Written at the very end of his life, La Clemenza di Tito remains one of Mozart’s most interesting compositions; an opera seria, beautifully created and constructed in the Italianate grand manner. This opera will be staged for the first time in Malta at Teatru Manoel which is dedicating four consecutive nights to this production between the 20th and the 23rd of March 2014.

Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito follows the great Pietro Metastasio’s typical libretto structure, as modified by Caterino Mazzola and chosen by Mozart purposely for its classic qualities as he sought to please the new Emperor Leopold and entice him to appoint him maestro di cappella. Leopold who succeeded his childless brother Joseph II in 1791, and his Spanish wife Maria Ludovica had till that time been Grand Duke of Tuscany and it was presumed that his tastes were more Italian than what was fashionable in Vienna at the time.

Although the work, premiered on the 6th of September 1791, a few hours after Leopold’s coronation, did not go down too well with the imperial couple, La Clemenza di Tito remained popular for many years after Mozart's death. It was the first Mozart opera to reach London, receiving its première there at His Majesty's Theatre on 27th March 1806. In recent years the opera has undergone something of a reappraisal with critics considering it as a show of Mozart’s "responding with music of restraint, nobility and warmth to a new kind of stimulus".

Given that this opera is being staged over four consecutive evenings, a double cast has been secured to cover all the four performances. The role of Tito will be performed by tenors Peter Davoren and Ben Thapa, the role of Vitellia by sopranos Andriana Jordanova and Cristina Baggio whilst the role of Sesto will be covered by countertenor David Hansen on two of the nights, alternating with mezzo soprano Sian Cameron.

“This will be a unique opportunity for the public to see a countertenor in the male role which is usually sung by a mezzo,” outlined Mr Zammit Tabona, artistic director of the Teatru Manoel.” Juliette Bisazza, Damiano Binetti and I have taken great pains to find the right voices for this very special opera and we are confident that this will contribute no end to the success of this production.”

David Hansen is currently one of the leading contemporary countertenors. His performance next month will be his second at Teatru Manoel following his participation in last year’s first edition of the Valletta International Baroque Festival. David Hansen has just released his debut CD ‘Rivals’ in which he has been described as ‘king of the high C’s’ and praised for his impressive vocal stamina and dexterity.

The artistic direction of the Opera is by Kenneth Zammit Tabona who has opted for stunning scenery inspired by Piranesi’s engravings of Rome’s most famous landmarks. These are being produced purposely for this production by Teatru Manoel. The stage flooring will regale patrons with a reproduction of the famous floor designs at Rome’s Campidolio created by Michelangelo.

Kenneth Zammit Tabona also designed the costumes for this production inspired by the elegance and neo-classical lines of the Directoire period. The fabric and materials for these costumes have been sponsored by Camilleri Paris Mode and the costumes are currently being sewn by the Teatru Manoel’s costume house.

“Whilst the opera is based on characters from ancient Rome, the opera was conceived in the late eighteenth century. Therefore, we have managed to create the obvious links between the script, the characters and the plot’s settings,” added Kenneth Zammit Tabona.

The complete performing cast also includes mezzo sopranos Clare Chigo and Annie Fredriksson in the role of Annio, sopranos Claudia Tabone and Gabriella Costa in the role of Servilia whilst bass singers Albert Buttigieg and Noel Galea will cover the role of Publio.

The production is dedicated to the memory of the late Alfredo Spiteri Mallia who for many years was on the theatre’s management committee and was responsible for Kenneth Zammit Tabona’s love and understanding of opera. Teatru Manoel is also bringing over experienced opera director Harry Fehr to work alongside locally-based director Denise Mulholland to realise her ideas for this originally designed new production. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be under the baton of Damiano Binetti. The Teatru Manoel Opera Chorus has been trained by Alexander Vella Gregory.

Tickets are already available and being sold from Teatru Manoel’s website www.teatrumanoel.com.mt or through the booking office by email on [email protected] or by calling on 21 246389