Two Years of Melodious Magic: A Look Back at Opera Nova Project

Imagine the grand stage of the Teatru Manoel, Malta’s national theatre, filled with the passionate cries of ‘Viva Viva!’ as the final notes of a stirring opera echo through the historic building. This was the scene two years ago, marking the inaugural performance of the Opera Nova Project, an initiative that has since become a beacon of cultural excellence in Malta’s arts scene.

Birth of an Opera Star

The Opera Nova Project was born out of a vision to create a professional opera company in Malta, a dream nurtured by its founder and artistic director, Kenneth Zammit Tabona. With a background steeped in music and a passion for opera, Zammit Tabona saw an opportunity to fill a gap in Malta’s cultural scene and bring world-class opera to local audiences.

Launched in 2020, the project was met with enthusiasm and support from the local arts community. The first performance, a production of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’, was a resounding success, drawing audiences from across the island and setting the bar high for future productions.

Growing Pains and Triumphs

The past two years have seen Opera Nova Project navigate the challenges and triumphs of a fledgling arts organisation. From securing funding and sponsorship to attracting top talent and managing logistics, the journey has been far from smooth. Yet, despite these hurdles, the project has continued to deliver exceptional performances, including productions of ‘Rigoletto’, ‘La Bohème’, and most recently, ‘Madama Butterfly’.

One of the project’s standout moments was its 2021 production of ‘Rigoletto’ at the Astra Theatre in Victoria, Gozo. The sold-out performances not only showcased the project’s commitment to reaching audiences across the Maltese Islands but also highlighted the unique challenges and rewards of staging opera in Malta’s diverse theatre spaces.

: The Future of Opera in Malta

As Opera Nova Project celebrates its second anniversary, it looks towards a future filled with promise and potential. Plans are already underway for the upcoming season, which promises to be the project’s most ambitious yet, with a lineup that includes a new production of ‘Carmen’ and a return to the Teatru Manoel for a performance of ‘Tosca’.

Zammit Tabona remains optimistic about the future of opera in Malta. ‘We’ve come a long way in two years,’ he says, ‘but there’s still so much more we can do. I believe that opera has a vital role to play in Malta’s cultural scene, and I’m committed to ensuring that Opera Nova Project continues to deliver world-class performances that inspire and captivate our audiences.’

As the curtains rise on another season of opera in Malta, one thing is clear: the future of this ancient art form is in safe hands with the Opera Nova Project. So, mark your calendars, book your tickets, and get ready to experience the magic of opera in Malta.