As September ushers in autumn and the much-awaited opera season in Gozo, Mr Matthew Sultana of the Aurora Theatre answered a few questions about opera in Gozo and this year’s production.

Your theatre has been part of Gozo’s opera and musical scene and cultural life for so long now — how would you describe its legacy today?

Insofar as opera is concerned, the opera-in-Gozo genre was born at the Aurora, with Madama Butterfly on 7th January 1977. So in a way, there’s always that sense of pride in watching opera grow on our island. But, as our track record shows, opera-in-Gozo wasn’t just born at the Aurora, but it’s also where it has grown and flourished. Our legacy today is such that opera in Gozo is there for an international market. Our legacy today is such that opera made Gozo known and renowned on an international map of high repute. Our legacy today is such that opera-in-Gozo ranks amongst the most popular, and albeit perhaps not as sophisticated as in other top-budget houses, it is regarded of no lesser quality.

What makes attending the Gozo opera here a special experience for visitors?

We have always said that opera in Gozo cannot be reduced to just glittering dresses and sparkling wines. First and foremost it is opera – music, singing, sets and costumes. But glittering dresses and sparkling wines are also part of the special experience. We invest heavily on maintaining the special aura that our forefathers have created, and as much as possibly add onto it. Visitors, especially foreigners, even love the fact that when they’re coming for an opera in Gozo, even the streets are decorated. Visitors love the red carpet ambience. They love the presence of the VIPs. And above all, they enjoy the star-quality hospitality which we are very keen to offer. As I said, this only works when the core substance is there on point – i.e. the artistic product on stage. And we never compromise with that.

How do you see your theatre’s role in keeping opera alive as part of Gozo’s cultural identity?

We cannot mistake opera, as a genre, with Gozitan identity. Opera is essentially Italian in its identity. But opera-in-Gozo is substantially Gozitan. Because opera, the way we do it in Gozo is quite unique. And despite being just another operatic product on stage just like any other similar title elsewhere in the world, the feeling is quite different… and it is tangibly transmitted to the audience. Perhaps, we Gozitans are least best-placed to describe this, but Maltese and foreign visitors can perfectly describe how opera-in-Gozo, the way it is done and presented in Gozo differs. And I believe it all boils down to the fact that behind every production there is a community. The international singers feel this, and the international audience feels it too; from the moment they purchase their tickets, to the moment they step into the theatre and cherish every minute before and after the drama unfolds on stage.

Your theatre has staged many operas.   What are some memorable moments or productions from your past?

Every production is memorable in its own merits. Madama Butterfly of 1977, being the very first opera, with conductor Joseph Sammut, is still remembered by all those who had the good fortune to take part. Manon, 1979, with the legendary Raina Kabaivanska, was another showstopper. That year, we also had Il Trovatore, which could not start before, so very late in the night when the whole island went dark and the very few rudimentary generators had to be brought in at the last minute. The performance went on until well after 1 am. Then we surely remember Aida 1999 with two horses and Carmen 2000, the very first opera sung in French. We remember Turandot 2002 with Eva Marton and Turandot 2012 with Maria Guleghina. Such stardom! Yes, every title brings its special memories, even more so because every title brings different people that come in a guests, work as colleagues and emerge as dear friends.

What inspired you to bring La Forza del Destino to your stage this year? What makes this season different from past years?

In choosing a title you have to balance what works for the audiences and what works for the resources you have at hand. You have to balance what has not been performed in recent years, and so on. 2024 saw the Aurora coming up with a Puccini title and a completely new title for the local audiences – Il Trittico. 2023 saw another Puccini title – Madama Butterfly. So, definitely it was time for something different. Hence, we opted for Giuseppe Verdi and La Forza del Destino – a title which Gozo has only last seen in 2007 at the Aurora itself. So we really hope it will entice the audiences to return.

For visitors who may not know Verdi well, what makes this opera an unforgettable experience?

This is an opera for rousing choruses. Everybody loves opera choruses. And while one may not necessarily remember the Forza choruses by name or by heart, they are so captivating you end up singing them all once you listen to them. Then there is one of the biggest opera casts – 10 main roles, each with their arias, their characters, their roles and their contributions to the bigger complex plot. It is quite an unforgiving opera. You cannot have average singers. You just need good ones. Very good ones. And that’s our gamble, our commitment, our promise.

What kind of experience do you want the audience to take away from this performance?

First and foremost we hope it’s a positive experience, in which the audience enjoys itself with the aesthetic product on offer – the music and the visuals – sets, costumes, choreographies, staging etc. That’s the first thing because that’s where we employ most of our efforts… and budgets. But then, just as with any other work of art, it is also very satisfying when the audience is able to make a higher meaning out of the masterpiece. And La Forza gives quite a few nudges on concepts of war, loyalty, fidelity, religion and the likes. And we hope we are able to give people food for thought as we narrate the immortal story which Verdi set to such beautiful music.

Why should people not miss your production of La Forza del Destino this season?

Let’s be clear and frank. There are only two opera productions in Gozo opera season. And they just can’t be missed, because there’s no other way. But then again, La Forza has not been seen on the Maltese islands since 2007. It’s not an easy opera to stage, so we don’t expect to see it any time soon again. Then, we are having such a massive case. Suffice it to say the leading artists are ones seen on the world stages of La Scala in Milan, in London and New York. So that is the quality on offer, with the usual Gozo prices. If that is allowed to be missed, then I don’t know what ought not.

Are there other key dates that people who love theatre and music should take note for their itinerary this year?

A pre-opera lecture is on offer on Friday, 10th October at 7:30 pm, while a behind-the-scenes tour on Saturday morning, 11th October at 11 am will also be held. Entrance is free of charge, but reservations are recommended on [email protected]

How to book for this year’s opera:

www.teatruaurora.com or via our ticket helpline +356 79045779. We’re offering normal tickets, premium seats in a box with champagnes or wines, plus a vin d’honneur wine-and-canapes reception during the intermission.

VisitGozo extends its appreciation to Mr Matthew Sultana for his contribution to this interview and for providing the accompanying photographs.