Since 2014, Gaulitana: A Festival of Music has presented full-scale operatic productions as part of its artistic endeavour, garnering international acclaim as “a major festival of classical music” by British magazine Musical Opinion.
These productions have become the pinnacle of the annual springtime festival, with the OPERA+ Weekend − three days of cultural bonanza − bringing the festival to an end.
Lauded by critics and aficionados alike, the operas featured included the imposing Tosca sets (2014) and the Ġgantija-inspired scenery in Norma (2016), as well as the camellia for La Traviata and card-deck designs for Manon Lescaut. Yearning to enrich Gozo’s cultural output,
Gaulitana has established itself as a pioneering force in operatic circles, introducing surtitles on the island while starring a host of international stars, from Miriam Gauci’s in a “triumphant in Madama Butterfly and touching” Cio-Cio San to Francesco Meli’s nuanced Alfredo Germont in La Traviata.
“Over a decade of productions, the festival presented major oeuvres after long absences from the local shores”
Over a decade of productions, the festival presented major oeuvres after long absences from the local shores, with Manon Lescaut and Norma presented after 20 and 40 years respectively.
The festival organiser, the Gaulitanus Choir, has also become the first choir to perform in fully staged operas beyond the Maltese confines, for La Bohème (2017) and Manon Lescaut (2024) at the prestigious Teatro Antico di Taormina and screened worldwide.
A tribute to Verdi
After last year’s Nabucco, Gaulitana is staging Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore next month, joining celebrations for the 125th death anniversary of the composer. The masterpiece is known for having commenced Verdi’s “victorious march throughout the operatic world”.
This tribute follows on Viva Verdi, the virtual opera series presented during the pandemic-forced performances hiatus, reaching over 210,000 views online.
Il Trovatore will be held on April 25 at the Aurora Opera House, featuring an international cast, as well as the Gaulitanus Choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Colin Attard, with stage direction by Enrico Castiglione.
Gaulitana 2026 runs from March 28 to April 26, presenting a multifarious programme of events around Gozo. Festival events are free of charge and no reservations are required.
Bookings for Il Trovatore can be made online via www.teatruaurora.com or by calling on 7904 5779.
Gaulitana: A Festival of Music is principally supported by the Investment in Cultural Organisations – Gozo of Arts Council Malta and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, partnered by the Bank of Valletta Foundation, VisitMalta and APS Bank.
