Built by the Leone Philharmonic Society in 1976, the Aurora Opera House in Victoria, Gozo, stands as a cultural beacon with a very rich history. The opera house boasts the largest indoor seating capacity on the island, accommodating 1,600 spectators. The venue's grandeur is enhanced by the artistic touch of renowned Maltese artist Emvin Cremona, who adorned it with 60 original hand-painted works, complementing a ceiling design reminiscent of Gozitan lace in the artistic language of the 1970s.
The vision of the Leone Committee materialized in January 1977 when Puccini's opera, Madama Butterfly, graced the stage, marking the inception of opera in Gozo and revitalizing the cultural scene in Malta. Subsequent opera productions, conducted by esteemed figures like Alberto Leone, Giovanni Veneri, Joseph Sammut, Joseph Vella, and Colin Attard, solidified the Aurora Opera Theatre's reputation.
Distinguished singers, including Eva Marton, Raina Kabaivanska, Michéle Crider, Maria Guleghina, Gloria Scalchi, Sylvie Brunet, Katia Angeloni, Tea Demurishvili, Nicola Martinucci, Franco Farina, Neil Shicoff, Franco Giovane, Marzio Giossi, Luigi de Corato, Juan Pons, Mario Luperi, Ivan Tomasev, and Martin Gurbal, have graced its stage.
Beyond opera, the Aurora Opera Theatre enriches Gozitan cultural life with theatrical events, variety shows, and diverse entertainment. Notably, it hosted the Ballet de Paris, the first professional ballet company on a Gozitan stage.
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