My Essentials: Cultural Selections by Kris Spiteri

Kris Spiteri, a 46-year-old dynamic presence in music, doubles as a musician and a musical director while also showcasing his talents as a composer and occasionally a lyricist. His diverse cultural tastes span literature, cinema, online media, music, and travel, highlighting his broad artistic affinities.

Literary Inspiration

Spiteri finds solace in poetry, expressing a particular admiration for the collection Ħuta by Immanuel Mifsud, a favorite author of his. Mifsud's work captivates him, igniting the imagination and leaving readers with a lingering thirst for more, akin to a memorable concert encounter.

Cinematic Preferences

Although parenting twins commands most of his screen time, Spiteri still makes room for his own film interests. He praises Roald Dahl’s story adaptations and celebrates the aesthetic narration of their set designs. Along with a confessed guilty pleasure for 'Shaun the Sheep', he also has an affinity for thought-provoking series like 'Black Mirror' and admires the Bowie-centric documentary 'Moonage Daydream'.

Online Media and Language Advocacy

On the digital front, Spiteri expresses a desire for more quality content in Maltese, particularly on platforms like YouTube. He envisions comprehensive online resources for the language, including dictionaries, thesauruses, pronunciation guides, and a robust Maltese spell checker for mobile devices.

Music: A Lifelong Journey

Music remains a constant in Spiteri's life, with certain albums being indispensable. He enjoys a variety, from Jeff Buckley's 'Grace' to Brad Mehldau's 'Day is Done'. Notable mentions include Glenn Gould's interpretation of Bach, symphonies conducted by Kubelik and Karajan, and classics from artists like Bill Evans, David Bowie, and Joni Mitchell.

Travel: Seeking Solace and Jazz

Marsaxlokk, a serene spot on Spiteri's home island, serves as his go-to refuge, while the vibrant cities of London and Berlin are among his favorite travel destinations. Spiteri, a jazz enthusiast and aficionado of Woody Allen's films, dreams of experiencing the allure of Manhattan and exploring the breadth of America.

music, film, literature