I can’t believe that 2012 is over. Career wise this was probably the most successful and eventful year in the whole of my fifteen year career.  My latest album “Be my Love” topped the charts in several countries. From the Grammy award nomination to being nominated and winning the Gramophone Artist of the Year 2012 – I was so proud to bring these honors for the first time to my home country Malta to the delight of my compatriots whom I am privileged to call “fellow Maltese!”

Of course a lot went on stage as well and this year my best experiences both happened in London. The first, chronologically, was the run of “La Boheme” in London where I had the extraordinary privilege of working with director John Copley. Pushing 80 he has the exuberance and energy of a man 50 years his junior. His insight on acting and singing are truly revealing and it is simply unnerving to witness his still humongous “hunger” for this beautiful art form despite the fact that he clocked more than half a century on the world’s greatest stages. Add to this we ended up being a cast of “true bohemians.” Real friendship formed with Carmen Gianattasio, Fabio Capitanucci, Matthew Rose and Thomas Oliemans – what was going on stage was really a mirror of reality rather than being an imitation.  Semyon Bychkov in the pit aptly reminded us that even Puccini can be sung, not screamed, over the orchestra…

……and then the proms….Never in my life have I been so nervous knowing that I was going to sing the great tenor warhorses in front of a live audience of more than 10000 and a television audience running into millions. After Nessun Dorma the whole Royal Albert Hall erupted and “football stadium style cheering” ensued. Maestro Jiri Belohlavek immediately suggested an encore but I was frankly feeling too emotional of doing a “da capo.” It was a magical moment and I just wanted to breath it in…such an amazing event and wonderful colleagues like Nicky Benedetti, Mro Belohlavek, orchestra and the real stars of any Proms – the Prommers!

2013 is starting with a bang ie; a sold out concert at the Royal Festival Hall, another recital disk for Decca, a complete recording for the same label and performances in around 20 different cities around the globe including in my beloved Malta!

To all of you a great New Year without forgetting to thank the amazing team I have around me including (but not limited to) CSAM agency, 21c Media and Albion!