Opera is Gozo 2022

OPERA IS GOZO 2022 October is opera month in Gozo. The Ministry for Gozo is delighted to announce that, once again, it is collaborating with the two opera houses to produce a whole month of events.

Despite having just over 32,000 inhabitants, the island of Gozo has two opera theatres which manage to hold one fully staged opera at least once a year, and this often with the participation of international soloists. In fact, this opera season has now become a regular appointment for opera enthusiasts. Thanks to their dedication, commitment and strive for excellence, both musical societies have established the island as a sought-after destination, both by local and foreigner opera lovers alike.

The Ministry for Gozo appreciates the commitment put forward by both the Leone and the La Stella Societies and wishes to assure one and all its full cooperation with all stakeholders in the cultural scene. Through this collaboration we managed to draw up an intensive but ambitious programme of events related to opera season in Gozo.

The programme which we are presenting is varied in nature. It ranges from opera appreciation sessions and thematic exhibitions to concerts, which will lead to the two main events: Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida at Aurora Opera House and Georges Bizet’s Carmen at Teatru Astra.

Opera month in Gozo is a great opportunity for our own people, who possess great artistic talents, to blend and form part of high calibre casts, which visit Gozo for such sought-after events. We are proud of our own musicians, composers, choreographers, producers, artistic and musical directors who are making a name for themselves and Gozo alike.

We invite you to participate and appreciate the programme which we managed to prepare, to bolster Gozo’s attempt to establish itself as a renowned opera destination.

We look forward to another interesting month ahead.

Clint Camilleri Minister for Gozo

Saturday, 1st October | 8:00pm Musical Concert

Mons. G. Farrugia Hall, St George’s Basilica, Victoria A musical concert featuring local musicians. Free event.

Saturday, 1st October - Friday, 21st October Monday to Sunday | 9:30am – 12:15pm Rupert Cefai - Art Exhibition Art..e Gallery, Library Street, Victoria

As a visual artist, Rupert Cefai’s work reflects his own enjoyment of all subjects, ranging from the human figure to abstracts and landscapes, exhibiting his fascination with that blend and balance in art that stands on the line between the real and the abstract. Free entrance.

Thursday, 6th October | 8:00pm Showcasing Tomorrow’s Performers Teatru Astra Cultural Hub, Victoria

A concert featuring La Stella young musicians. Free event; reservation can be made on info@lastella.com.mt

Saturday, 8th October | 7:30pm EWFONIJA Grand Operatic Concert ċittadella Ditch, Victoria

A concert featuring a 27-piece orchestra and 16 choristers performing classical music, mainly popular instrumental music such as overtures, intermezzos, and choral arias from operas. The concert will be enhanced by projections displayed on the Citadel walls. Free event; reservation for can be made either via SMS on +356 9948 9853 or email on info@ewfonija.com

Sunday, 9th October | 6:30pm Fjakkolata Santa Luċija, Kerċem Admire the breathtaking spectacle as seen on Għar Ilma hill as it is embellished and lit by hundreds of fjakkoli (flaming lanterns), creating an enchanting illusion. This grandious attraction can be seen from various localities all throughout Gozo. At 7:00pm, one can enjoy an array of food and music in the soul of the hamlet known as Santa Luċija, perfectly dressed up in a traditional setting.

Sunday, 9th October | 8:00pm Pianoforte Recital

Ministry for gozo hall, St francis square, Victoria A pianoforte recital by pianist Francis Camilleri. Free event; reservation can be made on info@lastella.com.mt

Friday, 14th October | 7:00pm The Director Speaks: Vivien Hewitt - Pre-Opera Lecture ċittadella Cultural Centre, Victoria World renowned stage director Franco Zeffirelli brings the best of both worlds in opera and film industry.

There’s so much opera in his films as much as there’s so much cinema in his operatic productions. Stage director Vivien Hewitt explains her staging of Aida based on Franco Zeffirelli’s epic interpretation of the operatic masterpiece. Inspired from the cinematographic career of the great Italian legend, this talk will take place in the quaint cinema, which is housed within the Cittadella Cultural Centre, in the old, fortified city. The illustrated talk lasts around 45 minutes and will be conducted in English. Free event; reservation can be made on teatruaurora@leone.org.mt or +356 7904 5779

Friday, 14th October | 8:00pm Deity – the Making of a Civilization Exclusive Tour: Temporary Exhibition of Ancient Egypt Artefacts from the National Collection Gozo Cathedral Museum, Victoria

A handful of Egyptian priceless artefacts from the National Collection will be on an extraordinary temporary display on the occasion of the opera performance of Aida. Exhibited at the newly inaugurated Gozo Cathedral Museum, these Egyptian religious artefacts will be juxtaposed against similar valuable items of European and Catholic tradition. The illustrated talk includes explanations about the Museum’s permanent collection as well as the extraordinary Egyptian items on show. It lasts around 60 minutes and will be conducted in English. Free event; reservation can be made on teatruaurora@leone.org.mt or +356 7904 5779.

Friday, 14th October | 8:30pm Symphony of Lights Santa Luċija, Kerċem

An open-air spectacular annual event, exposing the picturesque hamlet of Santa Luċija in the crisp autumn air. Live music performed by local talents is synchronised to a light and firework spectacle while hundreds of candles and torches embellish the square, creating an astounding ambience. Free event; reservation can be made on kercem.lc@gov.mt or on +356 2156 3666.

Friday, 14th October – Tuesday, 29th November Monday to Sunday | 9:00am – 5:00pm The Q’eros: Beyond the Clouds Il-Ħaġar Museum, St George’s Square, Victoria

An exclusive photography exhibition by young Italian photographer, Alessandro Bergamini - winner of the ‘Travel Photographer of the Year, 2021’. Circa thirty photographs will be presented, showing the trip to the Andes in Peru, that took place in February 2022, in the province of Paucartambo - part of the region of Cuzco - where the Q’eros live. It is the territory called Nación Q’ero, where these people, still live in the tradition of their old ancestors, the Incas. The exhibition is being coordinated by Valerio Ballotta of GBK Malta. Free entrance.

GIUSEPPE VERDI

AIDA 15TH OCTOBER 2022 WWW.TEATRUAURORA.COM

VIVIEN HEWITT

FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI

ANNA ANNI

STAGE DIRECTION

SCENERY

COSTUMES

COLIN ATTARD CONDUCTOR

MALTA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Saturday, 15th October | 11:00am Behind the Scenes, Before the Curtain Aurora Opera House, Victoria

A guided tour around the Aurora Opera House with access to on stage and backstage areas, as well as the late 19th century frescoed guest room and musical archives of the Leone Philharmonic Society (the mother-organisation which owns and runs the opera house). The guided tour includes historical anecdotes about the opera house and the villa that preceded it, as well as insights on the opera-in-Gozo factor. The tour is conducted in English and lasts around 45 minutes. Free event; reservation can be made on teatruaurora@leone.org.mt or +356 7904 5779.

Saturday, 15th October | 6:30pm Opera Night - AIDA Aurora Opera Theatre, Victoria

Triumphant in all senses, Verdi’s everlasting masterpiece, the quintessential opera in so many ways, returns to the Aurora after 13 years, and more importantly a two-year hiatus in opera productions. But now we are making sure this wait was all worth the while as we drop the bomb with this latest announcement! This autumn’s Aida, on October 15th will flaunt scenery by none other than the world-famous opera legend Franco Zeffirelli and splendid costumes by his lifelong colleague Anna Anni. Stage direction will be once again entrusted in the hands of Vivien Hewitt who helped make this unique project possible and who’s set is to adapt the original 2001 Zeffirelli staging for Gozo’s Teatru tal-Opra Aurora. Tickets range between €50 and €80 obtainable from www.teatruaurora.com or via the ticket helpline +356 7904 5779. Opera patrons are also offered chauffeur-driven taxi service and shuttle-bus service, as well as pre-ordered opera programmes on their seats and exclusive vin d’honneur access upon request.

Sunday, 16th October | 8:00pm La Ville de Nuit – the City by Night Historic Centre, Victoria

A guided walking tour around the historic centre of the Victoria highlighting the major archaeological, social, religious, and anthropological topography of the town and its people. The walking tour leaves from the historic Banca Giuratale, the seat of the city’s Local Council, to Savina Square, through St Mary’s and Charity Street, St Augustine’s, and St George’s Square, and back to Independence Square, the social

centre of the town and the island. The walking tour (flat route throughout) will last around 60 minutes with ample pauses for explanations. It will be conducted in English. Free event; reservation can be made on teatruaurora@leone.org.mt or +356 7904 5779.

Wednesday, 19th October | 8:00pm KUXJENZA - Poetry, Music and Wine Bishop’s Curia, Victoria

Aida is a struggle of conscience, in which Radames is unsure whether it is love for Aida, that’s distracting him from loyalty to his country, or whether it’s love for the country that’s distracting him from what should be a priority in following his heart to Aida. The struggle of conscience will be illustrated in the poetic works of three contemporary poets as they recite and debate their works in a semi-constructed conversation.

The evening will be further enhanced by instrumental music and facilitated by wine. Poetry will be in Maltese, but the conversation will be held in English. Event should last around 80 minutes. Entrance will be against a nominal fee. Reservation can be made on teatruaurora@leone.org.mt or +356 7904 5779.

Friday, 21st October | 8:00pm Musical Recital

Mons. G. Farrugia Hall, St George’s Basilica, Victoria A musical recital by local artists. Free event.

Friday, 21st October | 8:00pm Michel Angelo & Friends Sacred Concert 2nd Edition Basilica of Our Lady of Nativity, Xagħra

A collaboration between upcoming singers and performers hailing from Gozo and Malta together with musicians creating a centralised platform whereby artists can perform alongside Coro Bel Canto, a professional Choir and Orchestra. Free event.

Friday, 21st – Sunday, 23rd October aurora international folk fest From Stage to Pjazza, From Opera to Folk

ċittadella, Victoria

From stage to the public pjazza, people’s music brought life with song, impromptu poetry and dance. The programme will feature the Aurora Folk Group and International Folk Groups, showcasing a set of traditional dances in authentic traditional costumes, a re-enactment of a traditional Maltese wedding, impromptu folk singing (traditional għannejja) and a collection of traditional songs and nursery rhymes by the Aurora children’s chorus. A number of traditional artisanal crafts will be on display. The programme will be presented, not so much in a concert style, but rather in an interactive manner in which the audience, particularly foreigners, are encouraged to mingle, enquire and learn. For full programme visit www.teatruaurora.com or www.visitgozo.com

Saturday, 22nd October | 8:00pm Chamber Music Recital Ministry for gozo hall, St francis square, Victoria Music recital featuring soloists Mario Galea playing the clarinet and George Camilleri on the euphonium, and Francis Camilleri on pianoforte. Free event; reservation can be made on info@lastella.com.mt

Saturday, 22nd October – Friday, 11th November Monday to Sunday | 9:30am – 12:15pm Black on White – Art Exhibition by richard england Art..e Gallery, Library Street, Victoria

England’s drawings, as opposed to photographic documentation, are intended to leave a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subjects delineated, capturing the essential essence of the edifice, townscape, or landscape concerned. Free entrance.

Sunday, 23rd October | 8:00pm Amor - Fashion Show

Teatru Astra Cultural Hub, Victoria In this event, Teatru Astra is venturing into glamour and fashion within its newly refurbished spaces.

Guests will sit and watch several models showcase couture outfits by Il-Ħjata designer VickyAnn Xuereb.

Music and dance will accompany the models throughout. The event will play an active positive role in the social and cultural community of Gozo. Considering the Opera month in Gozo, this fashion show will highlight the operatic theme, encouraging people to relate to the opera culture in an intrinsically human relationship between fashion and social custom. Free event; reservation can be made on info@lastella. com.mt

Thursday, 27th October | 7:30pm Carmen Teatru Astra, Victoria

Teatru Astra’s offering for this year’s Opera month will feature Bizet’s captivating masterpiece of passion, jealousy and betrayal - Carmen. It has been said that the world of opera has many femmes fatales, but there is only one Carmen, with her vibrant sensuality as the gypsy cigarette girl with too great a capacity for love. This ever-popular opera is renowned for its cluster of magnetic melodic inventiveness that have captivated audiences worldwide. In this original production, which will showcase the theatre’s unrivalled skill in producing sets of international acclaim, Teatru Astra offers an ideal opportunity to introduce new fans to the thrill of operatic drama par excellence intertwined with the sensually endearing characters studding the cast. It will feature world-famous singers along with the Teatru Astra Opera Chorus and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Galea. The opera is under the artistic direction of Enrico Stinchelli. Book your tickets on: www.teatruastra.org.mt or call+356 2155 0985.

Friday, 28th October | 12:00pm Lunchtime concert st george’s basilica, Victoria

A choral concert by the Coro Lirico Siciliano. Free event; reservation can be made on info@lastella.com.mt

Friday, 28th October | 7:00pm “Love is a gypsy’s child that none can tame” Teatru Astra Cultural Hub, Victoria

A talk about the opera led by Dr Abraham Borg, featuring contributions by the conductor, Mro Dr John Galea and a foreign guest speaker. Free event: reservation can be made on info@lastella.com.mt

Saturday, 29th October | 7:30pm Carmen Teatru Astra, Victoria

Teatru Astra’s offering for this year’s Opera month will feature Bizet’s captivating masterpiece of passion, jealousy and betrayal - Carmen. It has been said that the world of opera has many femmes fatales, but there is only one Carmen, with her vibrant sensuality as the gypsy cigarette girl with too great a capacity for love. This ever-popular opera is renowned for its cluster of magnetic melodic inventiveness that have captivated audiences worldwide. In this original production, which will showcase the theatre’s unrivalled skill in producing sets of international acclaim, Teatru Astra offers an ideal opportunity to introduce new fans to the thrill of operatic drama par excellence intertwined with the sensually endearing characters studding the cast. It will feature world-famous singers along with the Teatru Astra Opera Chorus and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Galea. The opera is under the artistic direction of Enrico Stinchelli. Book your tickets on: www.teatruastra.org.mt or call+356 2155 0985.

For more information, changes to the original programme and other unlisted events it is best to visit the website www.visitgozo.com or call on: 22 100 152 / email: gozoculturalevents@gov.mt