“Grazzi, grazzi, grazzi ħafna!” These were the last words by Joseph Calleja at the end of his memorable concert at the Granaries. I think it is we, the Maltese people, who should say a big “thank you” to this super celebrity.

He has all the gifts from the Lord that one can hope for… a wonderful voice, a great stage presence and handsome looks; not only, but he is blessed with a natural poise that does not come from self-pride but rather the opposite. The Maltese should feel honoured that he always leaves space for Malta in his yearly appointments and gives us such a fantastic show each time.

I have never missed his Malta concerts, not even when I had been confined to bed for six weeks with a painful condition, some years back. I got my doctor’s permission to go…and then again “to bed”. This was when he sang at Mdina. I took my cushion with me and, together with my husband, I followed the concert right to the end.

I wish I was wealthy enough to follow Mr Calleja’s concerts wherever he goes. He is great and yet his success has not gone to his head.

May it always be so. May God grant him every personal wish and need, not least the happiness and loving care of his two lovely children.

Finally, I congratulate Lucio Dalla and Hayley Westenra for their exceptional performance alongside our own unbeatable tenor!