“An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down” (Maria Callas). In the case of Gozo’s 2024 performances of Il Tritico and Giovanna d’Arco, that has never rang more true. The history, preparations and meaning of opera have such significance to the island. The genre has over time, carved its’ way firmly into Malta’s cultural calendar. The months of October and November are bringing a full itinerary of events centered around opera to Gozo.
How Opera Came to Gozo
October means one thing in Gozo, and that is Opera! In its bid to offer a varied and enticing product to its visitors, Gozo has developed a musical offering over the years. Malta’s fascination with the performance arts began in the 17th century, at the boom of theatrical performance. Theater was yet on the cusp of transforming into public, not just noble entertainment. Since then, theater was cultivated on the archipelago, with a focus on refining Gozo’s scene. Success came in the 1970s with Teatru tal Aurora’s first opera performance: Madame Butterfly. Madame Butterfly initiated a seasonal string of still occurring performances at the theater.
The two main band clubs in the capital Victoria, have been organising full scale operatic performances for many decades now. With this, they have made a name for themselves, and Gozo in the classical field.
The October 2024 Season
This year, the theatres have chosen to stage two relatively less known pieces by two great masters. One has already successfully come to pass last week. Il Trittico by Giacomo Puccini was performed at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora on 12th October. Giovanna D’Arco by Giuseppe Verdi will perform at Teatru Astra on the 24th and 26th. Both operas are supported by the Malta Arts Council and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.
A Triple Tale of Tragedy
Il Trittico is the collection of three in one-act operas which Puccini premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1918. The theme of entrapment joins the three pieces together as it explores moments of drama, dark comedy, and heartbreaking tragedy. Il Tabarro, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicci, offer an emotional ride for the audience, through the trials and tribulations of a failed marriage, a religious life unwanted, and a dysfunctional family.
Puccini once again flexed his musical genius to propose an immortal work which is still celebrated today. Reproducing the masterpiece, the theatre is celebrating the centenary since the composer’s death.
A Story of Sacrifice and Faith
The next theatre up the street, Teatru Astra, houses Giovanna D’Arco this year. The opera tells the story of the titular character – the iconic 15th Century French peasant girl, who stood up to the English inspiring a nation. Verdi wrote this piece during his infamous ‘anni di galera’. It is a thrilling emotional ride which delves into complex thematics such as faith, duty, and sacrifice.
The production is being directed by the renowned Enrico Stinchelli, while the musical baton will be firmly held by longtime operatic stalwart Mro Dr John Galea.
Events Featuring Opera in Gozo
But the Opera season in Gozo involves much more than these two amazing performances. The entire month is packed with events and activities such as midday concerts, piano recitals, a folk festival, exhibitions and countless performances – a true feast for all the senses! The Gozo Philatelic Society is displaying a collection of musically themed stamps and covers for the rest of the month, at the Il Hagar Museum and Cultural centre. Likewise, the Life and Works of Giuseppe Giardini Vella will be on display at Astra cultural hub. Gozo truly is opera!
