'Nozze', as it is affectionately known by opera buffs, is definitely one of the most famous and well-loved operas worldwide. A 'marriage made in heaven' between the best librettist of the time, Lorenzo Da Ponte and the best composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, they created what is to many people, the perfect opera.
"In my personal opinion, 'Le Nozze di Figaro' is the height of Mozart's' creative genius," states Mr Zammit Tabona, "There are so many facets to the opera. The music is something special. It is wonderful, celestial. It gets under your skin. But at the same time, it is a classic French farce - with mistaken identities, people hiding in cupboards and jumping out of balconies and so on."
Mr Zammit Tabona's production team boasts talented practitioners such as director Jack Furness who just finished working on 'Der Rosenkavalier' at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and Sean Buhagiar, fresh from his Teatru Malta appointment.
The international cast is made up of Paul Putnins in the title role, with Paris-based Maltese soprano Claire Debono as his fiancée Susanna. Christian Bowers plays Count Almaviva and Ruth Sammut Casingena is his Countess. Mezzo-soprano Clare Ghigo takes on the role of Cherubino, Kinga Dobay plays Marcellina while Francesca Aquilina takes the role of Barbarina. Emilio Marcucci plays Bartolo and Richard Roberts takes on both Basilio and Curzio. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Philip Walsh.
The creative team is also bubbling with talent - sets have been designed by contemporary artist Pierre Portelli designed the set, lights by theatre veteran Chris Gatt and costumes by Maria Muscat (also known as Babettopolis).
"We have to remember that at the time, operas such as 'Le Nozze di Figaro' were not elitist at all. In fact the music was pretty much the Top of the Pops of the time" smiles Mr Zammit Tabona, "Conceived on the brink of the French revolution, it was a pot boiler of beautiful melodies that are still extremely catchy joined together to a clever plot which is still relevant today."
So relevant in fact, that the director Jack Furness has based the opera (originally written in 1786) in modern Europe, and set it to take place today or in the very near future where it relates to current political challenges d changes such as Trump and Brexit.
As Artistic Director of the Teatru Manoel, Mr Zammit Tabona's intention is to stage years the three Da Ponte/Mozart operas - Nozze this year and subsequently 'Don Giovanni' and 'Cosi Fan Tutte' at the Manoel Theatre over the next three years.
"Opera production has changed so much since the last time these operas were produced here in Malta," he muses "If you've never been to an opera before, 'Nozze' is the perfect place to start. The characters are young, they are good-looking and it's all rather naughty. There's a bit of everything... but above it oozes 'Mozartian' charm. It really shouldn't be missed."
Performances of 'Le Nozze di Figaro' are being held at the Manoel Theatre on 28 February, 2 March, 4 March and 6 March at 7.30pm, with a pre-opera talk for ticket holders at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased from www.teatrumanoel.com.mt, [email protected] or 2124 6389.