"toi toi" - a phrase used to wish good luck to an artist, seconds before

going on stage

TIMESTOI TOI

Welcome

Life at the Theatre Manoel is bustling with activity around Toi Toi. September 2011 saw the launch of this exciting and rich educational programme. Teatru Manoel has a deep commitment towards Arts Education and aspires to reach an ever-growing audience, to be enjoyed by all. Our mission is to bring our younger audiences closer to the wonderful world of the Arts, inspiring them with events that cater specifically for children and young adults.

To date we have had 10 Toi Toi events with plenty more coming your way in the months ahead. Our Educational Programme will continue on its travels in 2012! Browse through Toi Toi Times to find out more!

Among these, look out for our Toi Toi talks – the informal but highly

informative pre-concert talks held in our new Studio Theatre. 022, our monthly concerts for infants and toddlers kick off on the 16th of January. After the successful courtyard workshop and performance of baroque music for children, we are dedicating time to Harpsichord music on the 13th of February and Beethoven Toi Toi with the renowned viola player, Gérard Caussé, taking place on the 5th of March. The Contemporary Sounds Good series continues with a dynamic workshop with Gabi Sultana, especially interesting for young musicians.

March sees the launch of our home-grown Youth Theatre, a performance - based, learning adventure for 16 – 20 year olds. Auditions will be held on the 24th with a great workshop delivered by Pete Harris on the following day.

The young are thirsty for more, the old wish to be young again to make the most of such events. So indulge in the Arts… learn and enjoy with Toi Toi!

Rosetta Debattista

Arts Education Consultant

Vol.1QuarterlY

As MAltA’s NAtioNAl theAtre, teAtru MANoel is coMMitted to iNvest iN the youNger geNerAtioN ANd their love for the Arts.

teAtru MANoel’s Newly lAuNched educAtioNAl progrAM eNtitled toi toi, AiMs to iNspire ANd excite youNgsters ANd teeNAgers ANd eNcourAges theM to be

iNNovAtive ANd iNcorporAte the Arts As AN iNtegrAl pArt of their lifestyle.

for More iNforMAtioN About our upcoMiNg eveNts ANd school group visits seNd AN eMAil to iNfo@teAtruMANoel.coM.Mt or cAll 21222618

FOREVER YOUNG WITH TOI TOI

children and the Youth are at the heart of toi toi projects....

PAST EVENTS

Past events have included a sell-out Performance Workshop by renowned baroque ensemble Les Paladins; Toi Toi Cosmic, a highly entertaining Concert for Children where kids had the chance to listen to popular classics and favourite soundtracks such as Harry Potter and Looney tunes cartoons played by the multi-national woodwind ensemble. Children were given the exciting and rare chance to interact with the musicians as well as conduct some of the pieces, bringing the magical music alive on stage...the kids could hardly wait their turn for this challenge!

Our first Contemporary Sounds Good Series delighted a number of young enthusiasts in November with a workshop led by pianist and composer, Véronique Vella and the participation of mezzo-soprano, Clare Ghigo. Again here, it was astounding to listen to the 10-16 year olds discussing their own compositions and genuine interest in the subject matter.

Pre-concert Talks are fast becoming the concert-goer’s aperitif! Intimate and light-hearted, our main speaker, Neil Briscoe White comes prepared with anecdotes, historical details and insights into the programme of the night! So far we have enjoyed talks including material on the emergence of transcriptions and Mahler and his Leider works. We look forward to these 20 minute pre -concert talks which begin at 7.15pm at Teatru Manoel’s Studio Theatre, Mint Street.

Behind the Scenes Behind the Scenes at Panto was a hugely popular event capturing all the fun, madness and spirit of Panto. Children learned the songs, met the cast and watched in awe as all the delightful Panto characters transformed themselves through stage make-up, costumes and a few other tricks! More such events to follow shortly...

different expressions, different perceptions….

fullY bookedbooking for toi toi 022 on

13th of februarY at 14.00 now open

UPCOMING EVENTS

fullY bookedbooking for toi toi 022 on

13th of februarY at 14.00 now open

TOI TOI TESTIMONIAlS...

Martina caruana, age 13

L-ewwel ħaġa li jgħidulek in-nies meta issemilhom il-mużika klassika hija li hija antika u tad-dwejjaq  u li jippreferu li jisimgħu mużika oħra.  U jiena l-istess kont. Veru li l-mużika klassika ilha imma hija xi  ħaġa tajba.  Toi Toi qegħdin jipprovaw iħeġġu lit-tfal biex jibdew japprezzaw il-mużika klassika.  Toi Toi jixtieq juru lit-tfal li l-mużika klassika hija sabiha u utli  ħafna mill-ħajja ta’  dan iż-żmien.  Probabbli d-diska li kont smajt f’film u għoġbitek hija mużika klassika jew anke fir-riklam tal-prodotti tal-ħasil tal-ħwejjeġ intużat il-mużika klassika.

Meta jiena mort l-ewwel show ta’ Toi Toi jiena stennejt li kulma se nisma’ hija mużika miktuba minn Bach jew Haydn u li kont se niddejjaq.  Imma kienet sorpriża meta l-mara li ddoqq il-flawt bdiet titkellem u tispjega kull biċċa mużika li kienu se jqoddu.   Il-mużiċisti bdew idoqqu b’mod li jdaħħluk fid-diska u bla ma trid tieħu gost.  Sorpiża oħra kienet meta daqqew diski li jiena kont diġa smajt bihom (barra mil-lezzjonijiet tal-muzika) bhal id-diska principali tal-film famuż Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.F’dawn ix-shows ma kienx hemm smiegħ biss imma t-tfal kellhom iċ-ċans li jitilgħu fuq il-palk u jipparteċipaw, isaqsu u jwieġbu mistoqsijiet u jitgħallmu naqra mill-istorja tal-mużika. Jiena nirrikomanda li kull tifel u tifla għandha tmur tara show imtellgħa minn Toi Toi u żgur toħroġ sodisfatta u bi tbissima fuq fommha - mhuz it-tfal biss imma anke n-nies ta’ terza età!!!

daVid cutajar , age 14

I am writing this to give some general feedback on a concert that me and two of my relatives attended earlier this month 'Toi Toi Cosmic'. In my opinion this concert was an excellent production, perfect for young children and adults alike to both learn and have fun, including me and my relatives. The choice of music was very well planned, performed as well as presented and the stage decor suited the show exceptionally well. My young cousins especially appreciat.ed the touch of humour throughout the show, which made it much more lively. The only thing I would comment on is the amount of people that attended. I would have loved to see a full hall. Overall, the production was of a very high standard and congratulations to toi toi and the Cosmic orchestra.

As well as the excellent concert, I attended another two events. The first one was 'Toi Toi Baroque', which was a really interesting, well planned and well  executed workshop on the Baroque period and about all its beautiful music and the composers of this music. This too was a really great event for children  aged 4  and above and even for adults who want to learn about the music and composers of the past. An excellent performance was also given by the soprano who beautifully sang Handel's aria 'Lascia ch'io Pianga' and by the violinists, who also explained the difference between a violin of the Baroque Period, and a violin of nowadays as well as playing a great melody. Again this was a greatly planned production, and with a rather good attendance. 

 Finally, we come to the event 'Contemporary Sounds Great', which was another workshop mainly on composition and contemporary music and composers. For this event, I particularly have to congratulate Dr. Veronique Vella, who presented this event and even performed the music of the event, and did a great job of it. This workshop was just as interesting as the Baroque workshop and I also learned a lot and it even convinced me to try and compose, or even fool around on the piano more often than I used to.  

 I really hope to see more workshops/concerts like this in the near future. Keep up the great work!

what You had to saY about toi toi eVents..

t e a t r u M a n o e l Y o u t h t h e a t r e

do You enjoY acting and are aged 16-20? here is an extraordinarY chance to becoMe part of the theatre Manoel Youth theatre - a wonderful training opportunity for aspiring young actors. This group will meet on a weekly basis at the Studio Theatre on Saturday afternoons from 2pm until 5pm and would focus on giving young actors the opportunity to explore and reach their creative potential through a quality theatre arts experience. The directors are Pete Harris and Denise Mulholland - both experts in their field. 

Audition dates to be held on 24th March from 10am for those aged 16-20. Closing date for applications: Friday 2nd March 2012

audition workshop This day-long seminar is open to all and offers a detailed practical workshop on auditioning for UK drama schools as well as local productions. Participants will explore a complete audition process, spending time working individually on improvisation and on prepared monologues as well as in groups. Feedback for those taking part will also be provided, together with an opportunity for participants to reflect and develop their own awareness of the work and themselves as the workshop progresses. This workshop will be held on 25th March at 11am at Teatru Manoel and all are welcome to attend.

what should i wear?Whatever you like, though some people like to dress up for the occasion.  Again, in the past, lights would be left on during a performance so that the aristocratic amongst the audience would strategically place themselves high up in the boxes where they could show off their finest gowns and jewelry and indulge in some serious people-watching! The audience would also cheer, jeer and pelt the actors and musicians with food, depending on how well they were enjoying the performance! In stark contrast to today’s theatre, where audience members are expected to sit quietly during a show, the theatre was a very noisy, rowdy place. Remember…Mobiles OFF though

What happens if i’m late?It is important to arrive in good time before a performance so as not to disturb the people on stage and the other members of the audience. Aim to be seated about 15 minutes before a performance is due to start. However, if you are late, you may still be allowed in. With concerts or recitals, an usher will normally let you in between pieces (i.e. when the audience starts to clap).  In an opera, there is usually an opportunity to take your seat after the overture (the orchestral introduction to an opera which can last up to about 10 minutes). If you arrive after this, you will probably be required to wait until either the end of the first act or until the first interval.

where should i sit?Your choice of seat will depend on how much you have to spend and the availability of tickets in a particular price band. The most expensive seats tend to be in the dress circle, with the cheapest seats in ‘the gods’ or balcony. The trend has changed somewhat over the years. In the eighteenth century, the theatre was about seeing and being seen. Your social class would often dictate your seating place in the theatre. Fortunate for 25 year olds and under, the theatre offers 50% to all Teatru Manoel events too!

do i need to know anYthing beforehand?If you’re watching an opera, for example, it is useful to know the basic story-line by reading a brief summary of the plot. The synopsis is also normally featured on the production programmes, available for sale immediately prior to the performance. At Teatru Manoel,  Toi Toi  pre-concert talks are offered before selected Teatru Manoel performances in order to enhance your musical knowledge and listening experiences.

when should i clap?During concerts and recitals, it is usually customary to clap at the end of a whole musical work and refrain from doing so in between movements. Your programme will normally inform you about the number of sections or movements present in a whole piece. During an opera, applause is appreciated at various points. A round of applause usually greets the conductor each time he enters the orchestra pit. Audience members will often start clapping after well-sung or famous arias and always at the end of acts. Normally, there will be a number of curtain calls for the main singers and conductor at the end of the performance.

TIPS teatru Manoel first tiMer… or new to classical Music? if you’re neW to the theatre, You Might haVe a nuMber of Questions about what to expect.

UPCOMING EVENTS

we welcoMe feedback and suggestions froM all toi toi participants. Your contribution is Valued. anY indiViduals or coMpanies keen to support this long-terM Venture are inVited to contact us on 2559553 or eMail us on INFO@TEATRUMANOEl.COM.MT

toi toi traVelsWhy not let our trained musicians and actors come to you? As part of Toi Toi Travels, we will be touring around various schools around the island, making music and drama available to youth of all ages and abilities. With a range of exciting school, outreach, national and international visits, you can learn about a variety of music and other art forms. Coming soon to your door...

toi toi talesKeeping you in suspense with your little ones for 2012/2013!

FUTURE TOI TOIPROJECTS

perforMance workshop Beatrice Martin for the young, harpsichord harmony a golden opportunity to listen to our brand new harpsichord played by virtuoso Beatrice Martin and to learn more about this fascinating instrument on 13th February, Teatru Manoel. Following that, there is Toi Toi Beethoven on 5th March at Studio Theatre, with a fantastic mini concert/workshop by viola extraordinaire,  Gérard Caussé. Both these events are aimed at children aged 8-14. These events start at 5PM and are free. Booking is essential.

conteMporarY sounds good seriesAre you a young musician or music enthusiast who writes music or would like to learn more about writing music? Then these exciting workshops might be for you! Music composition enables you to tap into your imagination and enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of music. In this series, we discuss the process of music composition with established composers and performers in an informal and accessible manner. Age recommendation: 10-16 though all are very welcome to attend.

MUSICMUSICMUSIC

TOI TOI TRUST

CAlENDAR OF EVENTS

*where there is no age recoMMendation stated, all are welcoMe to attend.dates and tiMes are subject to change at the management’s discretion.

March 12th at 2pMTOI TOI 022 (TOI TOI TOTS)veNue studio theatreAge 0-2 Year oldseNtry fee €5

feburarY 13th at 5pMBEATRICE MARTIN FOR THE YOUNG...HARPSICHORD HARMONYveNue teatru Manoel (Meet in the courtYard)Age 8-14eNtry fee free entrY (booking closes 10th feb)

a Mini-concert for children to be followed bY a full recital on the following daY (perforMance workshop)

March 25th at 11aMTMYT AUDITION WORkSHOPveNue teatru ManoeleNtry fee €20 (€15 for those who auditioned on 24th March)

March 5th at 5pMTOI TOI BEETHOVENveNue studio theatreAge 8-14eNtry fee free entrY

toi toi beethoVen with Viola plaYer gerard caussé and felipe ribeiro pinto, who will be giVing a recital on 6th March (perforMance workshop)

februarY 3rd at 7.15pMMPO CONCERTveNue studio theatreeNtry fee free entrY

neil-briscoe white to introduce an Mpo concert conducted bY brian scheMbri with Violinist alexandre da costa (pre-concert talks)

februarY 22nd at 5pMCONTEMPORARY SOUNDS GREATveNue: sala isouardAge: 10-16eNtry fee: €5

the 3 c’s With gabi sultana, with a piano recital the following daY (perforMance workshop - conteMporarY sounds good series)

januarY 24th at 7.15pMCONCERTveNue studio theatreeNtry fee free entrY

neil-briscoe white to introduce rosetta de battista and gjorgji cincieVski double bass and piano’s recital (pre-concert toi toi talks)

March 24th froM 10aMTMYT (TEATRU MANOEl YOUTH THEATRE) AUDITIONSveNue studio theatreAge 16 - 20 Year oldseNtry fee free entrY

januarY 16th at 2pM(also , februarY 13th)

TOI TOI 022 (TOI TOI TOTS)veNue studio theatreAge 0-2 Year oldseNtry fee €5

eMail info@teatruManoel.coM.Mt or call 21222618