‘I am everyone’s singer’: Mary Spiteri on music beyond party ties

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Strait Street, Mary Spiteri is not just another face in the crowd. She’s the one with the microphone, her voice echoing through the narrow street, drawing in passersby. But she’s not singing the latest pop hit or a traditional Maltese folk song. She’s belting out ‘Ode to Joy’, the opening of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

From Street Performances to Opera Houses

Mary Spiteri, a familiar figure on the Maltese music scene, is known for her eclectic tastes and fearless approach to music. She’s the soprano who can just as easily sing an aria from Puccini as she can lead a crowd in a rousing rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

Her journey began in the backstreets of Malta’s capital. “I started singing in the streets because I wanted to reach people who wouldn’t normally go to a concert hall,” she says, her voice as warm and inviting as her smile. “I wanted to show that music is for everyone, not just for those who can afford a ticket.”

From these humble beginnings, Mary has gone on to perform in some of Malta’s most prestigious venues, including the Manoel Theatre and the Mediterranean Conference Centre. She’s also shared the stage with international artists and has even performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Breaking Down Barriers

Mary’s mission to make music accessible to all has seen her perform in some unusual venues. She’s sung at bus stops, in elevators, and even on a Gozo ferry. “I want to take music to where people are, not wait for them to come to me,” she says.

Her unique approach has resonated with many. She’s gained a following that spans all ages and backgrounds. “I’ve had people tell me that they’ve never liked opera, but they love my performances,” she says, her eyes sparkling with pride. “That’s what it’s all about – breaking down barriers and showing that music is a universal language.”

Music Beyond Politics

Mary’s independence extends to her political views. She’s known for refusing to align herself with any political party, a rare stance in Malta’s often polarised political scene. “Music should bring people together, not divide them,” she says firmly.

She’s faced criticism for this stance, but she remains undeterred. “I am everyone’s singer,” she says simply. “I sing for everyone, regardless of their political affiliation. That’s what makes music so powerful – it has the ability to unite us all.”

Mary’s story is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. It’s a reminder that music is not just something to be consumed, but something to be experienced, shared, and celebrated.

As Mary herself puts it, “Music is not something that should be confined to concert halls or party manifestos. It’s something that should be in the air we breathe, the streets we walk, the hearts we love. And I’m going to keep singing until it is.”