As Malta and Gozo embrace the Jubilee of Hope, the Opera Nova Project takes centre stage with a transformative concert under the patronage of His Grace Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta. This initiative is setting the stage for Malta's emerging classical singers and future stars of the performing arts. On 9 April at Mdina's St Paul's Cathedral, at 8pm a remarkable convergence of music and meaning will unfold as the Jubilee of Hope concert takes place. The event, organised in collaboration with the Archbishop's Delegate for Culture and the Opera Nova Project, celebrates humanity's pursuit of light and resilience through contemporary choral masterpieces. The evening promises to inspire with a programme of works from Britten, Tavener, Jenkins, and more. It's also a moment to spotlight the Opera Nova Project - a training and performance programme addressing the needs of young classical singers in Malta - alongside the newly formed Opera Nova Project Youth Choir. GILLIAN ZAMMIT who will be conducting, gives Marie Benoît more information.
I understand that this time round you will not be singing but you will be conducting the concert Pilgrims of Hope in the year that we are celebrating the Jubilee of Hope. This is an event organised by the Archbishop's Delegate for Culture and Opera Nova Project. Please tell us something about the Opera Nova Project which you initiated.
Malta and Gozo are home to some exceptionally talented young classical singers. These emerging singers often encounter a lack of support, training and performance opportunities at home due to an absence of a higher degree of musical education. Many choose to pursue training at conservatoire level abroad, and although they may be of a commensurate standard vocally, they often find themselves at a disadvantage in terms of musical education and experience.
Singers who wish to remain in Malta and pursue a professional career here struggle to find performing experience or the kind of advanced, holistic tuition that will allow them to attain the level required by top cultural entities locally. We aim to provide the next generation with the skills to face a career in the performing arts both on the local and international scene.
My colleague Denise Mulholland and myself are addressing these needs by setting up a training and performance programme called Opera Nova Project that is providing these emerging artists with a pre- and conservatoire level of tuition.
When did all this start?
Our classes commenced at the beginning of October 2024, and the inaugural 8-month winter course ends in May 2025. We accepted 32 students in the first year, and applications are already coming in for next year's winter course.
Where are your premises?
Lessons are held on a weekly basis at the Catholic Institute in Floriana, with international tutors giving various masterclasses spread out over this 8-month period. Regular performances are held in relation to the specific modules being covered and the winter course ends with staged opera scenes.
Are local musicians involved in any way?
Our most experienced local tutors have joined forces with international guest tutors from some of Europe's most important academic and performance entities, such as Paul McNamara - Artistic Director of the Dutch National Opera Academy; Adrian Kelly - Artistic Director of the Young Artists Programme at Opera Zurich and vocal coach and artists agent Hedwig Fassbender, amongst many others.
Can you share with us what programme you are proposing for this important concert in Mdina?
The programme for 9 April concert, being held in collaboration with the Office of the Archbishop's Delegate for Culture and Opera Nova Project, is a celebration of hope through the lens of choral music from the 20th and 21st centuries with works by Benjamin Britten, John Tavaner and Karl Jenkins amongst others.
The theme of hope resonates profoundly, as each piece explores humanity's enduring pursuit of light amidst darkness. The fusion of traditional choral warmth with contemporary textures offers an uplifting journey, inspiring audiences to embrace hope as a timeless and universal force.
I understand there is also an Opera Nova Project Youth Choir which is going to participate in this concert. Can you tell us something about this Choir?
The Opera Nova Project Youth Choir is a recently formed ensemble for youths between the ages of seven and 18. It aims to introduce the next generation of singers not only to classical music but also to the joys of choral singing. We need to cultivate our young singers and not only help to form the performers of the future but also nurture our future audiences.
Performance skills are a key part of the Opera Nova Project training. We wanted to take the choral pieces and create something theatrical and dynamic. Whilst I will be conducting the singers, Denise and the lighting designer Moritz Zavan Stoeckle, have created a performance which focuses not only on the singing but which also has a visual impact.
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