The woeful history of the Royal Opera House

The next lecture in the series organised by Din l-Art Helwa will be given by Conrad Thake, who will discuss The Royal Opera House In Valletta: From Its Inception To The Woeful Ruins Of Today.

Dr Thake will trace the architectural history of the Opera House from its inception in the 1860s with Edward Middleton Barry's design, the difficulties encountered during construction, the aftermath of the fire of 1873 and the remodelling of its interior spaces, the bombing of April 1942, the international architectural competition held in 1953-54 and the plight of the Opera House site today. Dr Thake has written numerous publications on architectural history and has co-authored, with the late Quentin Hughes, the books Malta - The Baroque Island and "Malta - War & Peace, An Architectural Chronicle 1800-2000". He has also participated in a number of international architectural design competitions. He is a member of the Planning Appeals Board and of the board of management of the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta.

The lecture will be given this Thursday at 133, Melita Street, Valletta at 6 p.m. Admission is free of charge but donations towards Din l-Art Helwa's restoration projects would be appreciated.