• 
• 
• 
• 

Each year some of Malta's talented up-and-comers depart to make their ways in the world. Jo Caruana spoke to three friends all off to the UK with stars in their eyes.

---

Nick Aguis Darmanin will soon be graduating with an LLB from the University of Malta; but his first love is music and he will begin the Graduate Singer Diploma at the Royal College of Music in London in September.

"My true passion is music, and my instrument is the voice. I first stepped on stage when I was three years old, back when I was in kindergarten at Chiswick High School in Sliema and I played my first main role as the prince in Sleeping Beauty. I was hooked ever since.

"Singing gives me a sense of uplifting joy and fulfilment. I've always loved classical music and during my early teens I would entertain at family gatherings with my terrible Pavarotti impressions. I was 16 when, by chance, I was asked to take part in a musical The Beauty of Mayblossom with the De La Salle Drama Group, and through that I met soprano Gillian Zammit who had asked me to join a small ensemble for the Opera Semele.

"During Beauty of Mayblossom I auditioned with several singing tutors, and all had told me to give up and not take it seriously! Despite the negative feedback I promised myself that I would study classical singing as that was what I truly loved and was what I felt I was good at.

"I asked for help and it was Denise Mulholland who guided me and showed me the way to the Royal College of Music; from the second I stepped inside I knew it was the place I wanted to study.

It was therefore miraculous when on December 13 last year, while on the tube, Nick Sears called me and congratulated me as the RCM had not only accepted me but had offered me a partial scholarship. I burst into tears as I could not believe that my dream was finally coming true.

"This course is perfectly suited for what I need. Since I don't possess a degree in music, this year will equip me with the required skills to understand music and improve my technique so that I can move on to a more professional platform. Over the 10 months I will study interpretation, language, acting and movement. It integrates all the required skills for a singer to perform a song or aria professionally following what the composer wants to project.

"I'm looking forward to every minute of it - to the highs and the challenges ahead. I'll be able to focus all my time on my craft and that really is a lifetime's dream coming true for me."

• To help raise funds for his time in London, Nick will be holding a recital at the St James Cavalier Music Room on August 29 and 30. Entitled A Night of Romantic Songs and Arias, the concert hopes to instill a sense of romanticism and promote classical singing at the same time. Nick, accompanied on the piano by Elizabeth Leonardi and soprano Christine Barbara, will be singing songs and arias from composers such as Tosti, Donizetti, Rossini, Fauré, Schubert, Handel and Britten.

---

Erica Ann Muscat, 21, has secured a spot on the BA (Hons) Acting Course at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

"I am your typical Libra: I never could make my mind up about anything. I went from gymnastics to basketball to football to the school choir and every single time I'd manage to forge a possible future in my mind where I could see myself doing that activity professionally. It's hard to tell exactly when it was that I stopped and realised that I wanted to be actress, but, deep down I think I always 'knew'.

"Getting accepted into a drama school, on an acting degree no less, is no mean feat. The competition is fierce. You walk into a room and the panels' greeting to you is a warning that 85 per cent of the people auditioning that day would not even make it through to the first round of auditions (there are another two elimination rounds before the final 20 are chosen). With the help of my tutor Denise Mulholland and the advice of actress Polly March, I beat the odds and can proudly say that I will be attending the school that is responsible for some of the world's most influential actors of our time including Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave.

"The course itself aims at the mergence of mind, body and soul, finding the link and maintaining it. It requires courage, curiosity, a good sense of humour and although I personally can't envision anything more enjoyable than a day of movement classes, it does occasionally leave you shattered and dreading what's still to come. It's emotionally as well as psychologically demanding but I chose the course because I loved it. There's no way of beating round the bush about it. You either love it, or you hate it, and in my case, I felt lost and incomplete without it. There is nothing like walking into the middle of a stage and centring yourself. It's the knowledge that everybody's eyes are on you and you are about to bare a part of your soul that you yourself may not have been aware of until that crucial moment when you access the psyche of the character you are portraying. To me, theatre is an interactive lesson in human emotions.

"When I decided I wanted to be an actress, I was fully aware that it wouldn't be easy. I didn't make the decision lightly. There's no saying what the future holds, but I plan on facing it head on."

• Erica is currently producing her own showcase to help raise funds for her time abroad. The show will be held on September 12, 13 and 14 at St James Cavalier and will include popular songs and comical sketches all circling the theme of auditions.

---

Cliff Zammit, 19, is about to start the undergraduate BMus Degree at the Royal College of Music in London.

"The Royal College of Music is the most prestigious music school in Europe so it has always been my dream to study there. I was eleven when I first got involved in the arts and it's been an automatic path for me ever since.

"It was all thanks to my Aunt Annemarie who loved singing and the theatre and always saw some kind of potential in me, she persuaded me to start training. Another great influence was a former teacher and now very good friend Kristine, who supported me and was there for me constantly when I needed any advice.

"I've had the pleasure of taking part in some fantastic local shows - The Wiz, Dracula Spectacular and West Side Story to name a few. I love the feeling of being on stage and it's wonderful when people appreciate your talent.

"Back in February 2006 I took part in the Malta Song for Europe and placed third forming part of the group Trilogy; it was a great experience and helped me to focus more on a solo singing career. Performing in a concert with a live orchestra is, in my opinion, something so magnificent. And the opportunity to secure a place at the RCM is all thanks to my vocal coach Gillian Zammit and the next step of my dream.

"I'm going to spend the next four years concentrating on music completely. I will learn about music history and performance practice, practical musicianship, aural training, vocal training and music therapy. It will prepare me and train me in the right, professional way for a successful career. I can't wait to start my journey!"

• During his time in London Cliff will be sponsored by Janatha Stubbs, Megabyte, Alpine House, Paradise Bay Hotel and Hair Desires (by Jessica).

---