WORDS Sarah Cannata

Robert Galea, a 26-year-old musician and fifth year seminarian, says performing at World Youth Day is the latest step in his journey of transformation.

His fans have dubbed him ‘The Singing Seminarian’. He’s performing at World Youth Day. He’s just about to release a new CD and music video. Robert Galea seems to have struck a chord with his audience.

But for Robert himself, music is a far more intimate and personal experience.

‘Music has the capacity to bypass the mind and connect with the soul,’ he says. ‘My song writing has always been a sort of spiritual diary of what I am or see others going through.’

After releasing Closer, his 2006 international debut album, Robert is now busy launching his first album release in Australia, What a Day. With his music career beginning to flourish it’s hard to believe that the 26‑year-old wants to commit himself to day-to-day seminary life. Routine, early mornings, liturgy, lectures and study hardly seem appealing in comparison to singing before live audiences.

Yet it’s his relationship with God that inspires Robert to write music. ‘I never write to please anyone, though I understand that music has the capacity to reach many hearts. Music appeals to all ages, from teens to parents, grandparents and kids’, he says.

Born in the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta, Robert says he’d never even picked up an instrument or sung a song before he was 16 years old. ‘Once I learnt a few chords on the guitar I immediately began to realise how I was able to express myself through singing and playing’, he says.

It was around the same time that he felt God’s influence in his life, and says the music has always played a part in allowing him to express that connection.

‘I had a very rebellious teenage life and can’t imagine what a mess I would be if God hadn’t intervened when I was 16,’ he says.
Robert left Malta a couple of years ago in search of pastoral experience in other countries. He says he journeyed half way around the world before realising that ‘the big island’ was the best place to complete his seminary studies.

Those studies are now going hand in hand with his music career. Robert has been even busier than usual, shooting his new music video, Foot of the Cross in Sydney. Despite being his third music video Robert says that Foot of the Cross is the best and most professional by far.

‘The best cameras, editing, acting and an award‑winning film director will be used’, he says.

However, Robert is well aware that the disadvantage of every music video is that it can only provide one interpretation of a song.

‘Through this video I hope to be able to get into the homes and TV sets of people who need to hear about the mercy of God. If this video reaches the popular market it will be an added bonus’, he says.

Regardless of the song’s commercial appeal, Robert believes that music can reach places that words can’t. ‘Music is a powerful tool in the hands of the Church if used in a relevant and sincere way’, he says.

Performing at World Youth Day, Robert is honoured and excited about the chance to share his music with other young people.

He says it will be a chance to give a little something back to God, as thanks for transforming ‘an angry and attention seeking teen into a loved and accepted person’.

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