Financial assistance to Gozo opera houses

Minister Giovanna Debono has presented the sum of Lm5,000 to the two opera houses in Gozo.

The assistance was provided under an agreement between the Gozo Ministry and the Astra and Aurora theatres, for the Government to help in the annual opera productions undertaken by the two theatres.

The annual opera has become a much-awaited event in Gozo. Although the main cast are usually foreign singers, all work behind the scenes and on the organisational front is carried out by volunteers.

Apart from its high cultural contribution, the opera productions have also encouraged Maltese and foreigners to cross over to Gozo, thus contributing to the island's economy.

At the start of the 2005-6 theatrical season, the Astra Theatre staged Puccini's La Bohème, with renowned Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja and his wife, Moldovan-born soprano Tatiana Lisnic, while the Aurora Theatre presented Giordano's Fedora with Romanian soprano Laura Niculescu and Italian tenor Mario Malagnini.

Presenting Lm2,500 to each theatre, the minister thanked the La Stella and Leone band clubs, owners of the Astra and Aurora theatres respectively, for their contribution towards the cultural, economic and social sectors.