Alessia Bonnici, a 19-year-old pianist on the autism spectrum with limited speech is headlining a unique concert called Music Speaks, with the aim of promoting active citizenship through diversity and inclusion.

The third edition of the concert is taking place this Saturday, 21st September at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema, and brings together a talented group of young musicians featuring special guests Kellyann Spiteri, Mikaela De Guzman Baluyot and Sophia Grech, an internationally celebrated mezzo soprano.

Alessia has been exploring her passion for music since 2012 and the piano isn’t the only instrument she’s picked up since, playing the violin at a grade six level and the viola at a grade five level.

Currently, Alessia is studying at the Malta School of Music where she is pursuing a Diploma in piano. During her first eight years studying at the Malta School of Music she was mentored by renowned pianist and music therapist Rosetta Debattisa.

Alessia has also been mentored by a number of other musicians including Gabi Sultana, Marcelle Zahra, Veronique Vella, Tom Armitage and Tricia Dawn Williams, all of whom have guided and shaped her musical journey into what it is today.

In 2021, Alessia and the Arts Council of Malta, the AX Foundation and others created Ale’s Project where she performed Ilia Chkolnik’s Piano Concerto No.1, where they aimed to raise awareness about the intersection of music and disability.