Friday, 30th July 2010 - 01:26CET

Calleja shows why he's worth waiting for

Joseph Calleja delighted thousands of people on the granaries this evening (Thursday) in a concert that featured the best of classical music with the more modern songs of Riccado Cocciante and Dionne Warwick.

The concert was delayed by five days because of strong winds, leading Calleja to joke at the introduction that he had come to know the people at the Met Office on a first name basis.

But it was the sun rather than the wind, which was really on the tenor's mind, as he twice sang O sole mio, and got a standing ovation each time.

The concert was held under idyllic weather, with a gentle breeze which later calmed down as the concert warmed up.

On stage with the singers and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra was a 500-strong children's's choir which first came into its own as Calleja sang Il Gladiatore as scenes from the film Gladiator flashed on a screen behind them.

The choir also gave a beautiful rendering of Nella fantasia.

Joseph Calleja was joined on stage by Maria Abela for La Traviata, which was received with long applause.

The tempo continued to rise as Warwick then sang Heartbreaker and Calleja followed with La Donne e mobile.

Riccardo Cocciante, impressed with the emotion he put into his songs and attracted repeated applause from his many fans as he sang Siamo Noi, Poesia and later was joined by Calleja for Se Stiamo insieme, which drew a standing ovation. Margherita was just as well received, with Cocciante inviting the audience to join him a cappella.

Calleja was joined by Raquela for the popular Vivo per te.

Warwick, sometimes joined by her son, also continued to draw applause for I say a little prayer for you, and I know I'll never love this way again, and got a standing ovation for That's What Friends Are For, one of her best known songs.

Calleja, meanwhile, continued to demonstrate why he is Malta's best export, his golden voice singing several favourites including Nessun Dorma, not that anyone in the crowd felt like going to sleep.

Meanwhile, controversy broke out in Facebook, with some complaining that Calleja had not said or sang anything in Maltese.

The concert was presented by NnG Productions.

Previous article • Press digest

Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Friday, September 3, 2010. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Joe Xuereb(on 3/8/10)

@ Stiefnu (Steve) Borg u Manwel (Manuel) Mangani. Il-Malti hu lsien Gharbi. Stiefnu, il-ghedewwa tal-Malti huma l-Maltin bl-Inglizati. Manwel, naf li hafna ma jridux jammettu il-gherq tal-Malti. Imma l-verita` ma tistax tichadha.
Ghal dak li ghandu x'jaqsam mal-ghaziz kantant taghna Joe Calleja, naf li hemm opri bil-Malti. Nisthajjel li hemm xi arja li Joe jista` igeddidha u jaghmilha popolari. Forsi tkun in-Nessun Dorma ta' Malta. Ejja Joe hi, aghlaq halq il-gemgiema.
Ma kontx hemm. Imma milli nista' nifhem il-serata marret sew ferm. Nizzik hajr Joe. Forsi sena ohra siehbi.
Hafna Maltin jghixu barra u jaghmlu l-arja u jmaqdru lil arthom . Bhal f'kull pajjiz iehor, hemm min imur tijatri biex jidher. Biex issemmi ismijiet ta' kompozituri 'mhux ta' kuljum' (bhal Stockhausen) ma tritx tkun espert tal-muzka klassika.
Malti ta' Londra (minn nofs seklu) li mar, fi tfulitu, Covent Garden tlitt darbiet fil-gimgha u sema` l-aqwa, jekk ma tantx ra, ilhna bl-irhas siggu nofs lira, hemm fuq, ma' 'l-allat'. Illum il-gurnata l-istess siggu xi hames liri. Imma aktar niehu gost nisma` opra fuq CD bil-librett f'hogri, komdu fuq petruna. U meta nghejja, nkompli wara. Dak kollu. Tigu b'hafna snobizmu u cucati u idjoziji. Kliem fil-vojt.

Leonard Cole (on 1/8/10)

Well one of the critics referring to Calleja’s Concert said that the concert was a “mish mash concert”. He also took his time to criticise everyone including the artists. Well seems that Mr. Fenech gives the impression he knows it all, and criticises his own people for enjoying a wonderful show and hailing the artists. I would like to say one thing to Mr. Fenech this country does not need people like you, cause instead of giving the deserved merit to the organiser, the artists and Maltese people you are one of the few who always tries to overshadows this country.
Furthermore if you believe that Cocciante and Warwick are the normal pop stars i would seriously recommend you to see what these artists accomplished .

Dr Amalia Camilleri Bonello(on 31/7/10)

@J.Fenech. 1. Having a doctorate in Medicine and Surgery, and , by the way, diplomas and certificates in Music doesn't exactly qualify me as an idiot.
2. Having pride in my maiden surname and writing it after my husband's family name is a choice and not a declaration of intelligence, and, even if so, it is none of your business.
3. I have lived for several years in the UK in the world renowned hub of education which is Cambridge. You are not the only Maltese person with a cultural mind. My family, together with several colleagues and friends have returned to Malta leaving high positions in the UK and other countries because we are proud to be Maltese and would rather give our services to our home country which is far from being mediocre as you say, and because, like Joseph Calleja, believe in the potential of Malta and the Maltese. I have had enough of 'Maltese living abroad and hence better than all you lot still there' syndrome. Please do not insult the real Maltese at heart, especially those who attended the concert, by calling us ignorant, mediocre and fools.

kvella(on 31/7/10)

200 euros for an average worker, let's say is quite a sum!! Mr Calleja is a great tenor the other two not bad, but the greatest singer was Elvis and am sure his concerts didn't cost that much. And he did his best not to make them expensive for his crowd cause was not interested in money but to entertain people!! no wonder he was and still is loved that much!

paul degabriele(on 31/7/10)

wonderful calleja.never seen the like of him

p.piscitelli(on 31/7/10)

Thank-you times of malta I enjoyd a lot the video as I live in italy i couldn't be there.A lovely cancert Joseph Calleja is great.
To Mr.joe Fenech PLEASE SHUT UP.

Melanie Demanuele(on 31/7/10)

@Joe Fenech - How patronizing indeed. It is patently obvious that you have no idea what is going on in the opera world nowadays. I am an avid opera follower and Calleja is not the only tenor I enjoy. Ever heard of Rolando Villazon? He has been on TV here in the UK with the "Pop to Opera" show and few would argue that he isn't a serious opera singer.
Going back to Calleja he has actually performed in Germany on various TV programs alongside opera and POP stars. Or perhaps should I mention the Faeonol Festival in Wales headed by the Welsh baritone star Bryn Terfel. There pop artists regularly appear alongside opera singers too...I could go on and on.......

Joe Fenech(on 31/7/10)

Might not know about opera young lady but seen every piece from Monteverdi to Berg to Saariaho!

VIllanzon? I'd prefer to see him in a Bellini rather than clowning in a mish mash show.

I do have some disks by Terfel singing FOLK songs. In none of the cases does he sing with pop singers and if he did on other CDs IT IS BAD TASTE TOO!

OK, Calleja has sung abroad with pop singers then. Remember that il-Gahan Malti has his offshore versions too! But STILL these concerts are looked down upon by serious music critics.

This is not about POP or CLASSICAL vocal techniques being wrong. It's that they don't go together! Try mixing zabaglione with a bistecca Fiorentina...!

These cross-overs are just another of populism that's hit our world, the effect of which is even worse in uncultured terrain like Malta.

This populism is mostly brought forward by the ailing music industry trying. I don't know, Miss-I-Know-It-All, how much you know about that kind of thing. There is one thing you should know: recordings don't make money anymore, concerts do, so the recording industry is trying every gimmick in order to boost its sales figures.

myriam warrington(on 31/7/10)

@ A E Camilleri. Why wishful thinking? Zucchero has been here before and wowed the audience at the waterfront. Imagine with Joseph Calleja! I forgot to mention others like Phil Collins, Michael Buble etc. And I am sure that Claudio Baglioni would be more than willing to come back again. Yes, we are now on the map thanks to Joseph. We have nothing to stop us.
NNG please note, but please make sure the tickets are affordable for EVERYONE to enjoy!

J.Camilleri(on 31/7/10)

Joseph Calleja is a professional singer like Oreste Chirchop was in Hollywood. Can you ever imagine watching Oreste speaking in Maltese in Hollywood???! What Calleja did was purely professional. If he ever wanted to sing in Maltese he would throw a concert all by himself on the island for you moaners to shut you up. Be greatful and learn to show some respect.

Edward Zammit(on 31/7/10)

Kapulavur...Prosit Joseph Calleja...no enough words in the vocubulary to express the greatness of such a show. This is what 121 square miles of land can produce...A night that should make every Maltese proud to be what we really are. Well done to everyone!!

Emanuel Magrin(on 31/7/10)

Also one must not forget to give a mention to All members of the orchestra under the baton of
The BRAVISSIMO MAESTRO LEONARDO DE AMICIS.

Ann Camilleri(on 30/7/10)

Well done! A truely magnificent evening! We sang, we smiled, we cried, we clapped and we cheered proud that Joseph Calleja is Maltese and thankful for our lovely weather. Riccardo delivered the Passion and Energy whilst Dionne delighted us with such little effort. The lit up Church and the young voices added to the character of the evening taking us a step closer to Heaven Well done to all who participated looking forward to an encore next summer.

malcolm seychell(on 30/7/10)

Well done.

To all those Maltese who wanted Calleja to sing in Maltese

What song did you want calleja to sing?

L innu tal labour jew tal PN?

Charmaine Marmara'(on 31/7/10)

well said lol

T Cilia(on 30/7/10)

Magical evening! I felt that I was transported to heaven.... brilliant performance by all! Joseph Calleja was magnificent as always. I cannot believe that some people have the audacity to pass petty comments about him. We should thank him for the fact that he takes the time to put up such a beautiful concert in his homeland for locals to enjoy. I have watched Joseph Calleja at the Vienna Opera House in La Boheme and at The Royal Opera House in Simon Boccanegra with the great Placido Domingo just a few weeks ago, where on both occasions he was given a standing ovation by the audience present (and these are only two instances of his glorious career) and yet every year he finds the time to put up these beautiful concerts for our benefit and some of us have the impudence to find some petty fault.
All I can say is THANK YOU Joseph for enthralling us with your magnificent performance.... you make us soooo proud!
Cocciante was also brilliant and most enjoyable. All in all a perfect evening... WELL DONE to all.

Franco Mercieca(on 30/7/10)

Very Proud to be Maltese always.......esp watching Joseph Calleja

Thanks Joseph for putting us on the map

Joe Fenech(on 30/7/10)

To the ones below stating that my comments are sour grapes or that "I have limited tastes"

Dear all, I'm in my mid 70s, based mainly in London, seen every major orchestra and artist from the Vienna Phil to the Bavarian Radio SO, from Joan Baez to The Beatles, Mahmoud Guinia to Stockhausen performing with his ensemble to King Crimson and Chet Baker . I've also enjoyed seeing Joseph Calleja in 'Macbeth' at the Met and in 'S Boccangera' in London..so PLEASE!!!!

Pop and classical vocal techniques are completly different. NO ONE CRITICISED POP MUSIC OR POP SINGERS!!!!! Although Cociante is as naf as things can get!

As to those who wanted Calleja to sing a Maltese song: what on earth do you expect him to sing? An innu tal-festa, a Chiara song or 'Lanca Gejja u Ohra Sejra'???

I repeat: Joseph Calleja would have been lynched by critics had he done something similar in London or Berlin or indeed any city/country that boasts some culture. It's all a matter of taste and respect towards the Maltese people who have been taken for fools!

This was just populism at its very best!

Andrew Muscat(on 31/7/10)

It's a good thing you're based in London. Stay there!

Kevin Zammit(on 31/7/10)

Joe ... you're being a complete twit. Just because I can afford to go to covent garden to hear him sing or else that I may appreciate the works to actually feel the price tag deserves being spent does not in itself imply that should be the norm. Calleja and Pavarotti simply bring music in all its form to the masses just as much as Mozart and Shakespeare did for a quick buck. Difference being that these gentlemen can do without it and act with a purpose. Pavarotti went a grade way above anyone since the takings were mostly given to charity ... but I guess that small act would escape the likes of you. God willing Mr. Callejja accumulates the pull power the great Luciano had would hopefully one day do the same.

Joseph like Pavarotti should be admired and praised for putting their will were their mouth is and giving to society with the talents bestowed upon them. If you cant wrap your egotistic brain around that then you certainly do not deserve to grace the steps of a house meant for the arts. After all just as the short-ern commoner said 'la festa siamo noi'

Dr. David James Camilleri(on 31/7/10)

Dear Joe,
you seem to be suffering from the 'I'm Maltese and I live abroad Syndrome'.

This well defined syndrome usually affects those people who are not proud to be Maltese and wish they were born British (or otherwise).

These individuals try to identify themselves as superior to their fellow countrymen who stay back.

They have done and seen it all and their opinions on every matter under the sun count more than everybody elses.

They suffer from bouts of self aggrandisement trying to make everybody feel inferior.

Instead of giving people due praise for trying to organize something different, many out there including Joe choose to denigrate others' efforts.

Why this destructive criticisim ?

P.S. And just in case you're coming up with some intelligent comments like you came up with in answering Dr.ACB....I do not think I am more intelligent than others by being a doctor, but at least I would like to think I have more empathy for peoples' efforts.

josephine zahra(on 30/7/10)

prosit serata sabiha , haga wahda id dizappuntatni lanqas kelma wahda bil malti, wara kollox 90% tan nies kienu maltin .xorta prosit ghax is serata sabiha ta veru.

Pule' Carmel(on 30/7/10)

My wife, really really enjoyed it.
As an old fox, I believe the session was organised to subtly persuade and show the Maltese public that an OPEN AIR THEATRE has its benefits too!!!!!! Obviously it was a great show, even without a roof !

R Camilleri(on 30/7/10)

Prosit Joseph Calleja. Gawhra ohra ta' Malta. Min imaqdar irid jixtri. Tathiex kas il-kummenti bla sens ta' certi nies li suppost huma Maltin. Proset mill - GDID u nawkuralek aktar successi.

Joe Fenech(on 30/7/10)

Mario Vella Laurenti(on 30/7/10)

What a fantastic performance by all of the artists, especially Joseph Calleja. He really is a star and I can see him becoming the next great legend of Opera. He could easily succeed in taking the place of Placido Domingo, the other great tenor. I only wish I had seen the whole show. I was going to see it when I was in Malta last week but unfortunately it was cancelled because of the wind. But I really enjoyed what I saw here on the Times of Malta.

D Fenech(on 30/7/10)

@ J Fenech

"No way would I pay 200E for a mish mash concert made up of pop singers, an amateur orchestra and a world calibre tenor. "

What Rubbish! Is it the 200 euros that is bothering you?

Sour grapes?

Joe Fenech(on 30/7/10)

I wouldn't pay a FIVER for mediocrity. Do you know how much tickets at the Met and the ROH cost??? But there IT IS WORTH IT! Join in !

c. camilleri (on 30/7/10)

But why are some Maltese never satisfied. Maltese gem gem. That's our nickname.

Yvonne Young(on 30/7/10)

Joseph Calleja gave a wonderful performance yesterday. He enchanted us all with his youthful singing voice that has a rich timbre and resonant tone. He rose to our expectations as always, and we should all be very proud of him and his achievements. However I too feel he should start thinking of singing something in Maltese and/or communicate at some point with the audience in our language. If Claudio Baglioni had to attend this concert I’m sure he would have sung ‘L-ahhar Bidwi f’Wied il-Ghasel’ much to the hearts’ content of the majority of those present. And please Mr A Spiteri spare us that twist about our mother tongue. Having a semitic element in our language surely does not shame us Maltese!! Riccardo Cocciante sang with passion. It was a veritable show of talent on his part both as a composer and as a singer. As to Ms Warwick I think she has passed her ‘sell by’ date. She has (had?!) a lovely voice but oh … that never-ending ‘say a little prayer for me’ caught me yawning more than once! Choir and orchestra were simply great, as was the organisation. I am already looking forward to next year’s concert!

Dr Amalia Camilleri Bonello(on 30/7/10)

@A.Mizzi. My son was in the choir and I can tell you that all the children have been chosen through auditions, have had long rehearsals, especially the last one lasting 5hours. Would you expect parents and relatives not to attend? Instead of congratulating Joseph Calleja and NNG for exposing our children to music all you do is grumble.
@Joe Fenech. Open your mind to change and mixture and blending of different kinds of music because then and only then will you be able to appreciate its true beauty. Pavarotti concerts stupid? All the artists, including hence Joseph Calleja, Dionne Warwick, David Elliott, National Philarmonic Orchestra, all the children, Maria Abela, and last but definitely not least Raquela 'anything that moves on stage'! My oh my someone must have delusions of grandeur to think that he has the power to criticise in this way!!!
@ at all you Maltese gemgem let everyone enjoy the lovely memories of a wonderful night of music and listening to the best of the best.

Well done to all. Count us in next year!!

Joe Fenech(on 30/7/10)

The fact that you have a double barrel name and a Dr preceeding your name doesn't make you clever. I can asure you that you haven't been 1 % of the concerts I've been to in every corner of the world. And they weren't just classical!

myriam warrington(on 30/7/10)

After attending both Joseph Calleja concerts, my feeling was that the atmosphere in the first concert was better. It could have been the place, or even the fact that it was midweek and I would have appreciated it more at the weekend. And the sound could have been better too. The concert became more "alive" after the break, although the children's choir wasn't given much to do in the second half. Pity. Cocciante was a great substitute for Baglioni and his duet with Calleja was great, as were all his other songs. I found Dionne Warwick a bit out of place somehow although the duets with her son were amazing.Her genre of music is not adapted for a duet with Calleja so it seemed to be a concert within a concert.I would have preferred to have just Cocciante and more of Maria Abela and Raquela instead to be honest, as there was no connection with Joseph Calleja. I would love to see international stars like Zucchero , Bocelli or Celine Dion and Baglioni singing with our great Joseph. But all in all, Yes Joseph. We are so proud of you. Thank You NNG for giving us this opportunity .

A.E. Camilleri(on 30/7/10)

Hear, hear. Bring Zucchero again, and that wonderful Celine Dione who would be magnificent with our Joseph Calleja. Wow, what a concert in the making! Wishful thinking possibly though!

Oswald Tanti(on 30/7/10)

May I be allowed to make a suggestion to the Authorities concerned to come to some kind of arrangement with all those concerned to transmit the entire concert on the the three main TV Stations to raise funds through phone-ins in aid of the Community Chest Fund.

This would be a fitting gift to our President H.E. Dr George Abela and to all those who for obvious reasons were unable to attend. I am confident that the Maltese, as always will be able to show their appreciation by making a donation within their means for the Community Chest Fund.

Jesmond Micallef(on 30/7/10)

This concert must have been spectacular to watch it live. Very nice video clip.

Ottilia Terribile(on 30/7/10)

Dear Joseph, BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO.
Malta is proud of you.

Theresa Bartolo Parnis(on 30/7/10)

Absolutely magical evening. Cocciante is among the best that Italian music can provide of course he did not sing Siamo Noi as state in the article, but his all time favorite Bella Senz'anima which brought tears to my eyes. Joseph Calleja excellent and charismatic as always. A wonderful experience.

Charles Micallef(on 30/7/10)

Joseph Calleja.....................MALTA IS SO..........SO PROUD OF YOU!

Joe Fenech(on 30/7/10)

No way would I pay 200E for a mish mash concert made up of pop singers, an amateur orchestra and a world calibre tenor.

Calleja should show respect towards the Maltese people and avoid dipping them further more into the abyss of ignorance. He would never dare do such a concert abroad where he would be lynched by the critics. But in Malta people and 'critics' (!) hail anything that moves on a stage "Bravo, bravo"!

Joseph, there is no point in imitating the one and only Pavarotti and his stupid concerts with pop singers in which he indulged towards the end of his glorious career. Remember: he had a LONG GLORIOUS CAREER behind him so he got away with things. Your career is only budding so avoid the pitfalls of populism and the bad taste that goes with it.

As to the organisers: LEARN WHAT A PROPER STAGE IS! You can't even get the basics right!!!

kelly agius pace(on 30/7/10)

hey im only 18 years old and hell yes i ve been to places and concerts and i can assure you that Calleja s concert was one of the best that the thousands of ppl present wanted more and mind you most tickest sold were of the 200e and more, few were those who bought the 35e ones ..the 3 of them were amazing including racquela and maria where they were outstanding together with the choir and orchestra ..it was a concert for all themed for everyone children students etc .. i think before you gem abt you should read and listen when calleja specified that this was a concert for everyone ...starting from the dress code ending with the venue of the concert .. it wasnt anything poshy you just had to be there to appreciate the talent, that was all that mattered last night and im sure people who were there approve of what im saying ..

Mark Pisani(on 30/7/10)

Shame on you Jospeh Calleja - i am sure that you could have made an effort and sang 'Dghajsa gejja u ohra sejra' or at least a short ghana!! And you should have shouted out Viva Malta half way through O Sole Mio

Vera bqajna poplu tat tielet dinja!!

God Bless

ian vassallo(on 30/7/10)

hahah qas xhisima ma taf! laqwa li tmaqdar ... prosit joseph tal bierah!

SScerri(on 30/7/10)

Aktar nahseb li int ghandek ghax tisthi.Sur Pisani................. Tipretendi li jkanta bil malti, li jghajjat VIVA Malta imbghad int biex tghamel kummenti banali ktibt bl-Ingliz..@ Joe Fenech ............. could be that the entrance fee is cheap............. but you have to fork out the 200 Euros anyway to get to London and back.......but still if you opt for London, go and enjoy. as that which regards the preformance and performers here we've seen a superb Calleja, Cocciante and Warwick besides a very good orchestra and choir and of course the thrilled audience..........Well done all

Joseph Micallef(on 30/7/10)

I think Mr. Pisani was being sarcastic!

J. Mamo(on 31/7/10)

Looooooool I can't stop laughing seeing you don't have enough neurons to understand Mark Pisani's sarcastic comment towards other Maltese

P Pace(on 30/7/10)

From where we were standing Side Ent A, the music was barely audible. We could not go out during the break as the ushers said if you go out you don't come back in. We realised why when we went to buy some drinks at the bar. One small can of foreign beer cost Euro 2.50!
I really have to say that Mr Calleja gave us an enjoyable evening but the people were commenting on how slow moving the concert was. The children could not be heard well and there lacked participation on their part (with the amount of rehersals they had I would have though they had a bigger part to play)

P.Scicluna(on 30/7/10)

It was great
magnificent
I loved Dionne Warwick. Joseph is realy a good Maltese investment. I admire his inative to encourage young talent, but we need to see other promoting young artists rather than abelas and Gonzi.
Thankyou Joseph

L. Dimech(on 30/7/10)

Why are some people never happy with anything? Joseph Calleja is one of the very few Maltese (if any) who has had worldwide acclamation and not only is he proud to be Maltese, but he ensures that everyone who's listening knows it. I could mention a couple of famous maltese you'd never guess where they came from.

Joseph has great pride in his audience and he is still delighted every time an applause roars for one of his arias or songs like he's still surprised he's getting it. That's the mark of a true artiste and gentleman - he has not changed even though his fame keeps growing. He loves it when we appreciate the guests he chooses to delight us.

Yesterday was another great event. The choir was magnificent, the venue idem and the light breezy night was beautiful.

I don't agree Warwick was a disappointment, at her age her voice is still extremely powerful and of course, her experience knows how to manage it. Her son was a complete surprise thought - great voice would have been nice were he to duet with Joseph. The passion in Cocciante's singing is incomparable. Magic. That's what the night was-Magic.

A Mangion(on 30/7/10)

I forgot to mention - we NEVER start anything on time...of course!!

A Mangion(on 30/7/10)

5. Was the director controlling what was being seen on the centre screen having a nap sometimes? How professional is it to have shots changing without a smooth transition? At a point in time I was feeling dizzy with all the zoom in and outs!
6. Biex tghaxxaq - 20 minutes break after 45 minutes - so that people sitting down can stretch their legs!!
7. Obviously, another mayhem to get out of Valletta - cars skipping lanes, driving wrong way BOQ!

Other than that - well done JOSEPH CALLEJA!

NNG = Nerga Ningannak Gbin

A Mangion(on 30/7/10)

A very big well done to JOSEPH CALLEJA!! You make us proud to be Maltese!! Thank-you Joseph. Cocciante's performance's were amazing! Everyone was left speechless while he sang. HOWEVER, THERE WASN'T AN IMPRESSIVE ORGANISATION!!
1. NNG could have told us that major parking spaces such as MCP Car Park and the parking space next Floriana Football grounds were reserved to specific ticket categories.
2. Why can we never control the queues - it was like mayhem when the gates were open!
3. I am not sure on this - but the people who were standing had a food kiosk from where they could buy food. One of the terms and conditions was that no food was allowed in. Thank God I had my Pringles with me - no sandwiches for people who are standing.
4. Was the concert only given to the people who were sitting down? All speakers were in the direction of people in the centre area. Given that the concert was in the open space, high sound quality is even harder to reach. Yesterday's sound quality wasn't superb (plus...how can you get feedback sounds in a professional concert??!)

Andrea Mangion(on 30/7/10)

Corrections:
- Cocciante's performances not performane's
- Point 3: people who were sitting not standing had the sandwich kiosk

Michael Pule'(on 30/7/10)

Joseph Calleja is exceeding all expectations with memorable performances in Malta & around the world. When I listened to his singing together with Raquela, Maria Vella, the fabulous children's choir and the foreign artists, I felt proud that our nation can produce such outstanding talents. Well done & thanks Joseph & friends for an enjoyable evening. Look forward to meet you again on board our national airline -Airmalta.

M Bonnici(on 30/7/10)

What an impressive night at the Fosos last night. A very big well done to Joseph Calleja and Guests plus all the people working behind the scene. Personally I belive that Joseph Calleja and NNG have managed to fill the gap left behind by Pavarotti and Friends !! Looking forward for next year's concert...........

David Meilak(on 30/7/10)

The concert was a show of stars where Calleja, Warwick and Cocciante sent us all home with different musical emotions. For next year, and Ill be there again, yes please improve the sound level at the standing areas as the sound level did require some more power. Calleja you make us so proud.

Mario Muscat(on 30/7/10)

As I stated earlier it was a Magical night , all the artists gave a excellent performance . But I was really impressed with the a solo part ,that of the boy ( I forgot his name) from the choir . Wow his strong voice played wonders to my ear , another future great artist in the making. Young man who ever you are take your talent serious because you have a bright future, well done and good luck

pauline montebello(on 30/7/10)

Thank you for your comments about my son Nicholas. He is only 12 yrs old and his passion for singing and music overpowers him. I really appreciate the chance he was given to perform a solo in such a valuable concert by NNG productions. thanks once again.

Mark Pisani(on 30/7/10)

Did he sing in Maltese? If not, shame on him too!!

Mario Muscat(on 30/7/10)

Well I just hope I still be alive to watch Nicholas perform, because if he take his career seriously he will make it.

Mario Muscat(on 30/7/10)

@ Mark Pisani
Young Nicholas had no choice , I am sure the song was selected for him. The kid is just 12 years old and he gave a great performance , I am sure if you were there you would agree. Your comment towards him was very unfair . Would you pass the same comment to your son or daughter???

Ornella Black(on 30/7/10)

Joseph Calleja and all the singers involved were simply great! So was the orchestra and the children's choir (pity not as involved as last year!) Few things were not right tough-the sound in the standing area was appena hearable, not enough speakers and we could see nothing apart from the big screen. People who were out on the street could see better. Hopefully these comments can make next year's show, a pleasant one for all viewers, not just for those who can afford to pay more.

Adrian Cachia(on 30/7/10)

True! I agree with you 100%.

Vicki Soler(on 30/7/10)

Yes I also agree 100%. The sound on the Vodafone side wasnt that great either. Looking forward to next years concert. Thank you Joseph Calleja, you were superb !!!

Patricia Flores Martin(on 30/7/10)

What a night!!!
Joseph Calleja! You make us proud to be Maltese. The joy on your face after every performance goes to prove that you love what you do. That is why you do it so WELL. What a way to spread the love of music.
To all the choir "Keep it up."
Thanks and to the next concert.

Kevin Zammit(on 30/7/10)

I cannot let certain comments pass by especially after such a successful evening like last night.

I do not think Mr Callejja really needs the hassle he goes through every year and using his connections to get the best stars possible to offer a varied evening for everyone. Its also risky for his reputation as well ... imagine someone backs out last minute ... who gets the fall?

Joseph Callejja should simply get our total undivided support in this yearly event.

ASpiteri(on 30/7/10)

"Meanwhile, controversy broke out in Facebook, with some complaining that Calleja had not said or sang anything in Maltese"

so what do these people want now?!?!

a translation of 'nessun dorma', 'o sole mio' and 'la donna e mobile' in arabic...erm sorry maltese?!

Steve Borg(on 30/7/10)

"a translation of 'nessun dorma', 'o sole mio' and 'la donna e mobile' in arabic...erm sorry maltese?!"

Mingħajr ma nidħol fil-mertu jekk Calleja kellhux jitkellem f'xi ħin bil-Malti, hemm għaliex tipprova żżeblaħ lill-ilsien Malti biex tgħaddi kumment? Faċli hux taqbad ma' lsien żgħir minn dejjem imdawwar bl-għedewwa?

U tidher kemm ma tifhimx fil-mużika. Peress li jidher li għandek allerġija għall-Malti u l-Għarbi, iva kien hemm kantanti li kantaw anki fi dwett mużikali bin-Naplitan u bl-Għarbi wkoll.

MBarbara(on 30/7/10)

Sur Spiteri l-ahhar kumment tieghek kien fil-vojt......m'ghandix dubju li Joseph Calleja huwa kburi b'ilsien twelidu (bil-maqlub tieghek).....kif ahna kburin bih ghax hu ambaxxatur denju ta' pajjizna. Jekk tisthi minn ilsien twelidek hu pacenzja u tghidx li int Malti......Tislijiet minn huk li jghix fuq l-istess gzira li libsitek.

Manuel Mangani(on 30/7/10)

Mr. SpiterI: you are only displaying an abysmal level of linguistic ignorance by implying that Maltese and Arabic are one and the same language.

A. Micallef(on 30/7/10)

A concert which surpassed my expectations..... A very big well done to Joseph Calleja and the rest. The concert was a testimony to the dedication and skill of local performers. Nevertheless, I would have expected Mr. Calleja to greet us or say a few words in his native language. ;-)

Adrian Cachia(on 30/7/10)

@ NnG Promoters -

Why weren't there any speakers directed to the Standing Section?
Why wasn't there another screen for the standing section?

A.Mifsud(on 30/7/10)

It was a great evening even though I must admit that I preferred last years show (barring Bolton - who I didn't like much). I don't know but I felt last years' show had that little more punch in it! Cocciante has undoubtly performed impeccably. Calleja proved to be the pride of the Maltese whilst Warwick disappointed somehow, or at least that's the impression some got. Not a single duet with Calleja but then again perhaps wouldn't have fit. I beleive there were some minor issues with the sound - it wasn't 100%.

Overall NNg did a good job, the crowd was delighted and enjoyed the evening. We'll await the next.

Iro Cali-Corleo(on 30/7/10)

Mr Calleja technique is audibly improving by leaps and bounds and it is also a pleasure to see that his continued success is not going to his head and he has remained the truly genuine person he has always appeared to be. An excellent performance and his next concert is something to look forward to. as for singing in Maltese, well, is there anything in maltese which would be enhanced by being sung by a tenor?
Mr Cocciante also gave the great performance expected of him. Being the author of his own songs, he cannot help but put all his emotion into them and it was great to see his face light up with pleasure at the applause he justly recieved.
Ms Warwick was, for me, the disappointment of the evening. Her voice is clearly almost a shadow of its former self and it was only her skilful voice management and the support of her son's powerful voice that almost but not quite 'saved the day'
the orchestra for some reason felt unbalanced especially at the beginning but later settled, perhaps thanks to real time technical adjustment of the sound.
All in all, an enjoyable evening.

Albert Borg(on 30/7/10)

Mr Cali-Corleo, what do you mean by 'is there anything in maltese which would be enhanced by being sung by a tenor?'. May I remind you that you were listening to a Maltese tenor on Maltese soil.

I'm sure that Mr Calleja will take the suggestion on board next time.

joseph m scicluna(on 30/7/10)

Well done Joseph Calleja and all the participants including the children's choir.
For those who complained for not singing in Maltese next time perhaps he will sing "Lanca gejja w'ohra sejra" for you negative-minded people.

Marthese and Kevin Camilleri(on 30/7/10)

Magical evening. Well done to all especially Joseph Calleja. You make us proud to be Maltese.
Looking forward to next year
One question, where the Platinum tickets entitled to free parking? Can someone please tell me. Thank you

J.Attard(on 30/7/10)

Last night's concert was simply amazing. Well done all,didn't want it to come to an end, but all great things have to come to an end. I am already waiting eagerly for next year's concert, with Callejja's magical vioce there is no doubt in my mind that it will always be a success. Riccardo Cocciante's passion for poetry & music came to life, Dionne Warwick's smooth vioce is unforgettable. Thank you for a great night of pure entertaiment!!

margaret richards(on 30/7/10)

I am sure that Joseph Calleja outdid himself and made Malta proud. As to controversy......this is Malta!!! If the sun is shining people would say it's not shining enough or it's shining too much!!! So I'm not amazed!!! But after all we have to learn that controversy as long as it's not harmful or damaging is healthy:) But once again WELL DONE JOSEPH CALLEJA!!! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU WHATEVER AND WHEREVER YOU SING!!!

Albert Borg(on 30/7/10)

Yesterday's concert was a piece of heaven - well done to all involved.

Thanks NNG for giving such great opportunity to our children.

Mr Calleja, you are Malta's pride and joy.

Pierre Portelli(on 30/7/10)

What an excellent evening, well done NnG! Joseph Calleja made us proud. An excellent OPEN AIR concert!

D.Azzopardi(on 30/7/10)

Great night, great atmosphere and most all Great PERFORMERS....true professionals!
We had the pleasure of listening to various styles of music. Would like to congratulate also the beautiful children's choir and the spetacular orchestra. Always a pleasure seeing a show with a live orchestra....Well Done!

Susan Bharwani(on 30/7/10)

Sue
Have gone through all comments and have to admit that except for a slight improvement in the seating/standing allocations which may have been more organised although I know the ushers did their very best seeing that the Maltese people are the typical Maltese Gam Gam, maybe better directions starting off from the barriers onwards would have decreased the grumbling typical of the Maltese people...... re. organisation..... NNG promotions this time you have made us proud and outsmarted your own self! Far cry from the Amadeo Minghi concert of some 2 odd years ago which was also organised by your company but held in the most undesirable place ever...... the aircraft warehouse......... need to re-organise for all the fans of this wonderful artist and make up.....(wishful thinking) I think....

Back to concert, yes I have to agree the Concert was Superb. The ushers were very very helpful, organisation magnificent, singers excellent, accompaning choir delicious and exceeded expectations, Orchestra..... words cannot justify the magnifying excellence in the posture, unity, music and ultimate sound that emanated from the playing of these instruments. Without this orchestra, the concert would have been very lacking and very incomplete.. CONGRATS AND THANK YOU TO ALL!!!

A M Gatt(on 30/7/10)

Well done, Joseph! You make us proud....with your interpretations you are bringing us young people closer to operas. A suggestion for next year: Eros Ramazzotti! His performances with Pavarotti and Bocelli were amazing.

Blago Dimcev(on 30/7/10)

Congratulations to all perfomers.
Just one small comment to the chronicler of this article.
Since when O Sole mio, Nessun Dorma and La Donna e Mobile are the "best of classical music"? Does such a pop event really need to be so "upgraded"?
People who like classical music may find this a little odd, while others get the wrong idea of what classical music really is.

Demis Scerri(on 30/7/10)

Yesterday, together with my partner, I've decided to make use of the public transport again after 15 years. We arrived in Valletta in just 10 minutes from Paola. The problem was that when the concert was finished we found the bus terminus empty without buses. It's a real shame that no co-ordination was done between the bus drivers and the organizers. W ended up going home with a taxi minus Euro 20 in our pockets. Regarding the concert, it was just great althought the sound could have been better in the first part.

R.Borg(on 30/7/10)

L-GHIRA GGENNEN LIL DAK LI JKUN.
L-GHIRA TOQTOL UKOLL.

GRAZZI HAFNA GHAL DIN IS-SERATA!
TAMA OHRA GDIDA GHAL KULHADD!

K.Anastasi(on 30/7/10)

Its a pity that we only get singers at the end of there careers. Warwick has not had a hit in ages and Calleja wants to be like Pavarotti. His duet for example with Bolton left Bolton struggling to keep up. Calleja doesn't need these has beens to show how good he is.

Joe Micallef(on 30/7/10)

For someone like me who feasts himself with all kinds of music, stretching from Haydn to ACDC with a multitude of “genrae” in between and a current fever for Bossanova, yesterday was idyllic. I guess it couldn't be otherwise with the line up of top notch performers, an incredible orchestra and an enthusiastic children's choir.

Apart from the superlative quality of their performances I admired the controlled power of Calleja, the unassuming predisposition of Cocciante, the joy of Warwick and the confidence of Maria Abela and Raquela. And equally impressed by David Elliott (if I got his name right) who was the surprising QUALITY cherry on the cake. The orchestra conductors added polish and class.

I couldn't stop thinking how amazed the foreign artists must have been seeing how a diminutive nation with a population of 400K can have such an orchestra, put together a 500 strong children’s choir and organise an event like that.

Last but not least, a deserved well done to NnG. Despite a number of improvements that can be considered they managed yet another brilliant evening.

cbugeja(on 30/7/10)

prosit u bravi performers and organisers.the concert was like a walk through the centuries...opera,jazzy blues,neapolitan,italian cant'awtore at its best,even the church clock chiming seemed to enhance not disturb the performance.

Jay Simpson(on 30/7/10)

I LOVE Joseph Calleja!!! I would love to hear him sing something in Matlese too next time! But the concert was brilliant and so were the performers...especially Calleja!! P.S. Suggestion for a great performer to come here in Malta...Michael Buble'.

M Attard(on 30/7/10)

Prosit to all involved as this was really worth waiting for. JOSEPH you make us proud to be Maltese.

Mario Muscat(on 30/7/10)

Magical evening , thank you . Joseph you make us proud.

Sylvania Galea(on 30/7/10)

Yesterday it was a great evening. Well done for everything :)))

lorraine vella micallef(on 30/7/10)

the concert was fabulous.. no words for the kids...bravi. the only thing was the way the organizers decided to put the place for the standing. the standing part was all made for money because we could see nothing the way the barrieres were. The best way could have been, staying outside, sitting away from the crowd , without paying anything and wasting Euro70 (for two persons) ... and we could have enjoyed it better because all we could have done is listen..... Can anyone from the consumer rights start checking these things before we pay and would not know what to find before the proper day???
anyway BRAVI to all the singers, both professional ones and the children...

Giselle Micallef Grimaud(on 30/7/10)

I would also like to add that the sound on the standing side was horrible, we couldn't even hear what Mr. Calleja was saying when he spoke to the audience. All speakers were aimed towards the centre, leaving us to feel like 3rd class citizens. Shame we had to keep telling people to be quiet so we could listen to a song. Shame real shame. But a big Prosit to Joseph Calleja and all who participated

D Fenech(on 30/7/10)

@ A Mizzi
Were we at the same concert?
Why so negative?
Sad! For you.

Christine Galea(on 30/7/10)

@A Mizzi
Why are some people so hard to please??
Big prosit to all involved in this wonderful annual production.

@ NnG promoters
Some suggestions for next year... Antonello Venditti and Barbara Streisand

A. Mizzi(on 30/7/10)

Was everything truly beautiful?

Why the 500 strong choir? To secure 1000 tickets for the parents?

What "tempo" continued to rise as Warwick then sang Heartbreaker? There was no tempo at all and practically no voice. Didn't the organisers hear her perform before bringing her over to "entertain" the locals?

Maria Abela was truly refreshing and beautiful, as was Rachela , and Joseph is truly "il-Nostro Sole".....though a greeting to the Maltese present in their native and his native language would truly have been welcome.

A far cry away from Baglioni singing "l-Ahhar Bidwi ta' Wied il-Ghasel".

Andrew Borg-Cardona(on 30/7/10)

Were you at the same concert I was? Ms Warwick was superb and her voice perfect for her style. That said, the sound, in the first half especially, did no favours to the performers. It's about time Mr Calleja put his superb voice to better use in Malta than a "Classics for the Masses" : how about a full opera? I'm only dreaming, of course, there isn't hte audience for that, but it's a nice dream.

J Farrugia(on 30/7/10)

mort biex tikkritika biss habib? x'mort taghmel u x'tippretendi li tifel mar- fil-kor u l-genituri tieghu ma jmorrux jarawh??

K Xuereb(on 30/7/10)

Xi dwejjaq ta' nies! Dejjem teqirdu fuq xi haga!

Victor Laiviera(on 30/7/10)

The usual intolerance - either you agree with them or you get ridiculed.

Rather amusing how Dr Borg Cardona first asks if they were talking about "the same concert" and then broadly agrees with the criticism.

And the crack about there not being an audience for a full opera is just too cute for words. We all know how Operas in Gozo are sold out months beforehand.

What Dr Borga Cardona, in his sly way, was trying to do is to plug the Piano monstrosity instead of a proper Opera House.

James Mizzi(on 30/7/10)

I don't agree with you have said, especially about Ms Warwick is now not her best, she still gave the audience a great pleasure.
However I stand to agree with you, that Mr Calleja seemed to forgot his native tongue!

RMangion(on 30/7/10)

A. Mizzi,

Warwick was surely not 100% but haven't you ever heard of Improvisation and freedom to put colour to your song ?

Kevin Zammit(on 30/7/10)

This is a good one this morning. I am one of those parents. For starters we still paid for our tickets yes at a discount (some 10% I think, I'm not even sure) but to thats a load of rubbish cause I would still have. Consider as well the running back and forth we had to do while wasting an hour or 2 each time waiting for the kids to finish. While I'm at it I think they did over do it with the practice a bit ... Wednesday they finished at 1 in the morning.

While I'm not a big fan of that love boat kind of music ... both Warwicks were impressive, shows your ears need a bit of fixing up as well.

Cocciante's passion cannot but drag you in.

Callejja just gets better every year ... he really makes us proud. Just fantastic ... no words necessary.

Well worth everything and not to be missed each year.

isabelle luca borg(on 30/7/10)

Please please please tell me you are NOT serious!!! How horrible to insult the Children's Choir!
My sister was in the choir, they worked really hard and they did their best. To be honest, I did not go to the concert but I was waiting for her when they had the rehersal on Wednesday. Not once did I hear the formidable Ms.Warwick falter.
So, your point of having 500 children in the choir to ensure a 1000 tickets is totally unfounded as not all parents attended and why not give an opportunity to all those kids to perform with some of the best names in the music industry?! Some REAL voices and not those arranged and fixed by some computer.
SHAME ON YOU MIZZI. YOU ARE TRULY A SOUR GRAPE. PUT YOUR HEAD IN A HOLE IN THE SAND AND DO EVERYONE A FAVOUR.

M Panzavecchia(on 30/7/10)

Have you ever heard about the importance of exposing children to different genres of music?? This initiative by Joseph Calleja, NNG and the wonderful directorship of Gillian Zammit is giving our children wonderful opportunities. I am sure that they will always remember and treasure these moments. Not only are these events most enjoyable for our children, but as an educator myself, I strongly feel that they provide them with wonderful educational experiences. Thank you and well done to all involved. The show was spectacular! Joseph Calleja is truly our national treasure. A big well done also goes to the children's choir and Gillian Zammit for all her patience and dedication!

D Fenech(on 30/7/10)

What a magical evening this was!
Thank you Joseph! You are magic not only for your wonderful voice but also for the charisma you radiate! Your twinkling eyes and beam on your face revealed how proud you were to perform ...at home!
Cocciaiante is passion and poetry combined!
Dione Warrick singing with her wonderful eldest son was fantastic!
The children's choir were impeccable! Well done each one!
Yes it was more than worth waiting for! It was an uplifting experience!
Thank you all involved.

Joe Borg(on 30/7/10)

What a great evening it was.
And Joseph you make us proud!

Sonia & Hubert Baldacchino(on 30/7/10)

Well said! It was a really grand night enjoyed by a huge crowd. So glad to have been there. It will stay imprinted in our memories for a long time to come. The foreign artistes were amazing but our Joseph Calleja is a true Maltese gem of whom we should be very, very proud. The Children's Choir completed the evening with their magical angelic voices - simply beautiful! A big well done to all involved. We look forward to many more of such events.

Calleja shows why he's worth waiting for

Comments

Poll

Fun Stuff

	25 °C
Partly Cloudy Feels like: 25.6°C UV Index: 8