Appreciation of opera among young people

Like Candidus II (On the Dot, October 25) I was pleased that Astra Theatre offered 200 students discounted tickets for the production of La Traviata in order to encourage them to learn to appreciate this type of artistic musical representation. Together with the opera enthusiast Alfred Miceli, I wrote about 20 of the most popular operas performed in Malta in the past 100 years. Our aim is to introduce this genre to young people who know very little about classical opera.

We were extremely surprised when after presenting and discussing our work with an interested and intrigued Peter Fenech, chairman of the Manoel Theatre, we were told they did not have the money to sponsor such work. We then turned to the Astra and Aurora theatres in Gozo, which showed some interest but that was about all.

If we really want to stimulate young people to learn to appreciate this most difficult among the classical arts, we must present them with a simple account of such performances which combine a vocal recital, a symphonic programme, dramatic staging, costume, scenery, lighting and even dance. My stories and Mr Miceli’s background accounts and photos should prove a good introduction as well as deepen their appreciation for the never-ending fascination of opera.