Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543356
8 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 20 FEBRUARY 2026 CULTURE 10 years of opera at Gaulitana "SINCE 2014, Gaulitana: A Fes- tival 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 Mu- sical Opinion. These productions have be- come the pinnacle of the annual springtime festival, highlight- ing the OPERA+ Weekend, 3 days of cultural bonanza bring- ing the festival to an end. Lauded by critics and aficio- nados alike, the operas featured included the imposing Tosca sets (2014) and the Ġganti- ja-inspired scenery in Norma (2016) as well as the cammelia for La Traviata and card-deck designs for Manon Lescaut. Yearning to enrich Gozo's cultural output, Gaulitana has established itself as a pioneer- ing force in operatic circles, introducing surtitles on the island whilst starring a host of international stars, from Mir- iam Gauci's in a "triumphant and touching" Cio-Cio San to Francesco Meli's nuanced Al- fredo Germont. Over a decade of productions, the festival presented major oeuvres after long absenc- es from the local shores, with Manon Lescaut and Norma presented after 20 and 40 years respectively. The most recent Gaulitana production, "a Nabucco to re- member" 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 his "vic- torious march throughout the operatic world". This Gaulitana tribute fol- lows on Viva Verdi, the virtual opera series presented during the pandemic-forced perfor- mances hiatus, reaching over 210,000 views online. The fes- tival organizer, the Gaulita- nus 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 Anti- co 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 Mal- ta Philharmonic Orchestra un- der 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 Min- istry for Gozo and Planning, partnered by the Bank of Val- letta Foundation, VisitMalta and APS Bank. Gaulitana 2026 runs from March 28 to April 26, pre- senting a multifarious pro- gramme of events around Gozo. Festival events are free of charge and no reservations are required. Il Trovatore Bookings: www.teatruaurora. com / 7904 5779"