Two years into the Opera Nova Project, founders Gillian Zammit and Denise Mulholland look back on the journey so far, celebrate the launch of NOVA and prepare for an evening of Puccini showcasing Malta’s emerging opera talent
When Opera Nova Project held its first auditions in 2024, artistic director Gillian Zammit met a room full of promising voices. Two years on, the singers’ transformation has been significant.
“From the very first auditions there was talent and potential, but over time we’ve seen a sense of confidence, professionalism and artistic identity emerging,” Zammit says.
“It’s been inspiring to watch a close community develop within the group, where the singers support and learn from each other.”
As a holistic vocal programme offering classical voice students in Malta and Gozo a pre- and conservatoire level of training, Opera Nova Project has spent two academic years putting the promise into practice.
Artistic consultant Denise Mulholland, who has worked closely with the students throughout, agrees the change has been striking.
“One of the most rewarding things for us is seeing how much the students have grown, not only in terms of skills but in confidence,” she says. “We’ve been lucky enough to have international tutors return and they’ve all commented on the astonishing progress each student has made.”
The curriculum stretches beyond vocal technique, taking in oratorio, opera scenes and multilingual repertoire, alongside dance, Pilates, mindfulness and, more recently, keyboard skills.
“Everything we plan for the students is part of a holistic approach, intended to help them become well-rounded artists,” Mulholland shares.
Audiences can soon witness just how far the performers have come. On May 29, Puccini Triptych will feature extended highlights from three of Puccini’s best-loved operas, performed in a single evening at the Salesian Theatre.
“Puccini Triptych represents an important step in Opera Nova Project’s artistic development,” Zammit says. “It challenges the singers to explore the world of Italian opera for the first time, while also allowing them to explore a wide emotional and dramatic range.”
Puccini Triptych builds upon the success of Opera Nova Project’s first full-length – and sell-out – production of The Magic Flute last year, which Zammit describes as “a turning point for our singers. They were no longer seen simply as voice students, but as relevant and active performers”.
With regular opera-goers seated alongside newcomers and children, the audience told its own story.
“Future Maltese talent is being given the chance to excel from our shores”
“It showed that there is a curiosity about opera, especially when it’s presented in an engaging and accessible way,” she continues. “Opera Nova Project has contributed to a growing sense that opera and classical performance can be accessible, dynamic and relevant to contemporary audiences in Malta and Gozo.”
This has inspired the launch of NOVA, a new initiative designed to introduce opera to wider audiences.
“Many still consider opera to be inaccessible or elitist – and we feel strongly that it doesn’t have to be like that. We wanted to explore ways to ‘demystify’ opera’s reputation,” Mulholland says. “NOVA aims to create an informal, relaxed environment where people can learn more about the passion and drama of opera.”
Collaborations with the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture (ADFC) and the Salesian Theatre are central to the initiative, offering both practical support and a shared understanding of the importance of investing in young artists, new audiences and cultural development.
“Opera Nova Project signifies much of what the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture stands for,” Mgr Claude Portelli at ADFC says. “Through space at the Catholic Institute and time on our cultural programme, future Maltese talent is being given the chance to excel from our shores; be tutored by leaders in the field, and, most importantly, be part of something aspirational.”
Peter Gingell at the Salesian Theatre agrees: “We see our role as a cultural space that actively supports education, creativity and opportunities for young people, both on and off stage – and NOVA fits naturally within this vision. For young audiences, I hope NOVA sparks curiosity and connection, showing that opera is not something ‘far away’ or reserved for a select few, but something alive, expressive and emotionally powerful that can speak to them directly.”
As Opera Nova Project enters its third year, it continues to welcome an impressive network of distinguished international tutors to Malta.
“It’s about establishing a community, not only in Malta but internationally,” Mulholland notes. “Being able to watch the tutors work with our students – and often hear them reinforce the work we do – is invaluable. Our next year will build upon the training and experiences so far, as we explore how to provide even better opportunities for the students to learn and grow.”
Tickets for Puccini Triptych are available at www.showshappening.com/opera-nova-project/puccini-triptych. For more information about Opera Nova Project and NOVA, visit www.operanovaproject.com or e-mail info@operanovaproject.com. Opera Nova Project is supported by the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture, the Salesian Theatre and the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation.
