It is a great honour to have José Carreras singing in Malta, said Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech yesterday.
The concert, which forms part of José Carrera’s Mediterranean Passion Tour, will be held on 8th June at St George’s Square (Main Guard) in Valletta.
Dr Zammit Dimech said the Catalan tenor is a great artiste and a great man. He referred to Mr Carreras’s fight against acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with which he was diagnosed in 1987, at the peak of his career. Mr Carreras was given a one in 10 chance of survival. After receiving treatment for almost a year, including radiation, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, he was able to resume his singing career.
In 1990, José Carreras teamed up with opera giants Luciano Pavarotti and former rival Plácido Domingo with conductor Zubin Mehta at a concert at the opening of the World Cup in Rome. The concert gave rise to the successful Three Tenors concerts.
The minister said such high-profile concerts are making Malta more interesting and event-oriented to both Maltese and tourists.
He said he is very proud that the Maltese international soprano Lydia Caruana and the National Orchestra will accompany the tenor.
On her part, Ms Caruana said it is very important for one’s career to partner artistes such as José Carreras. She also referred to her successful concert with Andrea Bocelli in a previous NnG production.
Ms Caruana said that event endeared her to the non-classical public, and is looking forward to singing with a man “who has made the history of music.”
Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier said the concert involves great names, a great place and great sponsors. He praised the location, saying that Valletta’s nicest car park will be transformed into Malta’s nicest concert hall, with the historical President’s Palace serving as a wonderful backdrop.
Malta International Airport (MIA) Chief Executive Officer Peter Bolech said Mr Carreras is very much esteemed by his fellow Austrians, since both his wife and manager are Austrians. This, he said explains why there are a number of Austrian sponsors. Mr Bolech said MIA is very keen on being involved in similar events especially in collaboration with NnG Promotions.
The José Carreras Concert is sponsored by Vodafone, Malta International Airport, Bawag Malta Bank Ltd and Bianchi Group of Companies.
The event is also supported by The Malta Tourism Authority, Airest, Coca-Cola, Apple, Hello, Le Meridien St Julian’s and John’s Garage.
There are three different types of tickets available: Gold at Lm 60, Silver at Lm 50 and Bronze at Lm 40.
Tickets for the concert are available on-line at www.maltaticket.com and also from all Exotique outlets (Sliema, Bay Street, Valletta-Energy, Victoria), all Agenda Bookshops including onboard the Gozo Ferries, Bookends Bookshops and also The NewsKiosk in Sliema (next to Chalet). Round the clock sales are available from all Gozo Ferries and at Agenda MIA Departures Lounge.