Much has been written about Nicolò Isouard, the Maltese composer who died in Paris on March 23, 1818, which means that in a few months’ time we will be marking the second centenary from his death.

Nicolò had composed Masses, motets, cantatas, romances, duos and, above all, 45 operas.

This special anniversary will coincide with Valletta 2018 and should be highlighted during that special cultural year. Action must be taken without any further delay. As declared by himself, Nicolò was born on December 6, 1775 (the feast of St Nicholas), though other dates are mentioned. He was baptised at the Porto Salvo church (St Dominic) in Valletta.

He studied in Mdina with Francesco Azopardi, in Palermo with Giuseppe Amendola and in Naples with Nicola Sala and Pietro Alessandro Guglielmi. From 1795, he was organistat St John’s Cathedral.

Later, he moved to Paris where he worked as a free composer and befriended composer Rodolphe Kreutzer.

Better known under his pseudonym Nicolò (or Nicolò de Malte), he found rapid success in the field of opéra comique. He composed regularly for the Théâtre de l’Opéra-Comique writing about 30 works for them. One of his best successes was Cendrillon on February 22,1810.

Once again, I make a public call to prepare, in conjunction with the French Embassy and the French Opera Theatres, for such a unique event that coincides with the year of culture. The activities can include a special postage stamp issue.

I am sure that music lovers the world over will be interested to visit Malta on such an occasion.