Maria tells us about why our times bring new possibilities to classical music and why innovative stagings, hybrid concerts are gaining more popularity.

What does music mean to you personally?

Music is my life, I consider myself fortunate to call it my hobby and career.

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

I think that fantasy is an important aspect of music since it gives creative flight to the soul into an imaginary universe.

If you were not a professional musician, would would you have been?

Can’t think of anything I would rather do.

The classical music audience is getting old, are you worried about your future?

There are always uncertainties in the future, but one must focus and enjoy the present. I think classical music will always be a central part of music since it forms part of our culture and heritage.

What do you envision the role of classical music to be in the 21 century? Do you see that there is a transformation of this role?

I think the 20th century is presenting several new opportunities for classical music and musicians. Orchestral concert will remain prominent. More recently hybrid concerts are gaining popularity, classical music is being given a new dimension. This is done through the incorporation of electronic instruments together with traditional orchestral instruments. The result is a mixture of styles and timbres which marks the 21st century.

When I say that classical music is searching for new ways or that the classical music is getting a new face, what would come to your mind?

Classical music can be enjoyed in different ways. The traditional concert hall venue is being changed, classical music concerts can be experienced in different locations such as innovative stages set on water with the use of novel lighting and sound systems.

Do you think that the classical musician today needs to be more creative? What’s the role of creativity in the musical process for you?

Yes, I think creativity is a central aspect in music, since the musician or composer requires this tool to inspire the audiences and instil a love for music. For me the definition of composition is creativity therefore without creativity there is no music.

Do you think we musicians can do something to attract young generation into the classical music concerts? How will you proceed?

Yes, I think more promotion and awareness about classical music can help the younger generation appreciate and value the genre even more.

Tell us about your creative process. Do you have your favourite piece (written by you) How did you start working on it?

My creative process starts with inspiration, which can take the form of a memory, feeling, experience or encounter. The inspiration leads to the formation of a melody together with adjacent harmonic progressions. My favourite composition is Saulelydis which is a piece for solo piano, it was written for a dance project. Saulelydis is available here:

We, Moving Classics TV, love the combination of classical music with different disciplines: music and painting, music and cinematography, music and digital art, music and poetry. What do you think about these combinations?

I think that the combination of the different artistic disciplines highlights the fact of the inter-relatedness of the arts. The underlying element of these combinations is the creativity present in the different artistic expressions. The use of different artistic combinations plays an important role in storytelling in order to project one’s relationship with the universe.

Can you give some advice for young people who want to discover classical music for themselves?

I would advise to take up music lessons. Learning an instrument involves physical, mental and emotional discipline which helps maintain balance and structure within one’s existence.

Now it is a common practice in the media to talk that classical music is getting into the consumption business, do you agree? We are speaking about the supply and demand rules and how to sell your “product” in your case your compositions. How do you see it?

Well this is a challenging aspect of music. Some works of art are not fully appreciated and people might find it hard to understand all the energy, commitment and dedication an artist needs in order to achieve a certain level of mastery. One must keep in mind the current market value of works and not under- or over-estimate the “product”. Talking to colleagues and doing research within the music industry also helps the artist take informed decisions.

Do you have expectations with regards your listeners, your audience?

I hope that the audience enjoys and appreciates my music and that it enhances their mood or serves as a means of relaxation, enjoyment or entertainment.

What projects are coming up? Do you experiment in your projects?

For my upcoming project updates make sure to like my facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/mariamifsudcomposer/

Yes, I do experiment with different techniques and instruments this depends on the particular project in question. I always enjoy new experimental and innovative challenges.

Official website: www.mariamifsud.com

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Very original composer Jes Grixti talks about his composing style, why he is in another planet when he composes and sheds some light on his personality

What does music mean to you personally?

It is a necessity similar to have breakfast, lunch and dinner

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

Life in itself is a fantasy, we are a product of fantasy and we live by dreaming, and hoping.

If you were not a professional musician, would would you have been?

I am who I am because I’m a miso! - hard to answer - so much things put there.. who knows… I do not rule out nothing!

The classical music audience is getting old, are you worried about your future?

Its a fact that high art is in crises, lot of factors, circumstances and expectations. We need to be closer to the audience and more education/awareness is needed!

What do you envision the role of classical music to be in the 21 century?

To be an integral part of the society, Do you see that there is a transformation of this role? Should be more relevant, and be part of a synergy - high art music needs to stay exclusive because it is yet inclusive - I suppose we are missing the latter!

When I say that classical music is searching for new ways or that the classical music is getting a new face, what would come to your mind?

Reflecting and capturing our society - our world - our lifestyle etc - being the barometer!

Do you think that the classical musician today needs to be more creative?

For sure - sadly for an entrepreneur!

Whats the role of creativity in the musical process for you?

I enjoy very much the composition side - the creative process, unleashing my fantasies, emotions, expressing my feelings and personality. When I’m composing I’m in another planet!

Do you think we musicians can do something to attract young generation into the classical music concerts?

Friendlier approach, and be part of for example add classical music to family photos, or great moments in once life such as the birth of a new baby in the family etc How will you proceed? as stated before

Tell us about your creative process. Do you have your favourite piece (written by you) How did you start working on it?

Every piece is unique - it is like having kids - you cannot compare - all yours and all have their own personality! recently I’ve composed a piano trio and an orchestral work - different yet capturing my journey! - that’s what makes composition unique - it is my inner voice and I compete with myself because it is so personal.

We, Moving Classics TV, love the combination of classical music with different disciplines: music and painting, music and cinematography, music and digital art, music and poetry. What do you think about these combinations?

Great and to be encouraged. Nothing exists in isolation!

Can you give some advice for young people who want to discover classical music for themselves?

Relate, for example watch a movie that has some classical music and take the journey - the journey will take you to amazing places. Simple from the ‘known to the unknown’ - the joy of discovery.

Now it is a common practice in the media to talk that the classical music is getting into the consumption business, do you agree?

Sad - but it is the real world ruled by the rule of economics. We are speaking about the supply and demand rules and how to sell your “product” in your case your compositions. How do you see it? Composition is not there to be sold - it is higher than that - but one needs to secure a measure of financial stability!

Do you have expectations what regards your listeners, your audience?

Bringing them on board - lift them up - taking them on a journey.

What projects are coming up? Do you experiment in your projects?

I believe in substance, and quality. I work on one or two good works. I reflect and I need to feel the necessity to tell a story - a relevant one - otherwise whats the point? If I were in commercial writing that’s another story - therefore, ‘horses for courses.

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