Two Years of Aria: Opera Nova Project’s Maltese Melodies

Imagine, if you will, the grand old walls of the Teatru Manoel, Malta’s national theatre, echoing not with the humdrum of daily life, but with the soaring notes of opera. This was the scene two years ago, as the Opera Nova Project (ONP) took its first bow. Today, we celebrate not just the music, but the community it has built.

From Concept to Curtain Call

The Opera Nova Project was born out of a desire to bring opera back to Malta’s stages. Founded by local entrepreneur and opera enthusiast, Mark Attard, the project aimed to fill the void left by the demise of the Malta Opera Company. “We wanted to create something sustainable, something that would grow with Malta’s cultural scene,” Attard recalls.

The project’s debut production, ‘La Bohème’, was a resounding success. The Teatru Manoel was sold out for every performance, and the project received rave reviews from both local and international critics. But the ONP’s impact extends beyond the theatre.

Opera in the Streets

The ONP has taken opera out of the stuffy old opera houses and into the heart of Malta. Their ‘Opera in the City’ series has seen performances in unexpected locations – from the bustling Republic Street in Valletta to the quiet cobbled streets of Mdina. “We want to make opera accessible,” says Attard. “We want people to see that it’s not just for the elite.”

Last year’s ‘Opera in the City’ event saw a packed Republic Street audience swaying to the music of ‘Carmen’. “It was incredible,” says local resident, Maria Grech. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Growing the Talent Pool

The ONP isn’t just about bringing opera to Malta; it’s also about growing Malta’s opera talent. The project has collaborated with local schools and universities to provide workshops and masterclasses. “We want to inspire the next generation of opera singers,” says Attard.

Fifteen-year-old Rachel Vella, a student at the Malta School of Music, is one such aspiring singer. “The ONP has given me so many opportunities,” she says. “I’ve had the chance to work with professional opera singers, to perform on some of Malta’s biggest stages.”

As the Opera Nova Project celebrates its second anniversary, it looks forward to a future filled with music. Upcoming productions include ‘La Traviata’ at the Teatru Manoel and another ‘Opera in the City’ event. But the ONP isn’t resting on its laurels. “We’re always looking for new ways to engage with our audience, to grow our community,” says Attard.

So, as the Teatru Manoel’s walls echo once more with the music of opera, let’s raise a glass to the Opera Nova Project. Here’s to two years of aria, and many more to come.