TOI TOI presents live music for young children with 'Once Upon a String' THIS April, TOI TOI - the Te- atru Manoel Learning and Par- ticipation Programme - presents a fun music show for children aged 5 to 8. 'Once Upon a String' will provide young children and their families with the opportu- nity to witness their favourite songs live in an entertaining and magical performance. 'Once Upon a String' features a vast array of well-known music performed by TOI TOI anima- teur and singer Michaela Agius, accompanied by the TOI TOI string quartet, whom strings ex- pert Maria Conrad will musical- ly direct. Audiences will be encouraged to sing along as the performers take you on a journey through a variety of music styles. From opera (Hansel & Gretel), movies (The Never Ending Story, Pinoc- chio, The Little Mermaid, Hans Christian Andersen, Three Little Pigs & James Bond), TV shows (Stranger Things & Eurovision), Video Games (Super Mario), plus a bit of pop for the Swifties — there will be something for everyone. Written and directed by Kate Fenech Field, the TOI TOI Learning and Participation Pro- gramme Manager, 'Once Upon a String' offers an easy-to-follow introduction to classical string instruments for young children. And if your little ones are sea- soned theatre-goers, they're more than welcome to take the lead in the sing-alongs. TOI TOI is a community-based project at the heart of Teatru Manoel that aims to bring live music, dance, and theatre events to audiences of all ages, from ba- bies and toddlers to adults and senior citizens, and everyone in between. 'Once Upon a String' opens at the Teatru Manoel Studio The- atre on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April, with performances at 4pm and 5:30pm on both days. This production is targeted at children between 5 to 8 years old, who need to be accompa- nied by an adult of course. Tickets are €6 for a child and €10 for adults and can be pur- chased at https://teatrumanoel. mt/event/once-upon-a-string/ or from the Teatru Manoel Box Office. For more information call (+356) 21246389 or visit the Teatru Manoel website. ARTS Council Malta (ACM), in collab- oration with the Malta Society of Arts (MSA), has announced the selection of two Maltese artists to the recently launched MSA x ACM Residency Pro- gramme, through an Open Call. This was made possible thanks to a Collaboration Agreement that saw €65,000 invested in the residency and the MSA's 2024 Per- forming Arts Programme. The selected artists are Claire Farrugia, who specialises in visual arts, and Alex Weenink, who works in the performing arts. The two artists will embark on their creative journey starting in April 2024 and concluding in December 2024, with the residency offering them a unique plat- form to explore, create, and contribute to Malta's rich artistic landscape, under the guidance and mentorship of experienced professionals in their respective fields. This collaboration forms part of the Council's and MSA's commitment to fos- tering an environment that encourages artistic innovation and growth. This res- idency programme is designed to support artists in their professional development while enhancing the cultural and creative fabric of Malta. "Arts Council Malta's significant collab- oration with MSA evidences our steadfast commitment to nurturing the vibrant tapestry of Maltese culture and arts in a sustainable manner, in line with Strategy 2025. Thanks to initiatives such as this, the Council reconfirms its dedication to supporting local artists and ensuring they receive the recognition and resourc- es they need to succeed in their creative endeavours", stated MaryAnn Cauchi, Director Funding and Strategy at Arts Council Malta. The objectives of the residency pro- gramme are multifaceted, aiming not only to promote artistic exploration and creation but also to provide a robust plat- form for professional development. By doing so, the programme also seeks to amplify the voice of Maltese artists on the international stage, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and contemporary artis- tic expressions emanating from Malta to a global audience. The selection process for the residency programme was rigorous and competi- tive, designed to identify artists with not only a unique vision but also the potential to make significant contributions to their respective fields. Farrugia and Weenink distinguished themselves through their exceptional talent and compelling pro- posals, making them the ideal candidates for this opportunity. MSA President Arch. Adrian Mamo expressed his satisfaction with the op- portunities that the project has opened up: "Over the course of its 173-year his- tory, the MSA's core mission has always been to support artists in their pursuit of excellence. We are thrilled, therefore, to be embarking on this residency project, and it is our pleasure to be hosting Farru- gia and Weenink within our premises at Palazzo de La Salle. These artists will have full access to MSA resources and will be given full support towards actualising their creative goals." For more information, visit Arts Coun- cil Malta's official website at https:// artscouncilmalta.gov.mt/. The collaboration between the Arts Council Malta and the Malta Society of Arts resulted in the selection of two Maltese artists to the recently launched MSA x ACM Residency Programme Artists announced for MSA X ACM first residency programme Claire Farrugia and Alex Weenink will embark on a new creative journey this April