Music is just the beginning | Sigmund Mifsud

Having been involved in the Maltese cultural scene for quite some time, what would you say have been some of the most important changes and developments it has undergone over the past few years?

I believe that over the past few years we have seen an increase in the number of cultural activities; such an increase in fact, that our infrastructure was not able to cope with this development. 

People are becoming increasingly aware of the interesting world that these cultural activities offer – even acknowledging that they can lead to special moments that they will remember for a long time. This activity growth needs to be supported by real infrastructure growth. It is commonplace for a producer or an organiser to approach me with the complaint that they cannot find a venue for a particular date or series of dates.

So I would say that one of the main handicaps of our infrastructure would be lack of adequate venues. My heart goes out to organisers of outdoor events, as it is almost impossible to match the demand with supply. Also – and apart from the right venues – we need to work hard to foster better planning and try to do so a year in advance.

This would enable us to provide a better and more interesting programme for locals, but we would then also be able to plan to attract cultural tourism. The quality of events is also a factor that needs to be given attention.

If we want to develop this important industry, apart from identifying the right educators for all form of arts, where possible we cannot be afraid of collaborating with international entities from whom we can grow in quality and gain priceless experience.

How will you be applying this experience and insight in your capacity as a member of the Malta Arts Festival committee?

I am part of a team and my main focus was on the musical aspect of the festival; where my main input was to create more opportunities for collaboration among our local musicians. In this respect, I’ll have to mention the closing Concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Brian Schembri.

Our musicians will join forces with a small string orchestra from the Royal College of Music in the UK. By adding some 16 string musicians to our orchestra, not only will we be able to play a repertoire that was not possible previously, but thanks to this collaboration our musicians will benefit from a different learning experience.

More attention was also given to collaboration between different art forms, like the interesting project that the Big Band Brothers, led by Daniel Cauchi, will present this year. I believe in our local artists. I think they always rise to the challenge when they’re called to do so, and that they excel even when given the opportunity to perform alongside international performers.

What would you say is particularly notable about the direction the Festival is heading in this year?

Teamwork! When I was asked by Albert Marshall to help out with the planning of this festival and found out that another three artists were involved, I honestly never expected us to get along so well.

Every artist has his own ideas and vision and I really was impressed by the positivity and good will presented by all; we always discussed our different ideas patiently and positively. To be fair, it was not that difficult to keep developing on the good work that Mario Frendo did on behalf of this Festival, so the fact that there were more minds giving their input helped to develop more varied and innovative projects.

How would you describe your role as chair of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra? What have you been focusing on, in this capacity, and what do you think should be ‘pushed’ by the orchestra at this time, given the local musical context?

Being put in charge of developing the only professional musical institution in Malta is a huge responsibility. International artists and foreign public gauge our standards in music through the type of concerts and soloists that the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is involved with during the whole season. 

My main focus for these past few months was to appoint Mro Brian Schembri as the Principal Conductor and Artistic Director. I believe that an orchestra identifies itself with its main conductor and thus Mro Schembri is giving a more international identity to our orchestra, since his musical commitments take him to many prestigious theatres around the world.

Having a greater presence in the media is another important task that I have been pushing for  during this period. This is because the general public needs to start to identify itself with its National Orchestra and become more familiar with the fascinating world of classical music.

The orchestra is not a training place; it is a professional body that needs to deliver every time and projects the Maltese level in music. So we need to invest much more in our youth orchestra who require our support in helping our young musicians to prepare themselves for becoming a professional musician; though it would help a lot if we increased our standards in general music education.