I think we all agree that the site of the old opera house in Valletta was inadequate to build a theatre catering for today’s operatic productions.

So why should we not move out of Valletta and seek a proper site (ideally facing a green park and providing underground parking), which should not be beyond any government’s power.

Besides opera, of course, such a theatre would also be used for concerts, ballet, plays, musicals and other productions. Naturally this would require substantial funds.

One way to get this going is to appoint a committee, perhaps chaired by our world-famous tenor Joseph Calleja, who was recently appointed Malta’s first cultural ambassador, to raise funds by asking those who have culture at heart, including foreign residents, to donate, say, 10 or 20 euros each towards a national theatre foundation.

I am sure such a foundation would receive widespread backing, including that of both government and the opposition, and help to foster cultural awareness in Malta and to encourage local talent.