Bank of Valletta is supporting the production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Forza del Destino being held at the Aurora Theatre in Gozo on 13 October. The bank’s sponsorship was presented by Jack Thewma, manager of Bank of Valletta’s Gozo Branch, to Michael Caruana, president of the Leone Philharmonic Society at the Aurora Theatre.

“We are delighted to be a sponsor of yet another opera production in Gozo,” said Mr Thewma. “Over the years, Bank of Valletta has positioned itself as one of the leading patrons of cultural activities held in Gozo. We are confident that this year’s production by the Leone Philharmonic Society will be another high profile event that should continue to make Gozo a more attractive destination.”

“Lyric opera involves huge financial sacrifices for the organisers. This includes input by multitudes of volunteers through their time, know-how and talents in various aspects of the production such as choir, wardrobes, production assistance, stage hands and public relations,” explained Dr Caruana. “I take this opportunity to thank Bank of Valletta for its support that contributes towards a sustainable production of the opera, securing a stable future for the theatre and the operatic genre in Gozo.”

This year’s opera is the 27th to be staged at the Aurora. It coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first opera ever to be produced in Gozo, Madame Butterfly, which was also held at the Aurora Theatre in 1977.

The National Orchestra will be under the baton of Mro Colin Attard, while the artistic direction is in the hands of Novella Tabili. Scenery is designed by Gozitan artist Paul Stellini. Both the Aurora Opera Chorus and the Aurora Dancers will take to the stage to choreography by Michael Vella.