Around 50 emerging artists sent in their submission for the Vodafone Upcoming Artist 2011, a music competition organised by Vodafone Malta, Maestro Sigmund Mifsud and The Palace Hotel, Sliema. Considering the positive feedback that was registered so far, the organizers decided to extend the submission period by two weeks, till the 7th of March.

Twelve young artists have already made it through the auditions that have been held. The first call for submission was through Facebook and interest has been increasing as the days went by. This event is seen as a unique opportunity providing new Maltese talent the opportunity to perform before an audience and compete for the title of Vodafone Upcoming Artist 2011. The winner will also get a weekend break for two at The Palace Hotel’s Music Suite.

The chosen artists will be performing live before the public during the Vodafone Jamming Sessions at Temptasian at The Palace to be held on the 1st, 15th, 29th March and the 12th of April. The first twelve artists to make it through are Mikaela Attard, Adrienne Azzopardi, Paul Cassar, Stephanie Desjardins, Vittorio Gauci, Christopher Grech, Owen Grech, Anne Marie Mayo, Lyndsay Pace, Rebecca Vassallo, Louisa Wirth, Peter Paul Zammit, Each event will host a special guest and will declare a night’s finalist, narrowing down the competition to four finalists. All four finalists will win a sumptuous lunch or dinner for two at one of The Palace’s luxurious restaurants.

Videos of the four finalists will be uploaded both on You Tube and on Vodafone Malta’s Facebook page, and the public will have the opportunity to vote via SMS. All SMS voters will also get a chance to win a weekend break two-night stay in The Palace’s View Suite on bed and breakfast basis. The artist winners on each respective night as well as the overall winner will be announced on Vodafone Malta’s Facebook page.

“Vodafone Malta has long been supporting initiatives that promote local music. We believe in bringing music closer to the people and we’re doing this in a myriad of ways, by supporting both local music and foreign acts,” said Daniela Abela, Brand Executive at Vodafone Malta. “Through this initiative we wanted to give upcoming talented singers and musicians the chance to show the public what they can do. We know there are many artists that have never had the possibility of showing off their talent. The Vodafone Upcoming Artist 2011 initiative gives gifted artists the opportunity to perform before a public who can appreciate their musical efforts and performing skills.

“Maestro Sigmund Mifsud who took on the role of producer for this initiative and who also headed the judging panel spoke about the selection process at the auditions. He said preference was given to artists who played musical instruments and who wrote their own songs. “Being an artist myself, I understand the difficulties that new artists have to face. It is not easy for upcoming artists to be provided an opportunity to perform in front of a public and I can assure you that this is an opportunity that upcoming artists are not willing to miss,” stated Maestro Sigmund Mifsud.

Hotel Manager at AX Hotels Kevin Callus said, “As preparations to host the Vodafone Jamming Sessions are well underway at Temptasian and excitement at The Palace is gearing up! We are ready to welcome both the performers and the public and to host the winner in our exclusive and luxurious Music Suite.” The Music Suite is one of six distinct designer suites at The Palace that have different and innovative themes, view, light, flavour, fragrance, texture and music. These elegantly furnished suites are inspired by the senses and offer different designs based on classical and contemporary lines aimed at offering guests an ultimate experience in hospitality, exclusive to The Palace.

Interested upcoming artists can submit their names by sending an email to sigmund.mifsud@gmail.com by the 7th March. This competition is open to anybody over the age of 16 who performs pop and rock. Vodafone and The Palace employees are also eligible to take part.

Meanwhile, Pawlu Borg Bonaci, lead singer of Fakawi, accompanied by Wayne and Peter Borg confirmed his performance for the 1st of March.

Photo shows Maestro Sigmund Mifsud with some of the young artists that have made it through the auditions – L to R Rebecca Vassallo, Lindsay Pace and Mikaela Attard.

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