Watch: Malta needs a proper cultural centre, urges Wayne Marshall OBE
Malta lacks the cultural infrastructure – such as a concert hall - that would put the country on the map for international performers, according to internationally acclaimed Wayne Marshall, who has just been honoured as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
The conductor, organist and pianist spoke to Times of Malta soon after being decorated by Prince William at Buckingham Palace.
Marshall, who is based in Malta and holds British and Maltese citizenship, was given the award in recognition of his services to classical music.
He was accompanied by his wife Jennifer, and with no photos being allowed during the actual presentation of the medal, the whole event remained “etched” in his memory.
Video: Karl Andrew Micallef
The investiture followed a very difficult time for performers worldwide, when COVID stole their audience away, locking up everyone indoors.
Marshall recalls giving one last concert in Moscow and returning home to a phone that was constantly ringing with news about cancelled or postponed concerts.
A few days after returning to his Valletta home, his wife suggested he goes live on social media.
Their living room was soon transformed into a mini...