Opera in the Capital, was a celebration of vocal artistry and orchestral finesse, brought to life by two commanding tenors, Alan Scibrras and Cliff Zammit Stevens, and versatile singer Nadine Axisa.
The event took place at Piazza San Giorgio with the Malta Philharmonic orchestra under the masterful direction of music director Ryan Paul Abela.
The evening unfolded like a tapestry of genres and emotions, each piece carefully chosen to showcase the performers' range and the orchestra's expressive power.
The programme opened with Rossini's Overture to William Tell, a thrilling and energetic start that immediately set the tone. The orchestra delivered a performance that was both precise and passionate as Maestro Abela brought out the full colour and drama of the piece.
From there, the tenors took centre stage with Gounod's Ah! Lève-toi soleil from Roméo et Juliette, a soaring aria that captured the romantic longing of the character with exquisite phrasing and emotional depth. The mood shifted with Morricone's Cinema Paradiso, sung by Cliff Zammit Stevens with tenderness and nostalgia, evoking cinematic memories and heartfelt emotion.
A highlight of the evening was Come What May from Moulin Rouge, performed as a duet between Alan and Nadine. Their voices blended beautifully - his operatic strength and her smoky jazz tone created a unique and captivating interpretation.
The two tenors joined forces again for No Puede Ser from Sorozábal's La Tabernera del Puerto, delivering a passionate and dramatic rendition that earned enthusiastic applause. The inclusion of the Maltese song Qalu li Raw by P. Grech added a local flavour. It was sung with pride and lyrical warmth by the two tenors.
One of the most poignant moments came with Tosti's L'Alba separa dalla Luce l'Ombra, a piece that demands both vocal control and emotional vulnerability. Alan Sciberras's performance was hauntingly beautiful, drawing the audience into the quiet intensity of the song.
Alan and Cliff gave us the much loved Viva il Vino Spumeggiante from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana. I remember my father attempting to sing it. I inherited his non-voice. For a change it is a lively piece and puts you in a good mood.
Other Maltese pieces to keep the local flavour going were sung. Abela's Inhobbok from Gensna sung with tenderness by Cliff and Nadine. It was very moving and Cliff hugged Nadine so tightly with so much genuine affection, she must have felt quite out of breath.
Cliff has lost a lot of weight since I last saw him on stage. It's good for his health but I cannot make up my mind whether or not he looked better when he was a little heavier.
Another piece by composer Paul Abla was the very well known composition L-Ahhar Bidwi f'Wied il-Ghasal, sung by the two tenors and Nadine.
Who doesn't love Lucio Dalla's Caruso, which was given such a lovely rendering by the two tenors. Some in the audience tried to join in. I don't even try any more as only a croak emerges. At school Mother Peel used to ask me to turn the pages for her at the piano. She did not want me to spoil the choir with my croaking.
The MPO gave us a piece from Rondo Veneziano.
The evening concluded with a lively Neapolitan medley, sung by both tenors, bringing joy and familiarity to the audience with beloved classics that had everyone tapping along. Who doesn't like to listen to Torna a Surriento, Funiculi Funiculà and O Sole Mio which the whole world loves. I am so sorry that my grandchildren do not watch Italian TV as my generation did. We learnt the Italian we know at school but mostly through watching TV. It is a useless language internationally. But what a wonderful culture they have: the literature, the music, the arts. How sad that unlike my generation which was brought up being familiar with anything Italian they cannot even go to Italy and communicate in the most basic Italian.
There was much clapping and a standing ovation at the end of the concert, but not before the three singers gave us the last adieu. A splendid New York, New York. I associate this with Nadine because I know she loves it and sings it with her heart in it, looking lovely in a shimmering evening dress.
Jason Micallef and Madame Micallef were there as was Minister Owen Bonnici. After the concert I congratulated Jason and asked him for a comment:
"This is one of our biggest open-air events in Valletta in response to the ever-growing demand and one of our annual flagship events in the VCA cultural calendar. Over a thousand people were present and the overwhelming response from the audience, both local and international, is a testament to the artistic excellence showcased and to the city's unique ability to blend history, culture, and world-class performance into an unforgettable experience."
Thank you Jason. Thank you also for the fan you left on each chair and for the generous amount of flowers decorating the stage. All helped to make it the success it was.
This is such a popular concert why isn't it repeated?
Throughout the concert, the music director's leadership was evident - not only in the orchestra's cohesion but in the seamless transitions between styles and moods. His sensitivity to the singers and the repertoire elevated the entire performance.
"Il-mużika titkellem fejn il-kliem ma jasalx."
Music speaks where words cannot reach.
Thank you!