Popular Italian singer Riccardo Cocciante will be joining tenor Joseph Calleja on stage for his Malta concert on July 24.

Cocciante, who won the 1991 San Remo festival with the classic song Se Stiamo Insieme, is known for his distinctive voice and versatility.

He is highly regarded by Maltese music lovers for the hit that launched him onto the international scene, Bella Senza Anima.

In the meantime, singer Claudio Baglioni has had to forego Calleja's invitation to perform in the concert due to an unforeseen situation "of a personal nature". In a letter to Calleja, the Italian singer expressed disappointment at having to cancel his participation.

While expressing regret at Baglioni's indisposition, Calleja said he is very happy to welcome Cocciante and was looking forward to a concert that promises to be the biggest musical event this summer.

"I'm very happy to confirm Riccardo's participation in my annual appointment with the Maltese audience. He is one of Italy's top selling artists and I have the greatest respect for his work. Both Riccardo's and Dionne Warwick's participation will add an extra dimension to this concert and I have full faith this year's event will be just as memorable and unique for the audience as last year," Calleja said.

The concert will also include the participation of a 500-strong children's choir and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by celebrated maestro Paul Bateman. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by acclaimed musicians such as Sarah Brightman and José Carreras.

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