The 'Teatru Rjal'

I have read with interest and nostalgia the excellent article on the opera house by Vicki Ann Cremona.

As a child, I was taken regularly by my grandparents to the Teatru Rjal and on each occasion I was greatly impressed by the magnificence of the place as well as by the well dressed audience, the music and the singing. My love for music took root in those early years and flourished.

I clearly remember that late afternoon of April 7 running back from the war shelter in Rudolph Street to our home at the top of Rue d'Argens from where I could see the enormous cloud of dust and smoke rising from Valletta and praying to myself "Please God, not the Teatru Rjal!". But it was - downed towards the end of the heavy bombardment of our island.

I have always hoped that I may live to see our Teatru rebuilt in all its former glory but, unfortunately for our heritage, it seems that the government thinks otherwise. The architecture of our capital city should be kept intact. If funds are lacking, go to the people, ask for yearly or monthly donations and let a future generation enjoy the grandeur and the pleasure of a resurrected Teatru Rjal.