Our beloved world-renowned tenor, Joseph Calleja, reached new heights recently in Tosca at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Evidently, his voice is at its peak. No wonder all the major opera houses worldwide are clamouring for him to perform. His schedule is already extensive and he must be careful, however, not to strain his wonderful voice too much, as he was always advised by his dedicated mentor, the late Paul Asciak. It is gratifying, also, that wherever he performs he always proclaims proudly his Maltese roots.

It was, therefore, somewhat of a let-down to learn recently that he has accepted to perform at some Henley & Partners event promoting the sale of Maltese passports. Whoever gave him the advice to take on this engagement has not helped him to enhance his self-esteem and the admiration of opera lovers.