Introducing the Team Behind the Songs: Crafting a Musical Tribute to In-Naħla Katerina, the Maltese Honey Bee

In-Naħla Katerina, the mascot representing the Maltese Honey Bee, which is the National Insect of Malta, through the project entitled Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, will become an icon for children. This initiative, supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). As part of an exciting and educational initiative, we are thrilled to unveil the talented professional team behind the project. This musical endeavour features three carefully crafted songs, each designed to raise awareness about the vital role of the Maltese Honey Bee. These songs will not only educate but also inspire and entertain listeners, young and old alike. Scheduled for release on important dates, the songs will reflect the importance of environmental conservation and the interconnectedness of nature.

Let’s meet the exceptional team who are bringing this project to life:

Songwriters: Crafting Music with a Purpose

The songs in this project are the result of the collaboration between two talented songwriters—Michael Piscopo and Rita Pace, who each bring their unique style and expertise to the table.

Michael Piscopo: The Visionary Behind the Lyrics

Michael Piscopo is best known as being the writer of the popular song “Fonzu l-Fenek.” He is a renowned Maltese songwriter and composer whose works have resonated with audiences for years. Known for his innovative musical arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, Michael’s contributions to the project will capture the essence of the Maltese Honey Bee and the broader message of environmental sustainability. His ability to craft engaging melodies and poignant lyrics will ensure that the songs are not only educational but also memorable. Michael’s dedication to music, particularly in the realms of children’s songs, makes him the perfect choice for this project, which seeks to engage and inspire young listeners.

Rita Pace: A Master of Storytelling Through Song

Rita Pace is a celebrated Maltese singer and songwriter with a rich background in both folk and contemporary music. Her impressive portfolio includes multiple awards for her songs in prestigious local festivals, including Għanja tal-Poplu and Konkors Kanżunetta Indipendenza. Rita’s deep understanding of social themes and her ability to express these through song will be pivotal in conveying the importance of pollinators like the Maltese Honey Bee. Her collaborations with Michael Piscopo will bring a powerful and emotive edge to the lyrics, creating songs that resonate deeply with the project’s target audience.

The Pedagogical Advisor: Guiding the Project’s Educational Focus

Behind the project’s educational framework is Prof. Suzanne Piscopo, who, together with her husband Michael Piscopo, is behind the popular song “Fonzu l-Fenek” initiative. An experienced educator, Suzanne is a professor at the University of Malta. She brings her wealth of experience in educational theory and practice to the project. Her work focuses on promoting health, nutrition, and sustainability, making her an ideal consultant for a project aimed at educating children about the environment and the importance of pollinators. Suzanne’s role in the project will be to ensure that the content is pedagogically sound, engaging, and age-appropriate for children. Her expertise in developing educational materials will help craft songs that not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons about the Maltese Honey Bee, the natural world, and the need for environmental conservation. Suzanne’s contributions will ensure that the project remains true to its educational goals while engaging young minds in a meaningful way.

Composers: Crafting the Melodies that Bring the Story to Life

While the songwriters lay the foundation, it’s the composers who bring the music to life. Michael Piscopo and Augusto Cardinali are the masterminds behind the musical arrangements that will accompany the project.

Michael Piscopo: A Composer with a Deep Connection to the Project’s Message

As a composer, Michael Piscopo’s expertise spans a variety of musical styles. His keen understanding of both traditional and modern musical elements allows him to blend different influences seamlessly. Michael’s contribution to the music of this project will create a dynamic and engaging listening experience. His ability to weave melodies that both educate and entertain will help bring the message of the Maltese Honey Bee and the importance of pollinators to life in a way that is both accessible and impactful for young audiences.

Augusto Cardinali: A Multi-Talented Composer with a Rich Musical Legacy

Augusto Cardinali, born on 9th June 1966, is a Maltese composer and musician with a wealth of experience. His impressive career spans music composition, performance, theatre, and visual arts. Having worked on numerous musicals, rock operas, and theatrical productions, Augusto brings a diverse musical approach to the project. Known for his ability to merge various genres, his compositions for this project will offer a dynamic and exciting sound. Augusto’s versatility as a composer will ensure that the songs appeal to a broad range of listeners, while remaining true to the project’s educational and environmental goals.

Singers: Bringing the Songs to Life

The voices behind the songs are just as important as the music and lyrics. We are proud to have three outstanding Maltese singers lending their voices to the project—Christabelle Scerri, Phyllisienne Brincat and Claire Marie Busuttil. All singers have extensive experience in music, and their involvement will bring the songs to life in an impactful way.

Christabelle Scerri: A Versatile and Experienced Performer, Synonymous with Maltese Singing

Christabelle Scerri, born on 13th November 1968 in Sydney, Australia, is a Maltese singer with an impressive background in theatre and a wide range of musical genres, from pop to folk. She began her pop singing career as part of the group Brown Rice in the notorious first satirical popular TV series Ahn’Ahna jew Mahniex, with the group winning first place in Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza. She was also the main singer of the Paul Curmi Dancers, representing Malta worldwide, performing as near as Reggio Calabria and as far as Canada. Christabelle has participated in Għanja tal-Poplu several times, securing second place twice alongside singer-songwriter Frank O’Neill, and more recently, she had the opportunity to perform in her birthplace, Australia, for the Maltese-Australian community. Christabelle has become synonymous with Maltese singing ever since she started singing with the Paul Curmi Dancers and also launched a CD album called Bizzilla. With her powerful voice and emotive delivery, she brings a rich depth to the songs in this project, ensuring that their messages resonate with listeners, while her unique vocal style adds an additional layer of emotion and meaning to the music.

Phyllisienne Brincat: A Vocal Powerhouse with a Deep Commitment to Music

Phyllisienne Brincat, born on 21st April 1963, is a Maltese singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. A passionate performer, Phyllisienne began her career at a young age and has been an integral part of the local music scene ever since. She has participated in numerous music festivals, including Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza, and has won awards for her vocal performances. Phyllisienne also runs her own recording studio, where she is involved in the musical arrangements, recordings, and mixing. She is also a piano tutor, actress, choreographer and music video director. Her vocal ability and deep connection to both music will bring an inspiring and uplifting quality to the project.

Claire Marie Busuttil: A Multi-Talented Seeker of New Challenges

Claire Marie Busuttil is a well-known local media personality and performer. She started her career in modelling, winning a number of contests including the prestigious title of Miss Malta which enabled her to represent her country in competitions overseas. Her love for acting saw her take part in numerous theatrical and television productions over the years. Coached by Phyllisienne Brincat, Claire Marie is a relative newcomer on the local music scene, but her short career has already yielded numerous recognitions at festivals, both locally and overseas. As with everything else that she does, Claire Marie considers any new project as a challenge to be met with enthusiasm and passion. Claire Marie is also a presenter on a leading radio channel and is a dedicated animal-lover.

Videographer: Bringing the Songs to Life on Screen

In addition to his role as a songwriter and composer, Michael Piscopo will also take on the crucial role of videographer for the project. As the creative mind behind the music videos for all three songs, Michael will ensure that the visual elements complement the educational and musical themes of the project. His extensive experience in visual storytelling, coupled with his deep connection to the project’s message, will bring the songs to life in a vibrant and engaging way. Michael’s music videos will serve as an essential part of the project, helping to visually communicate the importance of the Maltese Honey Bee and the wider environmental message to young audiences. The music videos will enhance the learning experience, making the songs even more impactful.

Conclusion

This exciting project, which aims to raise awareness about In-Naħla Katerina, the Maltese Honey Bee, and other Flora & Fauna species of Malta, would not be possible without the collective efforts of this talented team. From the songwriters to the composers, from the pedagogical advice to the singers, each member brings their expertise and passion to the table. Together, they are creating a musical experience that will educate, entertain, and inspire future generations to appreciate the importance of pollinators and the natural world around us.

With the collaboration of these exceptional individuals, In-Naħla Katerina will become more than just a song—it will be a celebration of Malta’s biodiversity, an anthem for the environment, and a fun, educational tool for children. The songs will serve as a reminder of the essential role that pollinators play in our ecosystem and the need to protect them for the future of our planet.

Stay tuned for the release of these wonderful tracks, and join us in celebrating the beauty and significance of the Maltese Honey Bee!

This project is being coordinated by the founders, Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg.

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Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.