WATCH: This Gozitan village is putting up an opera of its own about a long lost story
Gharb is putting on quite the intriguing opera this November as part of opera month on Malta’s sister isle. We spoke to Gharb’s mayor, David Apap, who told us all there is to know about this original opera.
“October and November in Gozo is known for the operas that are put up in the different theatres, and we wanted to be in that very calendar. We were given funds from the council and the ministry to help make this dream come true,” Mr Apap says.
“The whole point is to showcase local traditions and culture in the form of an opera. This is the second one we’ve done and the opera pertains to a legend or theme about the locality of Gharb.” Last year, the Gozitan town put on Qasba Zejt which pertained to the legend of St Dimitri. This year, the council is taking on a different theme: a story that supposedly happened in real life.
“The story, F’Bahar ta’ Kwiekeb, is about a family in which the mother passes. The family were blessed with a miracle and every year they visit the sanctuary on a pilgrimage. It is said to have happened in real life, just like many other stories.”
Mr Apap reveals that the name of the opera was given by lyricist Sebastian Saliba after writing it. He also mentions that the opera will be performed in the town’s square on 22nd November, and will feature Neville Refalo as the father, Laurent Bishop as the altar boy, Jael Said as the daughter and Charles Vincenti as the priest, including a chorus ensemble. The opera is under the musical direction of Maestro Jason Camilleri and his assistant, Marvin Grech, with music composed by Maestro Ray Sciberras, while the artistic director is Jamie Camilleri and vocal director is Mariella Spiteri Cefai.
Watch the intriguing teaser here:
Entrance is free of charge. If you're heading up to Gozo at the end of November, be sure to pop by!