As the audience started to fill the quaint Santa Lucija Square in Gozo, and the orchestra took their seats, Charles Buttigieg completed his warm up and waited for his cue.

Once on stage, calm and poised, he captured the audience at the very first note. At 24, Charles' baritone voice is as powerful as that of opera masters and as unique as his story. Discovered at the age of 11, Charles has performed with opera legends in Europe and the United States, received recognition from the Metropolitan Opera and holds an honours degree from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. His powerful performances have astounded audiences worldwide and the second edition of Charles Buttigieg in Concert was no exception.

Accompanied by sopranos Marouska Attard and Nicola Said, The X-Factor Malta winner Michela Pace, and the SCJ children's choir, each piece served as a powerful display of vocal talent and professionalism. The repertoire included beloved opera masterpieces, including Votre toast and La garde montante (Carmen), Largo al factotum (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Quando m'en vo' (La Boheme) and Una donna quindici anni (Così fan tutte). The second part of the concert featured popular musical theatre pieces, such as All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera), Come What May (Moulin Rouge!), If I Were a Rich Man (Fiddler on the Roof), Stars (Les Miserables) and the nostalgic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the musical of the same name.

The concert, attended by the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and other distinguished guests, ended with a standing ovation from an audience of over 1,000 people. This prompted an unforgettable encore performance of O Sole Mio, closing off an already magnificent night.

The success of this concert marks another significant milestone in Buttigieg's already impressive career. In the coming weeks he will be taking on the role of Enrico in Lucia di Lamermoor at the Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival in Cartagirone, Sicily, further solidifying his reputation as an accomplished baritone. Charles will also be continuing his studies at the prestigious Metropolitan Theatre in New York and performing in various venues abroad. Stay updated on Charles's upcoming concerts by following him on Facebook and Instagram.

The second edition of Charles Buttigieg in Concert was organised in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Directorate, Ministry for Gozo