Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545828
3 CULTURE maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 JULY 2026 Bice Mizzi Vassallo Music Competition winners to represent Malta at the 42nd MusicaRiva Festival THE Music Committee of the National Council of Women is delighted to announce that the winners of the 2025 Bice Mizzi Vassallo Music Competi- tion, Kellyann Spiteri and Kurt Falzon, will be travelling to Riva del Garda, Italy, later this month, to participate in the prestigious 42nd edition of the MusicaRiva Festival. Kellyann Spiteri, winner of the Pianoforte Section, will attend advanced piano masterclasses with renowned pianist Maestro Roberto Prosseda, while Kurt Falzon, winner of the String Sec- tion, will participate in violin masterclasses led by acclaimed violinist Davide Alogna. The masterclasses will be held at the Conservatorio F.A. Bonporti. This experience will culminate in a concert performance by Kellyann and Kurt on 25th July at Palazzo Martini, as part of the festival programme. Established over four decades ago, the MusicaRiva Festival is internationally recognised for combining artistic excellence with high-level musical educa- tion. Each year, it attracts distin- guished performers, renowned pedagogues and promising young musicians from around the world, offering an excep- tional environment for artistic development through concerts, masterclasses and cultural ex- change. The festival has become a leading platform for nurturing emerging talent while celebrat- ing music in the stunning sur- roundings of Riva del Garda. Kellyann and Kurt were award- ed first prize in their respective categories during the Bice Miz- zi Vassallo Music Competition held last October. Both young musicians have demonstrated remarkable artistry and poten- tial, and the Music Committee is confident that this experience will further enrich their musical development. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the com- petition's main sponsor, The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, and to NSTF for sponsoring the win- ners' flights. Gratitude is also extended to the MusicaRiva As- sociation for its generous hospi- tality and support. On behalf of the Music Organising Commit- tee within the National Council of Women, we wish Kellyann Spiteri and Kurt Falzon every success and an inspiring ex- perience that they will cherish throughout their musical jour- ney. IVE MCAST fashion design graduates showcased their final collections at Malta Fashion Week 2026, highlighting the growing link between vocation- al education and Malta's creative industries. The students — Gillian Grech, Matthias Psaila, Selena Mall- ia, Mikaela Vella and Maria Pia Falzon — presented their work during the annual fashion event after completing the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design at MCAST. Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri visited the students ahead of their show- case, praising their creativity, technical skills and the quality of vocational education provided through MCAST. "Through opportunities like these, students gain confidence, experience and the skills needed to take their first steps into the world of work," Minister Camill- eri said, adding that MCAST provides education that extends beyond the classroom and pre- pares students for professional careers. The collaboration between MCAST and Malta Fashion Week gives graduating students the opportunity to present their collections on a professional catwalk while gaining exposure among industry professionals, media and the public. Malta Fashion Week Founder and Executive Producer Adri- an Mizzi said the event places strong importance on emerging designers, with a dedicated day each year for MCAST Fash- ion Design graduates. He said education remains essential in developing future talent and strengthening Malta's creative sector. Designer and tailor Isaac Fenech, an MCAST gradu- ate who is also participating in Malta Fashion Week, said the education and opportunities he received helped him develop his skills and pursue a career in fashion. The partnership between MCAST and Malta Fashion Week has been ongoing for sev- eral years, providing students with mentoring, industry guid- ance and experience of profes- sional fashion standards before entering the workplace. MCAST fashion design graduates showcase final collections at Malta Fashion Week 2026 Kellyann Spiteri Kurt Falzon