I have been visiting Gozo regularly for the past 30 years. In 2005 I was pleased to be able to assist, as a theatre consultant, with the improvements to the Astra Theatre.

I was then able to introduce Larry Kierkegaard to assist as one of the world’s greatest theatre acousticians – all our services being donated for free.

My recent visit coincided with the Festival Mediterranea celebrating 7,000 years of culture on Gozo. I was anticipating attending Norma on October 29 knowing the love so many Maltese and Gozitans have for opera and international music.

No doubt some of the audience were there to be seen at a social occasion and others were representing a number of generous patrons alongside the distinguished patronage of the President and many government and tourist departments.

However, I was very concerned that the behaviour of the audience and the lack of respect shown for the artists manifested itself throughout the performance which was disturbed in so many ways.

It certainly was one of the most pathetically uncultured audiences I have experienced in nearly 50 years of theatregoing.