Mediterranea festival

It is good news indeed that the Malta Tourism Authority is moving away from the usual image. The island of sun and sea is being substituted. The accent is going to be changed to history, culture, activities, traditions and the Maltese themselves. Dr John C. Grech, the MTA chairman, announced the change of policy in London to one of 'cultural tourism'

The sister island of Gozo is going to emphasise its cultural existence in the Mediterranea festival. It will have many facets but as it is being organised by the Astra Theatre, the main emphasis is naturally on music. In fact in the operatic field the younger generations of Maltese and Gozitans especially should thank the two band clubs owning the two opera houses in Gozo.

Last month the Teatru ta' l-Opra Aurora celebrated 25 years of opera in Gozo. In this period opera in the Maltese Islands has reaffirmed itself after a longish absence. It has come a long way too.

The production of Turandot on October 26 was really and truly grand opera as it should be performed. The set designed by artistic director Novella Tabili was scenography adaptable for the three acts. She cleverly used the different levels in different ways to create flexible groupings of the chorus and extras. This further enhanced the singing and music making to provide a grand spectacle.

These words of introduction of a past event lead to an even more spacious festival to come this month. The claim in the Turandot programme that the curtain-raiser at the Aurora of Madama Butterfly "revolutionised culture-oriented activities in the Maltese Islands; it also revived opera in Malta till then lying dormant for a rather long time" is fully justified,

There is a link between the Aurora production and the Astra festival. Those who know the particular scenario in Gozo might read such a statement with incredulity. The Astra Opera House belongs to the Società Filarmonica La Stella. Their musical director is Mro Joseph Vella. He was the tutor of his nephew Mro Colin Attard, the musical director of the Società Filarmonica Leone and the Aurora opera house.

Both bands and relative opera houses are great rivals. What one does the other tries, and often succeeds, to go one better. This rivalry in fact enhances the cultural heritage of Malta and Gozo.

Still, there is always hope. One of course dreams of a time when with goodwill on both sides there will be a joint effort. It happened elsewhere between parochial and regional rivals as well as between national enemies as is the case in Europe.

The Mediterranea is a festival on Gozo, in the heart of the Mediterranean. The wide spread of the festival is completely out of proportion to the size of the sister island. It is organised by the Astra Theatre in conjunction with Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta and holiday Malta.

The festival ranges from Verdi's opera Un ballo in maschera to the same composer's Requiem, a musical homage to Alessandro Manzoni, author of I Promessi Sposi, and Te Deum. From prehistoric temple culture to history, folklore, traditions and cuisine. From La Stella symphony concert to Etnika. From natural heritage to museums and churches. From crafts to panorama to an interpretation of the oldest free standing stone monument in the world. From a piano recital by the internationally acclaimed Young-Chou Park at St George's Basilica to a traditional Gozitan dinner at the Ggantija Temples site to an evening with folk show and festa re-enactment.

The Astra Theatre management has engaged Metropolitan Opera artists for Un ballo in maschera. Soprano Pamela Kucenica, who sung the part of Lady Macbeth in Verdi's opera at the Astra, plays the ill-fated Amelia, Anckarstrom's wife. Baritone Anooshah Golesorkhi sings the part of Anckarstrom. King Gustav III's confidante.

Argentinian-born lirico spinto tenor Daniel Munoz is another member of the star-studded cast; he plays the King. He is not insensitive to Amelia's charm and history. Here's one lover too many and here is the tragedy. Samuel de Palma, called the Verdian bass, is another star.

Emilia Boteva, acclaimed as the quintessential Verdi mezzo-soprano, is yet another famous singer taking part. The devilishly difficult part of Oscar has been entrusted to the consummate Gozitan singer Miriam Cauchi. Artistic direction is in the hands of New York-based Joseph Bascetta. Mro Vella conducts the National Orchestra led by Marcelline Agius.

On Friday, November 29, the Astra presents Verdi's Te Deum and Requiem featuring world famous tenor Giuseppe Giacomini. The other soloists are Pemela Kucenic, soprano, Emilia Boteva mezzo soprano, and Samoel de Palma, bass-baritone. The Laudate Pueri, the choir based at St George's Basilica, and the National Orchestra will be conducted by Mro Vella.