‘Puccini the Photographer’: Malta celebrates 100 years of the Italian composer's musical legacy
A lineup of events from October to December will celebrate the brilliance of one of opera's greatest maestros.
This November marks the centenary of the death of renowned Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, celebrated worldwide for his iconic operas, several of which have also graced Maltese stages. To honour this milestone, the Malta Band Clubs Association is organising a series of events celebrating Puccini’s remarkable talents – not just as a composer, but also as a photographer!
An exhibition titled ‘Puccini the Photographer’, which opened yesterday, showcases the composer's lesser-known passion for photography, featuring rare photographs he took himself. Curated by Karl Camilleri and held at the Maltese Parliament foyer, the exhibition also includes personal letters and artifacts, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into Puccini’s private life beyond his music. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 12.30pm, with free admission.
The celebrations continue with 'Notte Pucciniana' at Auberge de Castille during Notte Bianca this Saturday October 5th, featuring two Italian tenors and a pianist performing select pieces from Puccini’s operatic masterpieces.
On Friday November 29th – the exact centenary of Puccini's death – St John’s Co-Cathedral will host an organ concert where an internationally acclaimed organist will perform some of Puccini's most stirring compositions, promising an emotional and unforgettable experience.
Rounding off the celebrations, the Manoel Theatre will present a concert on December 6th by the Malta Symphonic Band titled ‘Puccini in Malta’, paying homage to Puccini’s legacy. This will be followed by an international symposium and book launch on December 7th, where scholars and musicians from around the globe will gather to discuss Puccini’s works within the context of modern culture.
Which of these events are you looking forward to?