‘Turandot’, Against All Odds: A Maltese Opera Triumph

In the heart of Valletta, beneath the grandeur of the Teatru Manoel’s gilded ceiling, an opera was about to defy the odds. It was a chilly January evening, and the stage was set for a production of Puccini’s ‘Turandot’ that would not only captivate the audience but also challenge the very notion of what’s possible in Malta’s opera scene.

An Unlikely Choice

When the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and Teatru Manoel announced ‘Turandot’ as their joint production for 2023, eyebrows were raised. This was no ordinary opera. With its massive chorus, complex orchestration, and demanding vocal roles, it’s a challenge for even the most established opera houses. Yet, here was Malta, a country of just over 500,000 people, taking it on.

‘Turandot’ is set in ancient China, a world away from the Mediterranean island. But for Malta’s opera lovers, it was a chance to witness a spectacle they’d only previously seen on screens. “We wanted to push ourselves,” said MPO’s artistic director, Sergey Smbatyan. “We wanted to show that Malta can do opera on this scale.”

Local Talent Shines

Despite the grand scale, ‘Turandot’ was very much a local production. The chorus was made up of Maltese singers, many of whom had honed their craft at the Malta School of Music. The soloists were a mix of international talent and Maltese singers who had made names for themselves abroad, like soprano Lynda Saliba and tenor Joseph Calleja.

Calleja, a global opera star born and bred in Attard, was a particular draw. He played the role of Calaf, the prince who falls in love with the icy Princess Turandot. “It’s always special to perform in Malta,” Calleja said. “The audience here is so passionate about opera. It’s a chance to give back, to show what we can do.”

Against the Odds

But ‘Turandot’ wasn’t just a local triumph; it was a logistical feat. The production required a 70-piece orchestra, a chorus of 80, and a complex set that included a towering wall of ice. Rehearsal space was limited, and the Teatru Manoel’s stage is small compared to the opera houses of Europe.

Then there was the weather. In the weeks leading up to the performance, Storms Grazia and Hagar battered Malta, causing power cuts and travel disruptions. The opera’s opening night was in doubt. But the show went on, thanks to the dedication of the crew and performers who braved the elements to bring ‘Turandot’ to life.

The audience, undeterred by the storm, filled the Teatru Manoel. They were rewarded with a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. The orchestra, led by Smbatyan, played with precision and passion. The chorus sang with power and clarity. And Calleja, Saliba, and the other soloists delivered performances that brought the house down.

As the final notes of ‘Nessun dorma’ echoed through the theatre, the audience erupted in applause. The standing ovation lasted for minutes, a testament to the power of ‘Turandot’ and the determination of those who brought it to Malta.

In a post-performance interview, Calleja summed it up: “We showed that Malta can do opera on the grandest scale. And we did it against all odds.”