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29 maltatoday, HACKING HOBBIT pg 34 plains of contrasting colours, the works demonstrated various approaches towards the car. "I was aware that my works in Divergent Thinkers were not as easy to read as most of the others, but on the whole I had a very positive, solid feedback. Also, it was highly rewarding working with curator Raphael Vella. "I am quite satisfied with contemporary art scene in Malta, although sometimes I believe that there is more quantity than quality. Something I am disappointed with is the lack of young people who visit exhibitions, especially art students. Also, sometimes I have the feeling that most young artists, although promising, wait to 'make it', or play safe. "As to how I fit into the scene, I believe it is a matter of creating a space in which to fit, rather than finding a place on some established platform. I do not believe that nowadays good work can be different from the norm in a Modernist manner, since we have seen it all and done it all and nearly everything is accepted. I just believe in presenting intrinsic art. "As regards what's coming up for me in the future, the first thing on the list is my debut solo exhibition which would hopefully happen early next year. I also intend to work more with X242. Our aim is to use our studio in Zurrieq to its full potential, and also use other alternative spaces around the island which would be adopt to show our works in SUNDAY, 22 DECEMBER 2013 BUSTLING BERLIN pg 38 MIGHTY MUSTARD pgs 36, 37 Recounting transgenerational stories through music TEODOR RELJIC speaks to 29-year-old composer Steven Joseph Psaila ahead of the President's New Year Concert, in which some of his compositions will be performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra For more information on Ryan Falzon, log on to www.ryanfalzon.com Steven Joseph Psaila You're quite young compared to other local composers. Did you develop a passion for music at an early age, and what motivated you to keep going? I always knew I wanted to become a musician since I was just a child – back when I would perform my own compositions in school concerts or during family events. I got involved with the profession during my university years from where I graduated in Musicology while studying composition with Christopher Muscat. Something I have always loved about composing is that I could recount stories to audiences of different ages inducing a variety of emotions. One of your compositions is inspired by the Hagar Qim temples. Given that Malta's temples remain shrouded in mystery, what did you pick up on about them to be able to craft your piece? A very wide array of imagery, first and foremost, the fact that the temples themselves are so full of mystery makes composing even more interesting. I tried my very best to elaborate themes depending on what I felt regarding these magnificent megalithic temples and also on the surroundings which are as majestic as the temples themselves. On a similar note, would you say there are common strands to your compositions? Any themes and images that keep recurring? The beauty of composition is that the composer is thoroughly free to express himself in any way. I tend to compose depending on the colour I retain suitable, themes, narrating stories, visual imagery such as landscapes and overall mood. No two compositions are ever the same, but some variables or images may be re-used if the composer chooses to. What are some of your main musical inspirations? I was lucky enough to be exposed to orchestral music at a very young age thanks to my parents, who always sought to provide me with the best private tuition. What really brought out my love towards orchestral music though is my passion for 'Film Music'. I have been greatly influenced by some impeccable motion picture soundtracks such as John Williams's Angela's Ashes and James Horner's Legends of the Fall. Contemporary composers such as John Corigliano have also been influential and I greatly admire the immense power emitted through his music. There are also many other composers who left a mark on my music such as Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner and Stravinsky. How difficult is it for a local musician to make themselves heard above the crowd? What kind of advice would you have for aspiring composers? Malta is a small country with limited opportunities which although sporadic, exist. Therefore, every composer has the possibility of making themselves heard. One may not succeed in every situation but every composer must not give up and try their utmost to not only improve their musicianship skills but also that within the local scene. Are you looking forward to the President's New Year Concert? What are you expecting it to be like? Very much so! This is an immense opportunity and a dream come true. I know that my composition will be performed impeccably by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and I only hope people will appreciate it. Tickets for the President's New Year Concert can be purchased for €5 from the President's Office at the Palace in Valletta or from San Anton Palace (09:00-16:00) from Monday to Friday. Tickets can also be purchased from the Mediterranean Conference Centre and Manoel Theatre, Valletta from Monday to Friday 10:00-13:00 and 17:00-19:00. For more information call on 21 231350 or 21 226226