New body to promote the Maltese song

Preparations are under way to set up a new organisation to replace the Malta Song Festivals Committee and change the way in which Maltese song and singers are promoted locally and abroad.

The term of the present committee, which is responsible for the organisation of the International Festival of Maltese Song, the National Youth Song Festival and the Song for Europe Festival, expired on May 31.

As a result, certain decisions on the organisation of the festivals in question could not be taken - prompting concern because the International Festival of Maltese Song is due to be held on October 26.

However, sources said, Charlò Bonnici, who headed the previous committee, was asked to retain his post until the new organisation was up and running.

They also said that Mr Bonnici, appointed as chairman of the committee in 2000, was also expected to head the new organisation.

When contacted, Mr Bonnici confirmed this and said preparations for the October festival were now in full swing with the 36 selected songs expected to be announced this week.

Mr Bonnici said that because there had been only a caretaker committee in recent months it was decided that there would be no changes to the regulations of the Song for Europe Festival to be held on February 7 and 8.

However, the new organisation would have to discuss what course of action to adopt when it comes to deciding on which record company will sign up the winner of the Song for Europe Festival, who will eventually represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The German record company Cap Sounds has signed Malta's entry for the Eurovision since 1996. However, two high placing Eurovision entrants - Ira Losco and Chiara - recently complained about the treatment they received from the record company.

The venue of the Malta festival, which is normally held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, is expected to move in order to accommodate more patrons.

Mr Bonnici said the new organisation could either be set up in the coming weeks or immediately after the festival on October 26.

"I am a little concerned that the new set-up has not yet been formed but I do understand that having something really professional requires time and preparation," he said.

So what will the role of the new organisation be?

"Basically the new set-up will have a wider scope and instead of just concentrating on the organisation of the three festivals it will focus its energies on the song and the singer," he explained.

"Once the new organisation is formed we can focus on what we can do for Maltese singers on a national front and not just those who take part in the three festivals.

"The plan is also to push the abilities of local groups and bands at an international level and maybe even bring people over to scout for local talent. We want to proceed beyond the Eurovision Song Festival," he said.