Opera lovers will surely recognise the name Paul Asciak, one of Malta’s most beloved tenors, whose powerful voice graced both local and international stages between the 1940s and 1960s. Paul passed away in April 2015, leaving behind a lasting legacy that is still celebrated today. To mark the 10th anniversary of his death, a special exhibition dedicated to his life and career opens today at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta, in collaboration with Heritage Malta, the National Archives, and D’Amato Music Store.

The exhibition, running until the end of February, displays a variety of Paul Asciak’s personal items and memorabilia. One of the main pieces is a meticulously conserved costume worn by Paul during his 1960 performance of Otello in Giuseppe Verdi’s opera. For the first time, visitors can also admire a bust of Paul Asciak, a generous donation from his sons to the Manoel Theatre.

Born in Valletta on January 28, 1923, Paul’s musical journey began in the St James Choir in Valletta. His operatic debut came at the age of 23, playing Turrido in Pietro Mascagni’s 'Cavalleria Rusticana' at the Radio City Opera House in Hamrun. By 1950, Paul had made his Italian debut, singing the role of Manrico in Verdi’s 'Il Trovatore'. His career saw him perform across Malta, Italy, and beyond, including in England, Wales, and Ireland.

One of the highlights of Paul’s career was recording the role of Flavio in Bellini’s 'Norma' alongside the legendary Maria Callas, who recently had an acclaimed biopic made about her own incredible career. He also performed at London’s Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, where he appeared in over 50 productions. After retiring in 1961, Paul briefly revived the role of Otello at age 66 in Poland. He later devoted himself to music education and served as Teatru Manoel’s General Manager from 1988 to 1992.

A man whose career and legacy truly deserve celebration – visit the tribute exhibition at the Manoel Theatre from today!

Were you familiar with any of Paul Asciak's works?