Government acquiring properties as MCC opera house proposal is considered
The government has started the process of acquiring properties adjoining the Mediterranean Conference Centre and which may be used to convert the complex into an Opera House as proposed by Sir Cameron Mackintosh, the prime minister has said.
Dr Gonzi said that no decisions on the project had been taken yet, but the government had had talks with a number of people on the basis of Sir Cameron’s recommendations.
World-renowned producer Cameron Mackintosh in his recommendations had said the Mediterranean Conference Centre could be turned into a "major" theatre and "grand opera house" within a two-year period.
The man known as the 'king of theatre', who owns seven historic theatres in London and a home in Valletta, had been commissioned by the Culture Ministry to suggest a financially viable solution for the MCC, which is one of the largest auditoriums in Malta but ill-equipped.
His plan was to turn the MCC into a 1,700 to 1,800 seat auditorium with a spacious 50-foot modern stage and fly tower. He said the grand historic rooms of this complex were perfectly situated for the theatre public areas.
In addition, he said, in the main auditorium there is space to build a proper black box studio theatre ideal for encouraging new writing. Rehearsal spaces could be created while retaining most of the conference facilities.
"If money can be found for this important project, I believe it will be a tremendous cultural asset for Malta and a much needed platform for many of the island's talented artists," he had told The Sunday Times.
Sir Cameron said the comparative bargain cost would be only 20 per cent of that incurred on a comparable new theatre elsewhere in Europe.
"My team and I believe we could create a truly grand opera house overlooking Valletta's Grand Harbour within two years," he said.
He said a big theatre on the MCC site would also revitalise the most run down area of Valletta, especially once Fort St Elmo was restored.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
21 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Joseph
Feb 9th 2011, 17:54
Will this be converted into an Opera House or theatre for musicals ? i.e. will it be acoustically good for an Opera House or amlification will be needed ?
M.Faarugia
Feb 8th 2011, 21:13
@ J. Borg for the sake of history accuracy, the MCC was converted into a conference centre by the labour government but built There is a great difference between erecting a building and converting a building
A Attard
Feb 8th 2011, 19:20
Prosit! I also suggest adapting the conference hall at the projected Mriehel Corporate Village for operas too.
Gozo has two halls in Victoria that cater for operas. Isn't it possible also in Malta?
Malta should not miss any oportunity (say a confernence for one thousand participants) because the only large conference hall in Malta is already occupied.
MCC: please organise a shuttle service from Park & Ride through port area when full-house events are held.
George Swindells
Feb 8th 2011, 17:38
Two more comments.
Firstly I made a mistake in my own history (age you know) I did not take 'Joseph; from Cameron it was another company. Sorry .
Secondly in reply to Victor Laiviera, looking at the plans it is obvious that there is no backstage facilities or sizeable wing areas in which scenary and props can be stored during a performance. The design however seem to be suggestiing the idea of a fleable space which is I suggested also. But full blown opera and ballet, I think not.
Victor Laiviera
Feb 8th 2011, 20:26
If you have been following the papers lately, you will know that Piano's "Tennis Court" design makes no provision for backstage facilities either, and they are going to be sited in a VERY controversial place indeed.
Just google "Casa Lanfreducci".
P.Cassar
Feb 8th 2011, 17:33
I LIKE THE IDEA BUT
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WILD CRITICISM RE OPERA HOUSES WHEN PIANO'S PLANS FOR A ROOFLESS THEATRE WERE PRESENTED????????????????
ARE WE FINALLY COMING TO OUR SENSES...........BUT ARE WE NOW GOING TO END UP WITH TWO INSTEAD OF A REALLY GOOD, ROOFED ONE??????????////
mark dalli
Feb 8th 2011, 15:47
This is a Brilliant idea and should go full speed ahead with both govern & PL hand in hand! Top market cruise liners should chip in and put it on their Tour brochures.
....but we can't spend 10years doing studies like the golf courses and loose the boat!!!
George Swindells
Feb 8th 2011, 13:53
Here we go again. Nothing but critism.
First off the Old Theatre site is NOT big enough to build a theatre large enough to accomodate full fledged opera, ballet or theatre productins. I think the space should have been converted into a large flat floor multi purpose venue and used for exhibitions, fairs, performances on stage and in the round etc. But having said that for those who visit European cities in the summer months you will know that many construct outdoor theatres for summer performaces in the open air, at least we will have one that has a roof on it.
As for what Cameron is proposing is very feasable and as most of the structure and support space exist, cost effective. The main additions being a larger stage and fly tower without which large proffesional productions could not be staged.
As far as audiences are concerned, have you ever tried to get a ticket for any of the two theatres in Gozo when they have their opera seasons on.
I speak from years of experience, including one of Camerons touring productions that of the vintage 'Joseph and the Multi-Coloured Dream Coat'
This project is recommended.
Carmel Serracino-Inglott
Feb 8th 2011, 15:14
I agree with every word in your comment. Well done Government proceed. It is good investment.
Victor Laiviera
Feb 8th 2011, 16:59
"the Old Theatre site is NOT big enough to build a theatre large enough to accomodate full fledged opera, ballet or theatre productions".
That is a gratuitous assertion that has never been proved and has been flatly denied by people who know what they are saying, like world-renowned architect Giovanni Trevisan.
Have a look here:
http://www.caravaggio.com/projects/VOH/
anthony borg
Feb 8th 2011, 12:10
Gerard Cassar u min jahsiba bhallek it-teatru Real qatt ma kellu il-'Footprint' tieghu adekwat bizzejjed ghall Teatru ta'l-opra. Immagina illum bil-quantita u l-kobor ta' apparat li jirkjedi teatru modern fl-2011.
I. Gatt
Feb 8th 2011, 11:48
Bravo, a project which befits the majesty of this grand building.
Good luck.
Joseph E Briffa
Feb 8th 2011, 11:46
Looks like a brilliant project:; no doubt coming from Sir Cameron it should be. Besides it would create more jobs in the construction industry and its ancillaries.
Joe Cassar
Feb 8th 2011, 11:33
I had to read this three time before it sank in. So we had an Opera House which will now become a roofless theatre while we convert other buildings into an Opera House!
Come back, Monty Phyton - all is forgiven!
Gerard Cassar
Feb 8th 2011, 11:32
This proves that the open air theatre is a fiasco. Money squandered by Gonzi and Gatt and tha Perit Piano has not done his research well but just as an amateur. Cameron is a speciaiist.
d camilleri
Feb 8th 2011, 11:02
this would be a brilliant project!
S. Camilleri
Feb 8th 2011, 10:58
Good Luck to this! Infintely more bang per buck than what is being spent on an outdoor theater!
A.Busuttil
Feb 8th 2011, 10:49
so are we planing to have the THIRD theatre in Valletta?
The money spent on the Parlament , roofless theatre and money Spent on the MCC could have been easily investead properly;
1. We could have used the MCC as parlament with ample space for offices and meeting rooms. Evans Laboratory could be used for offices and library for Parlament.
2. We could investead more in MCC as Opera theatre, the roofless theatre transformed into an art centre annexed to San Gakbu (this is too small for opera) and we could without a Parlament which no body wants. Its useless having a 100 million euros theatre when most of the sittings there is no one. SHAME
J Farrugia
Feb 8th 2011, 11:27
It's already there even though I have my doubts about how this "opera house" will be patronized knowing that there are only a few people who love opera. I love operas but I will never afford to go and see one in Malta. It's just a waste of funds. Leave MCC as it is.
J.Tonna
Feb 8th 2011, 11:44
You never like anything this government does???????
After all a parlament is nothing but a theatre.
Joe Borg
Feb 8th 2011, 14:25
J.Tonna I hope that they do not destroy the MCC because it was built by a Labour Government, but it would be better than wasting money on a roofless theatre.
As for the new parliament, you are right in calling it a theatre, but the shows we get are from clowns as evidenced even by the new proposed parliament on stilts. How else can you explain the no-show by Gonzi or any Minister to answer PQs last week when they awarded themselves 2 salaries and €500 salary increase every week when most people do not even have that amount every month?