Aug 28 - Gibraltar Academy Of Music And Performing Arts Launched
The Gibraltar Academy of Music and Performing Arts is set to open next month, for artists of all ages to further their interests.
The Government of Gibraltar today launched GAMPA, which will be led and run by Principal Christian Santos (Christian Santos Productions) and Vice-Principal Cathy Batchelor (Allegro Music Productions).
Both individuals come from a strong musical background, and after disbanding their own production companies, they will be working under the Academy and have developed a programme of courses to suit everyone’s individual needs.
The Academy, which will start offering tuition at a minimum charge to students as from Monday 14th September, will be located in what used to be Flat Bastion Magazine and 63 Flat Bastion Road.
Speaking earlier today, Mr Santos said: “Children tend to peter out from their interest in music once their social life comes into play.
“What we want to do is make a group environment where there will be a hub for young artists to be able to enjoy music and performing arts while they are able to make their own communities, and continue with their music education.”
Mrs Batchelor added that sometimes learning music can be a very lonely activity, and this will hopefully keep youngsters interested in their talent for many more years. This is also a great opportunity for children to learn how to play other instruments they might have not been able to learn previously.
The Academy will provide much needed cohesive tuition in a structured environment to students of all ages. It will be an all-inclusive study format with qualified locally based tutors who will be offering One-to-One tuition as well as group classes in music and performing Arts.
There will be classes in a variety of instruments as well as theory, harmony, composition and improvisation. One of our aims is to house The Gibraltar Youth Orchestra and The Gibraltar Youth Choir as well as keeping up to date with the latest technology and maintenance of our instruments.
Speaking at the GAMPA launch, Minister for Culture Steven Linares said: “I am really pleased that we are launching the Academy today, and I hope that it is successful.
“There’s more to Gibraltar than just the monkeys. With a focus on the arts and cultural side of the community, it puts Gibraltar on the map for a number of different reasons, including culture, sports, and even finance.”
Classes for youngsters starts on Monday 14th September. Registration for classes will be held on Friday 11th September at the John Mackintosh Hall.
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