Since 2014, Gaulitana: A Festival of Music has presented full-scale operatic productions as part of its artistic endeavour, garnering international acclaim as "a major festival of classical music" by British magazine Musical Opinion.
These productions have become the pinnacle of the annual springtime festival, highlighting the Opera+ Weekend, three days of cultural bonanza bringing the festival to an end.
Lauded by critics and aficionados alike, the operas featured included the imposing Tosca sets (2014) and the Ġgantija-inspired scenery created for Norma, as well as the camellia-themed designs for La Traviata and the card-deck imagery developed for Manon Lescaut.
Yearning to enrich Gozo's cultural output, Gaulitana has established itself as a pioneering force in operatic circles, introducing surtitles on the island while starring a host of international stars, from Miriam Gauci's in a "triumphant and touching" Cio-Cio San to Francesco Meli's nuanced Alfredo Germont.
Over a decade of productions, the festival presented major oeuvres after long absences from the local shores, with Manon Lescaut and Norma presented after 20 and 40 years respectively.
The most recent Gaulitana production, "a Nabucco to remember" similarly featured after a wait of 10 years, serves as an ideal omen for another Giuseppe Verdi opera in April. Il Trovatore joins celebrations for the 125th death anniversary of the composer, a masterpiece which commenced the "victorious march throughout the operatic world".
This Gaulitana tribute follows on Viva Verdi, the virtual opera series presented during the pandemic-forced performances hiatus, reaching over 210,000 views online. The festival organiser, the Gaulitanus choir, has also attained ground-breaking achievements in the genre, becoming the first choir to perform in fully-staged operas beyond the Maltese confines, for La Bohème (2017) and Manon Lescaut (2024) at the prestigious Teatro Antico di Taormina and screened worldwide.
Il Trovatore shall be held on Saturday, 25 April at Teatru tal-Opra Aurora featuring an international cast as well as the Gaulitanus choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Colin Attard with stage direction by Enrico Castiglione.
Gaulitana: A Festival of Music is organised by the Gaulitanus Choir, is principally supported by the Investment in Cultural Organisations - Gozo of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, partnered by the Bank of Valletta Foundation, VisitMalta and APS Bank.
Gaulitana 2026 runs from 28 March to 26 April presenting a multifarious programme of events around Gozo. Festival events are free of charge and no reservations are required.
Bookings can be made via www.teatruaurora.com; www.gaulitanus.com or by phoning on 7904 5779.