Opera Nova Celebrates Two Glorious Years in Malta

Imagine the echo of a powerful aria resonating through the grand halls of the Teatru Manoel, Malta’s historic opera house. This is not a scene from a period drama, but a reality thanks to Opera Nova, a project that has been breathing new life into Malta’s opera scene for the past two years. As we mark this significant anniversary, let’s look the story of how Opera Nova has been transforming Malta’s cultural scene.

In the bustling streets of Valletta, Malta’s capital city, the Teatru Manoel stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage. Yet, until Opera Nova’s inception, this iconic venue was not the thriving hub of operatic excellence it was always meant to be. Launched in 2020, Opera Nova set out to change that, aiming to establish Malta as a premier destination for opera lovers.

Opera Nova was born out of a vision to create a world-class opera company that would not only showcase the best of Maltese talent but also attract international artists to our shores. The project is the brainchild of local entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Michael Fenech, who saw the potential in Malta’s cultural scene and decided to invest in its growth.

Opera Nova’s first production, “La Bohème,” premiered in October 2020 to a standing ovation. The production was a testament to the project’s commitment to quality, with a stellar cast that included Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja and international opera stars like Aida Garifullina and Atalla Ayan.

Since then, Opera Nova has staged a total of six productions, including “La Traviata,” “Carmen,” and “Faust.” Each production has been a spectacle, combining world-class performances with stunning sets and costumes. The project has also been instrumental in nurturing local talent, providing opportunities for Maltese singers, musicians, and technicians to work alongside international professionals.

Opera Nova’s impact extends beyond the stage. The project has also been actively involved in community outreach, offering workshops and masterclasses to aspiring opera singers and hosting open rehearsals to make opera more accessible to the public. One such initiative, “Opera in the City,” saw performances taking place in unexpected locations around Valletta, bringing opera to the people in a fun and engaging way.

As Opera Nova celebrates its second anniversary, the project shows no signs of slowing down. Dr. Fenech has revealed plans to expand Opera Nova’s reach, with ambitions to tour productions internationally and to establish a permanent opera company in Malta.

“We want to put Malta on the global opera map,” Dr. Fenech says. “We have the talent, we have the venue, and we have the passion. With Opera Nova, we’re not just staging operas, we’re creating a cultural legacy that will benefit Malta for generations to come.”

Opera Nova’s next production, “Tosca,” is set to premiere in October 2022 at the Teatru Manoel. With a cast that includes international opera stars like Ana María Martínez and Roberto Alagna, this promises to be another unmissable event in Malta’s cultural calendar.