As Maltese talent continues to shine both locally and internationally, with recent examples like Christine Dalli’s stunning performance at the opening of the UEFA Champions League match earlier this week, it’s important to take a moment to remember the trailblazers who helped pave the way. One such figure is Oreste Kirkop, the Maltese tenor who rose to international fame in the mid-20th century and remains a symbol of talent and cultural pride for Malta.

Born in Hamrun in 1923 as the sixth of ten siblings, Kirkop discovered his singing talent during the challenging times of wartime, where he would often sing in shelters. His humble beginnings would soon give way to a remarkable career. By the mid-1950s, Kirkop found himself performing at one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses - The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden in London. Between 1954 and 1958, he served as the principal tenor there, making history as the first Maltese to be exclusively engaged as a principal tenor and to sing a major principal role at this renowned venue.

Oreste Kirkop’s legacy extends beyond the opera stage. Last year, D’Amato Records shared a photo of his LP, 'Oreste Kirkop in Opera and Song', and revealed an interesting tidbit about his career - he once performed at the Hollywood Bowl, stunning an audience of over 20,000 people.

Probably one of his most well-known endeavors was playing the principal role in the 1956 film 'The Vagabond King', an adaptation of the 1925 operetta by Rudolf Friml. This film marked the tenor's only feature film role, where he starred alongside Rita Moreno and other Hollywood legends.

As we celebrate the success of today’s Maltese artists, we’re reminded of how figures like Oreste Kirkop laid the foundation for generations to come, proving that talent knows no borders and can thrive on the global stage - don't give up! 

Had you heard of this local legend?