Emergent Argentine star Leonardo López Linares will perform the title role in the single performance of Falstaff, Giuseppe Verdi’s commedia lirica, on Saturday at 7.30pm.

The announcement comes after Paolo Gavanelli cancelled his appearance due to an unfortunate accident, which left the Italian baritone unable to travel to honour his commitment.

The opera house administration managed to secure the services of López Linares, a household name in one of Italy’s top opera venues – the Verona Arena, where he has interpreted the main baritone roles of grand operas like Turandot, Madame Butterfly, Nabucco and Aida. He debuted as Falstaff in 2011 at the Verona Philharmonic alongside Elisabetta Fiorillo, who is also a member of the main cast at the Aurora performance.

For the benefit of patrons crossing over from Malta, the Aurora is providing a minibus shuttle service from the Gozo ferry to the theatre (for the ferry which leaves Malta at 6pm) and back to the ferry after the performance. This means that opera patrons may cross over as foot passengers, leaving their vehicles parked at the Ċirkewwa terminal in Malta. This service is free, but patrons wishing to use it are to e-mail info@leone.org.mt or call 2156 2974.

The theatre is offering a very limited number of seats for students at a discounted rate of €20. Regular tickets may be purchased online from www.teatruaurora.com, but they have to be booked and requested either by sending an e-mail to the above address or by calling the box office on 2155 9452.