About 3,000 music lovers are expected to flock to Valletta next Friday to cash in on what promises to be a memorable performance by one of The Tenors, Jose Carreras and Maltese soprano Lydia Caruana.

The performance, which will be held in Palace Square, Valletta, is already looking like a sell out with NnG, the co-organisers warning people that they should snap up the last remaining tickets before they sell out.

Mr Camilleri said that the concert will not only feature opera, but also a myriad of Mediterranean songs that will give the event the feel of a musical rather than an opera.

He also thanked Peter Bolech, chairman of Malta International Airport and Otto Karasek, a representative of BAWAG Bank, for their support and sponsorship of the event. “Without them, it would not have been possible,” said Mr Camilleri.

Dr Karasek said that BAWAG bank had always tried to help and be involved in the set-up of cultural events. “We have a tradition of doing so, in fact, we provided a Boesendorfer piano to the Manoel in 2004. We have been endeavoring to bring Carreras to Malta for a long time and it is with great pleasure that we will welcome him here,” said Dr Karasek.

Dr Karasek said that the arrival of Carreras will be an improvement on the past as “a high-ranking international personality will be here in Malta.”

Mr Bolech said that next Friday’s event was set to be a potpourri of Mediterranean melodies. “Hundreds of visitors have come from abroad to enjoy this performance, but we should remember that the Maltese people will enjoy it too.”

He also said that on Saturday, there will be a charity football tournament involving Austrian dignitaries and Maltese personalities. “Mr Carreras went through the ordeal of leukemia and that is what the money is being raised for. He will be handing over a cheque to the Puttinu Cares foundation later that day.”

The concert which will be held in St George’s Square, Valletta, starts at 8.30pm.