Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1533584
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 MARCH 2025 4 ALMANAC My essentials BETTINA ZAMMIT Singer and performer Bettina Zammit is a soprano, actor, and dancer. Bettina is classically trained in singing and currently is under the tuition of Denise Mulholland. Bettina also formed part of Malta Opera and The Monteverdi Project where she received vocal training from soprano Gillian Zammit. 1. Lectures 2. Film 3. TV 4. Music 5. Place 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 mostly by Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar. My favourite genre, however, 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 listener 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 composers such as Liszt, Holst, Mozart, Fauré and so many more. Listening to musical the- atre and classical music are essential for me to become more familiar with the genres, are super interesting to explore and inspire me to keep bet- tering 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 sky- diving – the list could go on forever! I'd also love to have an entire holiday dedicated mainly to watching West End or Broadway shows and musicals. REASONS To Stay Alive by Matt Haig, a nonfiction novel that re- counts the authors' experience living with depression and anx- iety disorder. Haig shares the lessons that living with and over- coming his struggles with mental illness taught him, and his rea- sons to stay alive. A friend lent this book to me during a difficult period in my life. It is accessible, to the point, and relatable, but most of all inspiring. Reading this book helped me to be more appreciative, empathetic, aspire to live life to the fullest and defi- nitely encouraged me to continue perusing 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 Truman Show, Shutter Island, The Notebook, The Pianist, Whiplash and Soul. YOUTUBE is definitely an essential for me as a per- former and singer. I tend to watch videos such as masterclasses 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 per- formance of the song or piece. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com 4 5 1 2 3 MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta