HSBC Malta Foundation supports the 19th Malta Spring Festival and International Strings Academy

HSBC Malta Foundation is pleased to support the 19th edition of the Malta Spring Festival, a prestigious annual celebration of classical and contemporary music, which will take place between the 21^st and the 26^th April 2025 at Teatru Manoel in Valletta. Since its inception in 2005, the Malta Spring Festival has been recognised for its innovative programming, featuring unique collaborations between emerging and world-renowned musicians. This year’s edition introduces an exciting expansion with the launch of the International Strings Academy, a new initiative designed to provide intensive training and mentorship to young string musicians.

In recognition of the festival’s contribution to cultural education and artistic excellence, HSBC Malta Foundation is making a donation in support of this initiative. The International Strings Academy will offer free masterclasses in solo, chamber, and orchestral performance for violin, viola, cello, and double bass players.

Led by an impressive faculty of internationally acclaimed musicians, including violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Charles Sewart from the Purcell School in the UK, and other distinguished artists, the Academy will provide an invaluable opportunity for aspiring musicians to refine their skills under expert guidance. Participants will also benefit from curated chamber ensemble collaborations, daily rehearsals, and the chance to attend festival concerts at no additional cost.

Masterclasses will be hosted in some of Malta’s most esteemed cultural venues, such as the Malta Society of Arts, Casino Maltese, the St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral and Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta. Throughout the week-long programme, students will prepare for the festival’s grand finale concert at Teatru Manoel on 26^th April, featuring a rich repertoire including Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, Op. 110a, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade, and Arvo Pärt’s Fratres for violin solo, strings, and percussion. This extraordinary performance will bring together young talents and celebrated musicians, creating a unique and inspiring musical experience for both participants and audiences alike. Glenn Bugeja Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Bank Malta commented: “the HSBC Malta Foundation’s support for the Malta Spring Festival underscores our ongoing commitment to the arts, education, and youth development. By contributing to initiatives like the International Strings Academy, HSBC Malta is playing a vital role in ensuring that the islands’ cultural landscape continues to thrive while fostering an environment where