Days have been getting shorter and the air temperature has dropped from high to low 30s – unmistakable heralds of the oncoming autumn. And just as the weekly village festas are summer’s colourful cultural soul, autumn–more precisely the month of October–has become synonymous with opera on the island of Gozo.
A month-long programme of events that are mostly musical in nature, from lunch-time recitals to evening classical concerts, warms audiences up for two spectacular opera productions presented by Gozo’s very own opera houses in mid-October and at the end of the month.
If you happen to be visiting the island then and are planning your itinerary, we strongly recommend experiencing one of these productions first-hand. But first, here is some information about the host theatres and this year’s productions to whet your appetite for the wonderful world of opera.
Pulling back the curtain on the two theatres
Poster for Il Trittico at the Aurora Opera Theatre
Gozo’s two opera theatres–Teatru Astra and Teatru Aurora–are located on the capital’s–Victoria–main street, just metres away from each other. Between them, the two theatres can host around 2,800 spectators, which is roughly equivalent to the population of three of Gozo’s smaller villages. Teatru Aurora introduced opera to Gozo in 1977 with a production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly just months after the opera house’s inauguration. It is certainly worth noting that the plans and designs for this theatre were prepared by celebrated Maltese artist Emvin Cremona (1919-1987). Teatru Astra, on the other hand, forayed into the world of opera in 1978 with Verdi’s Rigoletto. Since then, the two theatres have treated local and international audiences to the arias and ensembles of some of the most famous operas, including Aida, La bohème and La Traviata, as well as reruns of both opera houses’ maiden performances.
This year’s landmark productions
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Poster for Giovanna d'Arco at the Astra Theatre
Il Trittico and Giovanna d’Arco are this year’s productions, with the former being staged at Teatru Aurora on 12 October and the latter gracing Teatru Astra’s stage on 24 and 26 October. While they are arguably not as well known as other past productions in the opera houses’ respective repertoires, they are sure to captivate attendees with drama, tragedy, heart-break and a touch of comedy. Both productions will feature the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Aurora’s resident conductor Colin Attard in Il Trittico and Astra’s resident conductor Dr John Galea in Giovanna d’Arco, as well as other local talent alongside international stars. The contribution of Gozitan volunteers plays an important role in the success of these productions every year, and has certainly allowed both opera houses to raise the bar year after year.
As indicated by the name, Il Trittico encompasses a trio of one-act 60-minute operas, namely Il tabarro, Suor Angelica and the comic masterpiece Gianni Schicci. Il Trittico was not chosen by Teatru Aurora by chance but rather to mark the centenary from the death of its composer, Giacomo Puccini. The production will be a first for the Maltese islands, given that the three one-act operas will be performed together rather than separately for the very first time.
Joan of Arc or Giovanna d’Arco might be a name many are familiar with, but in the opera world it is one of Giuseppe Verdi’s rarer operas. The production will mark the return of this opera to the local stage, following an absence of 172 years since it premiered at the Royal Opera House in Valletta.
Our favourite opera month events (aside from opera night)
Inside the Aurora Theatre
Both opera houses will be making sure that attendees get in the right mood for opera night.
On the eve of Il Trittico, a 45-minute lecture will be delivered in English by Gozitan couturier Luke Azzopardi, director Riccardo Buscarini and set designer Mike Zerafa, during which they will reveal how they have striven to bring Puccini’s opera to life through scenes, costumes and set design. Another unmissable event will be a guided tour of Teatru Aurora. Starting at 11am on 12 October, the 45-minute tour will offer exclusive access to both backstage and on-stage areas, just hours before the audience is transported to Paris for Il tabarro.
Another lecture, this time organised ahead of Giovanna d’Arco’s closing night, will give attendees the opportunity to delve into the complexities of Verdi’s heroine. The free event can be booked by sending an email on info@lastella.com.mt.
Inside the Astra Theatre
Posted in Activity, Autumn, Cultural activities, Opera, Things to do
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