Window of opportunity

Last night most people followed Malta's Song for Europe, the contest that decides which song is to represent our country at the Eurovision Song Festival in May. For the first time ever, we opted to let the people themselves decide the winner. Last night the winning composition was chosen 100 per cent by televoting.

Malta has been participating in 'Eurovision' since 1971, although for a number of years we did not take part because of financial and other constraints. Since 1991 we have been taking part every year and there have been times when we managed to acquire very good placings.

The event represents a window of opportunity for composers, lyricists and singers. From months before the great night, composers and lyricists are assiduously preparing to submit their works. This year, 186 compositions were submitted and yesterday we could follow the 22 finalists. That means that all yesterday's participants can be regarded as winners.

Nonetheless, as the 35 minutes allotted for televoting start running out, and as the results from the different phone systems begin to pour in, it is natural that anxiety grips those taking part until the winning song is known.

I have only words of gratitude not only for the composers and lyricists but also for all the singers who would have spent countless hours rehearsing their song to give the best interpretation possible. Many talented singers and groups do us proud, and I know that when Maltese talent makes it beyond our shores despite the tough competition, that is to the credit the hard work and persistence put in by the persons concerned.

Malta is being served well by a growing number of "cultural ambassadors" who not only stand out in their own right but also as representatives of their country.

Much is said about whether we in Malta make too much fuss about the Eurovision song festival. Whichever way one looks at it, it is a unique opportunity which we should use to the fullest. Irrespective of Malta's ranking from year to year in the Eurovision song festival proper, our participation ensures that we remain relevant well beyond our own boundaries.

Most countries have over the years opted for a system which gives their nationals alone the right to choose the song which represents the country they live in. I have felt that there is no justifiable reason for the people of Malta to be treated any differently than others. Arguments about our being 'too small' or that 'we all know each other' become irrelevant when one takes into account the sheer magnitude of our participation rate - as with general elections.

Even in this field, we must enjoy the highest per capita rate as witnessed by the thousands of calls and messages that were placed to choose the winning composition. Moreover, an analysis of results obtained over the past years indicates that by and large the verdict of the people and that of the expert international jury tallied.

When Malta achieved its best ever result, through Ira Losco's entry (which placed second), the people's verdict - in this case also backed by the jury - was well vindicated.

The people of Malta can be relied upon as much as any other people to genuinely choose the winning package they consider would best represent us at the 'Eurovision' event. Allowing the people to choose on their own emphasises not only our trust in the people's ability to make the right choice but also the fact that this song contest is meant to be an expression of popular support of the contemporary music scene.

The song chosen by the public last night will represent Malta is Ukraine's capital, Kiev, in May. While thanking all participants, I wish the winning song the best of success at the May event. This is the time for all of to us to give our full support to the winner. The logistic details of that festival were recently discussed with the new President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko who promised to give top priority to this event.

This year's 'Eurovision' will be the 50th and that anniversary will be celebrated later this year. The Malta Song Board has decided to offer the people of Malta the opportunity to join in the celebration since we have acquired the rights to broadcast this event that takes place before the year is out. It will be a celebration that highlights how this festival has been influential to bring to a wider audience many European music stars.

People all over Europe will be able to vote for the song that has stood out most over the last 50 years. Malta has been there for more than 30 years, and is now one of the active supporters of this event.

The build-up to yesterday's Malta Song for Europe had its difficult moments, such as the rather unnecessary controversy with composers when it was recommended to retain a rule introduced last year through which foreign composers can compete. While there is much to be said in favour of open competitions, it makes sense to allow such an open competition only for those countries that equally do not impose any controls on foreign participation.

In this respect, I am pleased to have been able to mediate between Malta Song Board and UKAM leading to an agreement signed on November 24.

As a result of that agreement, while all works submitted by foreign composers were allowed to participate in the contest, it was established that there would be 22 finalists. The composer and author of the winning song will form part of the Maltese delegation and their air fare will be paid for.

Moreover, it was agreed that members of the board of UKAM were to be present during the last day of submission of entries, set for the day following the signing of the agreement, as well as during the sorting and judging processes right up to last night. In fact, last night, a UKAM representative could also monitor the technical process at Go Mobile, Vodafone and Maltacom as the televoting was taking place and beyond.

Importantly, it has been established that as of next year, the participation of foreign composers and authors in Malta's Song for Europe will be restricted to composers and authors from countries where Maltese composers and authors have equal opportunities to participate. The participation shall be on the basis of reciprocity and on the understanding that there would be a festival or any other selection process.

I have also committed myself to chair meetings between Malta Song Board and UKAM in representation of the Maltese composers, authors and singers regarding the regulations in respect of next year's Malta Song for Europe once the Eurovision contest in May is over.

The agreement was signed by Grace Borg, chairman of the Malta Song Board, and John Vassallo, president of UKAM.

Once that agreement was reached, I could not but be delighted that goodwill prevailed on both sides and Maltese composers and authors were immediately submitting their own works to participate in this year's event.

Three leading music recording companies - Sony Greece, Warner Brothers, and BMG - were present at yesterday's contest. Such participation is to be encouraged since it further emphasises the opportunity offered to talented people in our own country through the annual Song for Europe.

There is bound to be wide discussion on a range of subjects including the voting method used, how best to prepare for the Ukraine challenge, other opportunities that could be made available to Maltese talent, and marketing Malta through its contemporary artistes at various levels. Such a discussion is healthy and natural.

What, however, must now be a priority is to offer the winners the best possible opportunities beyond our own confines. That should be the priority that unites one and all.

No effort has been spared from making last night's production come across as professionally as possible not only to the audience at the Mediterranean Conference Centre but also to the public at large following the event through television. My gratitude goes to all those who, whether front of stage or for that matter back stage, worked hard to make it happen.

That is the sort of effort that is meant to enhance a unique window of opportunity. I am confident that in the coming months we will be able to sustain that effort to offer our own country and all the talent that stands out to represent Malta the best possible opportunities that can be mustered.

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