On Saturday 1 July, the quaint Santa Lucija Square in Gozo will host internationally-acclaimed baritone Charles Buttigieg, together with The X-Factor Malta 2019 winner Michela Pace, Sopranos Nicola Said and Marouska Attard and the SCJ Children's Choir, for an evening of opera and musical theatre classics, all under the musical direction of Mark Gauci.
Charles Buttigieg began his musical journey at the tender age of 11 when he joined the Chorus Urbanus under the guidance of Mro Dr. John Galea, and continued his studies under the tutelage of the distinguished Maltese Soprano Ms. Juliette Bisazza. Now 24, Charles' dedication and talent led to scholarships from the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, performances with top names in opera, and two Encouragement Awards from the Metropolitan Opera in 2021 and 2022.
In 2017, Charles was selected by Mr. Jack Livigni to perform La Bohème at Teatro Eschillo in Gela and Agrigento. Subsequently, he had the privilege of attending Ms. Dolora Zajick's Institute for Young Dramatic Voices, supported by the Foundation. Later that same year, he was chosen to join the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he refined his skills under the guidance of Mezzo Soprano Ms. Patricia McCaffrey, graduating with honours earlier this year.
Charles' talents have been recognized internationally, earning him an invitation to a private concert in the presence of distinguished personalities, including Metropolitan Chairman Ms. Ann Ziff, Soprano Ms. Renee Fleming, and Mezzo Soprano Ms. Dolora Zajick. He performed at the Curtis Institute of Music's Philadelphia Perelman Theatre in 2018, delivering exceptional performances as Masetto in Don Giovanni, Mr. Fogg in Sweeney Todd, and Spirit in Dido and Aeneas.
In November 2019, Charles achieved another milestone by debuting as Figaro in Barber of Seville at the Opera Philadelphia, Kimmel Centre, accompanied by the Curtis Symphony Orchestra. His international leading role in this production at the age of 20 showcased his immense talent and promising future in the world of opera. In 2021, he had the honour of performing alongside the legendary Soprano Diana Damrau in a concert with the Maltese Philharmonic Orchestra. The following year, he shared the stage with Tenor Joseph Calleja at the Opera Naples in Florida. Since then, he has continued to astound audiences with his powerful performances, portraying Morales in Carmen at the Teatro Astra in Gozo and as Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette at Opera Naples, Florida, and in the first edition of Charles Buttigieg in Concert.
In keeping with tradition, this year's edition of the concert is sure to leave audiences enthralled. The repertoire features diverse iconic opera pieces from Carmen, Rigoletto and
more, as well as beloved musical theatre classics - a selection that is at times nostalgic and consistently expertly conveyed.
Do not miss this unforgettable musical experience, surrounded by the idyllic ambience characteristic of Santa Lucija Square in Gozo. Admission is free, but seats are limited. Reserve yours today at https://www.showshappening.com/CB-in-Concert/Reservation
Charles Buttigieg in Concert is being organised in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Directorate, Ministry for Gozo.