Joseph Calleja

Tenor Joseph Calleja celebrates important debut anniversary at the Astra Theatre in Gozo.

Ten years from his professional debut Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja returns to the Mediterranean island of Gozo (Malta), in the role of Macduff in Macbeth on Thursday 25 and Sunday 27 October.

Joseph Calleja is well-known to audiences in the music capitals of the world. His engagements have taken him to virtually every major European city where he has appeared in twenty leading roles in theatres such as the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, the Zurich Opera, the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, and the Salzburg Festival.

Returning to Gozo is a homecoming for Joseph Calleja, 'Taking the same stage, same role as my debut, and to the same people who saw my potential and supported me in my early days is an honour and a pleasure.'

Verdi’s Macbeth will be performed at the Astra Theatre on Gozo as part of the annual Mediterranea Festival, now in its sixth edition, and sees the participation of internationally acclaimed soprano Francesca Patane and baritone Marco Chingari.

Following the performance of the 25th October, Joseph Calleja will host a dinner in the capital Victoria, a unique opportunity for opera lovers and fans to meet the much admired tenor.

Festival Mediterranea which runs from 25th October to 4th November unveils Gozo’s mosaic of Mediterranean influences in a feast of music, folklore and gastronomy. Mingle with the locals during their traditional band marches in the street of the capital, savour the fertile island’s delectable produce or wander in magnificent basilicas as Maltese baroque music fills the warm Autumn air.

Stand in the oldest free-standing man-made structure in the world, Ggantija Temples. Acquire insight into the temple people and their 5000 year old culture from archaeologist and Cambridge Professor David Trump. A key archaeologist in the interpretation of numerous archaeological sites on the islands.

Travel to Gozo this month as the hills come alive after a long dry summer. Enjoy a true celebration of life on the Gozitan island, shaped by the elements, mellowed by the years.

For more information and bookings go to www.mediterranea.com.mt