Following last year's success, Gozo was again the place to be for opera lovers during October. The Societa Filarmonica Leone produced Giacomo Puccini'a Madama Butterfly at the Teatru Aurora while Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto graced the stage of the Teatru Astra under the watchful eye of the Societa Filarmonica La Stella.
Bank of Valletta renewed its support towards the operatic season in Gozo, supporting both Teatru Aurora and Teatru Astra in their operatic task they undertake year after year. Speaking about the Bank's involvement, Charles Azzopardi, Head of CSR, said, "The performances we have witnessed this year were veritable spectacles of talent, costumes and scenery that enthralled the audience from start to finish. This is the result of relentless work and dedication on the part of organisers, artists and, of course, all the volunteers involved. At Bank of Valletta, we value and promote everything that is endemic as well as the spirit of entrepreneurship." Mr Azzopardi went on to say that the Bank's relationship with both Opera Houses is a long-standing one, during which BOV learnt to understand and appreciate the meticulous research and hard work that goes on for months before the public can enjoy spectacular operas, like those produced over the past weekends."
The organisers' efforts go beyond the theatrical spectacles themselves. , Cliff Zammit Stevens flew the Maltese flag in part of Goro in Madama Butterfly with Stanley Portelli in the part of Yamadori, Louis Andrew Cassar as Uncle Bonze, Ken Scicluna as the Imperial Commissioner, and Claire Ghigo as Kate Pinkerton respectively. A number of these artists have developed their skills through the help of the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation.
Teatru Astra took upon itself the double representation of the inimitable first opera of Verdi's trilogy, Rigoletto, which comprises also Il Trovatore and la Traviata. Rigoletto is popular due to the modest way and delicacy of the music which engulfed the listeners' emotions through ineffably beautiful duets and a prodigality of melodic invention. Rigoletto marked the start of the Festival Mediterranea that has now entered into its 20th edition.
Madama Butterfly opera saw the participation of the Malta Philarmonic Orchestra under the baton of musical director Colin Attard, who also directed the Aurora Opera Chorus during the same performance., whilst Mro John Galea led the orchestra for the Rigoletto.
As the curtain falls on the operatic season in Gozo, Bank of Valletta applauds everyone involved for their commitment and dedication primarily the volunteers who, with hours of selfless work, are the veritable glue that make such productions possible.