‘Turandot’, Against All Odds: Malta’s Opera Triumph

In the heart of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, stands the Teatru Manoel, a gem of a theatre that has weathered centuries of storms and sieges. Tonight, it’s not the building’s resilience that’s being tested, but its ability to contain the passion and power of Puccini’s ‘Turandot’.

An Opera of Defiance

‘Turandot’ is no stranger to adversity. Set in ancient China, it’s a tale of love and defiance, of a princess who refuses to marry until her suitors can answer her riddles. It’s an opera that’s seen its fair share of challenges, from Puccini’s untimely death to the COVID-19 pandemic that silenced stages worldwide. Yet, here it is, rising again in the smallest nation in the EU.

Malta’s opera scene has always been a David among Goliaths. With a population of just over 500,000, it punches above its weight. The Teatru Manoel, built in 1731, is one of Europe’s oldest working theatres. It’s seen Mozart’s operas, Shakespeare’s plays, and now, it’s hosting ‘Turandot’, a production that’s as grand as any you’d find in La Scala or the Metropolitan Opera.

Malta’s Own Turandot

At the helm of this production is Malta’s own Joseph Vella, a conductor who’s made waves internationally but never forgets his roots. “Malta might be small,” he says, “but our passion for opera is anything but. We’re proving that even in the face of adversity, art endures.”

The cast is an international mix, but the heart of the production is local. From the chorus drawn from Malta’s opera societies to the crew working behind the scenes, it’s a testament to Malta’s operatic spirit. Even the costumes, designed by Italian Marta Cucchi, were tailored in Malta.

An Evening of Triumph

The opening night is a triumph. The orchestra, led by Vella, brings Puccini’s score to life with a vibrancy that’s infectious. The chorus, standing in for the faceless crowd of ancient Peking, sing with a unity that’s breathtaking. And the principals – Chinese soprano Guanqun Yu as Turandot, Italian tenor Giovanni Gubellini as Calaf – deliver performances that are nothing short of extraordinary.

The audience, a mix of locals and tourists, are on their feet at the end, cheering and clapping. It’s a moment of unity, of shared joy, that transcends language and culture. It’s a moment that says, despite the odds, art endures.

As the final notes of ‘Nessun dorma’ fade away, the theatre is filled with a sense of pride. Malta, it seems, has once again proven that it’s more than just a small island in the Mediterranean. It’s a place where opera lives, breathes, and thrives.