Meet The Amazing Maltese Artists Nominated For A Premju Għall-Arti This Year
The nominees for the second edition of Il-Premju għall-Arti (The Arts Awards) were recently announced, with over 25 individuals and organisations up for awards in 11 different categories. The awards range from ‘Best Artistic Programme/Season’ to ‘Project of the Year’ and will be announced on the 16th of April at Awards Night.
Amongst the nominees are nine individuals and one organisation who are being recognised for their talent and achievements within the local arts sector in the ‘Artist of the Year’ category and ‘Young Artist of the Year’ categories.
Artist Of The Year
1. The New Victorians
Singing-sister-duo Philippa and Bettina Cassar have found a way to merge their love for music, theatre, and story-telling. Their first venture into the world of theatre as The New Victorians, MARA, has previously been performed in Scotland and will be performed again at The Vaults Festival in London this February.
2. Sean Buhagiar
Sean is the artistic director of Malta’s national theatre company, Teatru Malta. Apart from overseeing the artistic programme, he has also had his hand in directing a few pieces of theatre too.
3. Jean-Marc Cafa
Jean-Marc is a local actor, theatre practitioner and the Creative Director for Studio 18, where he oversees the mentorship of many young artists as well as producing theatre with them and for them.
4. Luke Azzopardi
This young designer from Gozo has made waves in the local fashion scene, designing everything from bridal gowns, opera costumes and X Factor Malta judge Alex Alden. His bespoke gowns help to push artisanal design as a self-sustainable local industry through concept-based fashion that embraces beauty, individuality and style.
Young Artist of the Year
1. André Agius
André has been acting for many years (and from a very young age). Recently, André ventured into the world of directing, with his directorial debut piece Skylight up for a People’s Choice Award.
2. Nicola Micallef
At just 19 years old, Nicola is the youngest member of Malta’s national dance company ŻfinMalta. Her classical training and bubbly personality give her a magnetic presence whenever she hits the stage.
3. Luke Saydon
Luke is a musical composer who is currently based in London but has worked on several productions here in Malta over the past year. His original musical HUSH, which he worked on alongside Denise Mulholland, is nominated for ‘production of the year’ and ‘best work for young audiences’.
4. Stefan Calleja
Stefan is a young violinist who has performed several solo recitals and is currently following an MMus in Violin Performance at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London.
5. Malta Youth Orchestra
The youth branch of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, The Malta Youth Orchestra (MYO) aims to skill Malta’s talented young orchestral musicians, while giving them opportunities to develop their ambition and aspirations.
You can read more about il-Premju għall-Arti and check out a full list of categories and nominees by clicking here.