This month thousands of opera lovers will cram Gozo’s two theatres to enjoy two of Verdi’s most popular operas, Aida and Rigoletto.
They will, as they have consistently done over the past years, continue to vote with their feet in favour of an opera house. The likelihood that the Renzo Piano designs will be accepted and implemented by the government means that no opera house will be constructed in Malta in the foreseeable future.
Many overlook however that there are already two fully fledged opera houses operating in Gozo. These were built by enterprising Gozitan organisations and they are sustained because the respective teams voluntarily dedicate their time and energy towards the success of the annual operas presented in both theatres.
The two Gozo opera houses could very well replace the mirage of an opera house in Malta. The heavy investment shouldered by the two band clubs in Gozo will relieve the government of a multi-million euro capital expense.
Two ready-made theatres fully equipped and with a proven record are an excellent replacement for the old and ruined opera house in Malta.
It is therefore opportune for the state to vote a respectable sum each year to supplement the considerable voluntary contribution which each band club dedicates to produce the annual opera. This contribution would enable the two Gozo theatres to upgrade the programme offered by increasing the number of operas presented each year. Separately but collectively the two societies would therefore present a short unified opera season.
Whatever subvention the government would give would make it possible for the opera season to become an annual event which would not only help culturally but could also be a tourist attraction. The spend on the Isle of MTV event in Malta and the subvention for other similar events could be matched by a solid annual contribution towards the establishment of a good opera season in Gozo for the benefit of people in both Malta and Gozo.
For this to succeed there are of course certain overriding conditions. In my opinion the project should be left completely in the hands of the respective theatres. However, both theatres should cooperate fully and coordinate their efforts in making the season meaningful. This includes an agreement on a viable calendar for the events. This would ensure that no overlaps take place and would also enable each theatre to plan for events other than opera, say ballet, plays, concerts etc. The voluntary and competitive aspect of both theatres should be maintained as this is perhaps the driving force which makes it possible for the operas to be presented.
One immediate benefit for Gozo would be the creation of a niche off-season visitor attraction. This would benefit hotels, restaurants and other related businesses. The promotion of culture is an added attraction and certain cultural events could be planned for the same period.
If there is agreement on declaring the two Gozo opera houses as national but independent and autonomous institutions then steps have to be taken immediately to set the ball rolling. Assuming that the two Gozo band clubs are in agreement, a steering committee should be set up to draft a contract based on the public/private partnership model. I think that the first move has to be made in Gozo. The lead could perhaps be taken up by one of the business bodies in Gozo.