Alessia Bonnici, a 17-year-old pianist on the autism spectrum is set to perform in Finland this April at the Access Tampere Next Generation Culture Festival 2023.

The talented musician will be presenting ‘Ale's Project’, her own music video which she had produced with local artists and practitioners during the Covid-19 pandemic, back in 2021. This project will serve as an encouragement to other professional artists, allowing them to make use of novel and creative ways of expression.

Alessia is passionate about music and the arts, a medium that has offered her an alternative, yet powerful way of expression that allows her to experience a way of being in the world.

Music has provided Alessia with a sense of freedom. It has increased her confidence to interact with others and provided added meaning to her life.

Alessia is a student at the Malta School of Music, currently reading for her Diploma in Piano. She is also following a hybrid A Level course with Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London.

Furthermore, Alessia attends Villabianca – Centre for Music & the Arts, a project by The Malta Trust Foundation. Here, Alessia is provided with additional theoretical support.

During her first eight years at Malta School of Music, Alessia studied with pianist and music therapist Rosetta Debattista, who is now the creative consultant of Villabianca.

In 2021, she started being taught repertoire by another celebrated pianist, Gabi Sultana, who is now exposing Alessia to an array of exciting new genres which suit her musical character. 

Given her ever-growing musical passion, this festival will provide Alessia a dual opportunity in a pivotal stage of her musical career. It will provide her the chance to showcase her musical talent among international professionals interested in the field of diverse musical ability.

They will be able witness the level of playing she has achieved notwithstanding her language and academic challenges.