Baritone Charles Buttigieg, 19, gave an outstanding performance at Our Lady of Loreto church in Għajnsielem. Accompanied on the organ by maestro Stephan Camilleri, Buttigieg sang Schubert’s Ave Maria, I’ll walk with God and Non ti scordar di me, among others.

Speaking on the great abilities of Buttigieg, Għajnsielem archpriest Frankie Bajada described the Gozitan baritone as a future shining star among singers of international fame.

Buttigieg, who was recently admitted to the Curtis Institute of Music in the US following a rigorous application process, was selected for a full tuition scholarship to study voice at the prestigious institution in Philadelphia which starts in September. In its letter of offer Curtis stated that Charles “stood out as one of the most talented and promising students in what was one of the most competitive applicant pools in the history of the Institute”.

Buttigieg was one of the scholars of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation. Tenor Joseph Calleja said Charles was “a rare baritone talent that the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation had been encouraging and supporting for over two years”. During his childhood days, Buttigieg served as an altar boy at Għajnsielem parish church.

The concert was organised by the JP2 Foundation in collaboration with the Gozo Ministry, the Directorate of Tourism and Economic Development, Għajnsielem local council and Our Lady of Loreto parish.