Joseph Calleja: The Knight of Malta

Maltese opera followers and patriots will be pleased to discover that tenor Joseph Calleja was featured in an issue of the international, prestigious magazine Opera News.

In his six-page feature, titled The Knight Of Malta, Brooks Peters, a freelance writer and bookshop owner, delves into Mr Calleja's inspirations, life and thoughts.

The 28-year-old "golden boy" took on the international opera scene with his charm, talent and "warm, honey-toned voice," and has become one of the world's best tenors.

"Is he really the next Pavarotti?" asks the author. Many say he may well be.

Exceeding all local expectation, Mr Calleja "grew up listening more to Iron Maiden than to Madame Butterfly... At the age of 13 or 14 I discovered classical music," he told Mr Peters.

"I live, breathe and sleep opera," Mr Calleja said in his telephone interview from Malta with Mr Peters.

The article was brought to the attention of The Times by Felix Fenech, from Florida. Mr Fenech even had the opportunity to dine with Mr Calleja, whom he describes as "polite and humble".