I still believe that the Opera House should be restored. The prestige gained by Valletta, and by Malta, would be well worth the risk of such an expensive project.

Opera houses lend prestige and grandeur to a city and a country. One such example is the Opera House in Tunis, built by the French, which can be admired by all visitors.

While Renzo Piano is a most valid and creative architect, Malta has a designer of ‘classical’ buildings including neobaroque, who can spot architectural flaws miles away. He is Innocent Centorrino, who is known to possess a thorough knowledge of correct styles and details of building and architecture. Why don’t the authorities listen to his opinion and appreciate his expertise? He is an asset which few countries can boast of.

I also feel that a box-like new Parliament building on the ruined site is flawed from the start, with the possibility of large political demonstrations putting this project at risk.

The Mediterranean Conference Centre theatre and our national Opera House can have different functions. A restored Opera House, which could also serve as a concert and arts theatre, would be a tourist attraction.

It is obvious that we still haven’t seen the end of the story of Valletta’s Opera House. And having concerts outdoors, rain or shine, is an unsuitable arrangement. Surely, we can do better.

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