FOUNDATION COURSE
COURSE OVERVIEW
Our Foundation course is designed for local singers at the onset of their professional journey.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- To introduce young singers to a varied and comprehensive programme of study.
- To expose them to new methodologies, musical awareness and to establish levels of discipline required for conservatoire level of study.
- To provide performance opportunities.
- To provide professional support and foster emotional wellbeing.
- To create networking opportunities and establish local and international collaborations
COURSE CONTENT
- Interpretation classes
- German and French song class
- Acting and movement sessions
- Stagecraft
- French, Italian and German diction study
- Recitative study
- Performance classes
- Opera scenes
- History of music
- Music theory and sight singing sessions
- Business management (including contracts and finances)
- Mental health awareness and healthy performance practice sessions
- Audition and presentation techniques, career advice and Q&A sessions with international agents
Students
Nikki Perry
TENOR | FOUNDATION STUDENT
My favourite piece to perform is “This is the Moment” from Jekyll and Hyde. The resonance of my voice with this song makes it especially enjoyable in my eyes, and it is a song that I am eager to sing repeatedly. I study voice with Denise Mulholland and Gillian Zammit and hope that, with the support of ONP, I will be well-prepared to join a school abroad and continue my journey in the arts.
Gabriel Magro
BARITONE | FOUNDATION STUDENT
I am a young performer with a strong passion for the arts and a love for opera. I am training with Gillian Zammit and my favourite piece to perform is probably ‘Le Secret’ by Gabriel Faure. ONP not only furthers my overall education in opera but also offers me numerous opportunities to improve my skills.
Maxine Marie Gilson
SOPRANO | FOUNDATION STUDENT
I am a young soprano studying with Gillian Zammit. My favourite piece to sing is ‘L’ho perduta, me meschina’ from Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. ONP helps me grow as an artist, refine my skills, and inspires me to reach new heights in my singing career.
Michael Vella Gatt
BASS | FOUNDATION STUDENT
I’m half Russian, half Maltese, and I love singing, playing piano and learning new musical pieces. I am training with Gillian Zammit. My absolute favourite piece is the ‘Toreador Song’ from Carmen. I think ONP is a fantastic opportunity for student singers like myself to discover the whole new world of opera performance. Escamillo, here I come!
Kelsey Carabott
SOPRANO | FOUNDATION STUDENT
I am studying classical singing with Gillian Zammit and am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be forming part of ONP. My favourite piece is ‘Nuit d’étoile’ by Debussy due to its delicate and sombre tone. I believe that ONP helps further my musical journey by providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to further my studies with professionals who guide me in the right direction.
Hannah Marie Attard
SOPRANO | FOUNDATION STUDENT
I study voice technique with Cathy Lawlor, and one of my favourite pieces is ‘The Flower Duet’ from the opera Lakmé by Delibes. Joining ONP is a unique opportunity that helps me enhance my skills in navigating the unique attributes and diversity of classical singing.
Giosue Agius
TENOR | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m a 23-year-old tenor, studying with Gillian Zammit. The aria “Povero Ernesto” from Don Pasquale resonates with my desire to explore both local and international stages. I believe ONP elevates my vocal and musical education, supporting my ambition to sing and connect with audiences worldwide.
Michaela Agius
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I enjoy bringing emotional depth to my performances. Having a special affection towards oratorio, my favourite piece to perform is Bach’s ‘Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben’. Studying with Gillian Zammit, Nicola Said, and Juliette Bisazza, I’m eager to broaden my musical understanding through ONP, growing in all aspects of my craft.
Francesca Aquilina
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I am a soprano with an MA in Opera from RWCMD, and I love performing the role of ‘Adina’ from Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amor. Passionate about education, ONP will offer fresh challenges and collaborations. I trained with Suzanne Murphy and Gillian Zammit and have performed widely in the UK, Malta, Italy, and Germany.
Tom Armitage
TENOR | ADVANCED STUDENT
I am a British tenor, composer, and pianist. I train vocally with Denise Mulholland and mostly enjoy singing French mélodie and contemporary repertoire—anything that pushes the boundaries of traditional opera and song. ONP gives me a deeper insight into the working world of opera.
Dorothy Baldacchino
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
While my clear voice suits baroque, classical, and contemporary music, I find deep meaning in Samuel Barber’s “Sure on This Shining Night.” Mentored by soprano Claire Debono, ONP will enhance my belief in a holistic approach to singing through masterclasses and collaboration with like-minded vocal athletes.
Lisa Baldacchino
MEZZO-SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I am a mezzo-soprano/soprano specializing in classical repertoire, and train with Denise Mulholland. My favourite pieces to sing are Mozart’s “Tu Fosti Tradito” and Strauss’s “Zueignung.” Through ONP, I am refining my vocal techniques, expanding my repertoire, and gaining valuable performance experience on both local and international platforms.
Mark Bartolo
BASS | ADVANCED STUDENT
My favourite aria is ‘The People That Walked In Darkness’ from Handel’s Messiah. I study voice with Albert Buttigieg. ONP enriches my musical journey by exposing me to diverse styles and subjects, enhancing my knowledge and appreciation of different musical genres.
Dorothy Bezzina
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I adore singing Spanish songs, especially Granados’ Tonadillas, which are sultry, sly, and elegantly flirtatious. I train with Miriam Cauchi, and I’m excited to share my passion for opera and classical music at ONP, while continuing to learn through its masterclasses and diverse educational modules.
Mariette Borg
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m a graduate of the University of Malta’s Music Studies Department and study with Claire Massa and Luis Aguilar. Passionate about opera and chamber music, at ONP I build on my skills as a classical singer. I love Debussy’s ‘Nuit d’etoiles’ for its lush harmonies and expressive text.
Dillon Camilleri
TENOR | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m eagerly discovering myself as an artist through ONP, moving beyond the choir setting I’m accustomed to. Trained by Luis Aguilar, I love performing Tosti’s “L’alba separa dalla luce l’ombra” and “Un’Aura Amorosa” from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. I look forward to learning, growing, and connecting with other talented individuals.
Karl Cassar
BARITONE | ADVANCED STUDENT
My passion for theatre led me to opera. Training with Soprano Gillian Zammit, I enjoy singing Bellini and listening to Puccini. My favourite piece is Vaga Luna, Che Inargenti from Composizioni da Camera. Thrilled to join ONP, I am nurturing my love for opera and its staging.
Mariah Costa
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
Lately, I’ve been captivated by Russian art songs, especially Tchaikovsky’s “Ja li vpole da ne travushka byla.” Training with Miriam Cauchi, I believe ONP refines my skills and fosters artistic growth by providing professional training, performance opportunities, and industry connections.
Joseph Cutajar
BASS | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m a young bass, studying in the Malta School of Music’s Diploma course under Miriam Cauchi. My favourite piece is Schumann’s “Der Nussbaum,” admired for its deep connection between music and poetry. ONP enriches my musical journey by offering diverse perspectives and enhancing my knowledge.
Mardy Farrugia
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I find it easier to express myself through pieces like Fauré’s “Rencontre,” which beautifully showcases the French language’s fluidity and sensitivity. I study voice with Gillian Zammit, and ONP improves my performance skills and broadens my repertoire, allowing me to explore various styles and languages.
Alexandra Camilleri Gambin
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m excited to be advancing my skills with ONP and collaborating with talented artists. Schubert’s works, especially “Gretchen am Spinnrade,” resonate deeply with me for their descriptive nature and emotional depth. I train with Claire Massa and look forward to growing as an artist and connecting with audiences through this experience.
Maria Grazia Grech
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m currently working on ‘Oh luce di quest’anima’ for its fun coloratura runs and ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth’ for its profound message of hope. I train with Luis Augilar and Gillian Zammit, and I am working on storytelling, movement and gaining the many skills that the world of opera requires at ONP.
Madeleine Grupetta
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I trained at the Malta School of Music and at present study with Gillian Zammit and Luis Augilar. My favourite piece is the “Barcarolle” from Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann. Singing with others inspires me, and ONP helps me grow as a complete artist through new ideas, roles, and collaborations.
Cledia Micallef
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m a 21-year-old soprano studying for a Bachelor of Music at the University of Malta. I love performing “Batti, Batti, O bel Masetto” from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Through ONP, I am refining my technique, broadening my repertoire, and deepening my artistic expression. I train with Gillian Zammit and Claire Massa.
Raisa Marie Micallef
MEZZO-SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m a 22-year-old mezzo-soprano, passionate about performing pieces like ‘Una Voce Poco Fa’ from Rossini’s Barbiere di Siviglia for its lively character. I’m excited to be part of ONP, as it provides the tools I need to advance my musical career by learning from international professionals.
Gabrielle Portelli
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m captivated by “Quell’Guardo il Cavaliere” from Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, which blends fun coloratura with sass, reflecting my personality. Training with Miriam Cauchi, I go to ONP to help me further cultivate my technique and experience, while building connections with fellow performers and gaining a taste of conservatoire-level training.
Stanley Joe Portelli
TENOR | ADVANCED STUDENT
As a lawyer with a passion for music, I train with Gillian Zammit. I love performing the intimate, quintessentially bel canto duet “Tornami a Dir” from Donizetti’s Don Pasquale. I joined ONP to improve my vocal technique, deepen my understanding of opera as a multidisciplinary art form, and share my musical journey with others.
Jester Rosales
TENOR | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m a management and technology consultant, with a passion for opera. I’ve sung with various and currently study voice with Gillian Zammit. I love ‘O del mio dolce ardor’ by Gluck for its tender but intense emotion. I blend my technical acumen with my deep love for music at ONP.
Nicole Vassallo
MEZZO-SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I started learning piano at a young age, gradually progressing into the classical music scene as both a chorister and soloist. Currently training with Dr. Andriana Yordanova, I am honing my vocal technique and performance skills through ONP. My favourite piece is Bizet’s witty “Seguidille” from Bizet’s Carmen.
Bettina Zammit
SOPRANO | ADVANCED STUDENT
I’m a soprano trained by Denise Mulholland, with recent performances in Italy in Manon Lescaut and the Arte Lirica Festival. My favourite piece is “Laurie’s Song” from Copland’s The Tender Land. ONP provides the classical training I need to further my studies and performing career internationally.