Joseph Calleja's latest album has soared to the top of the classical charts in the UK.

Verdi entered the Specialist Classical Chart at Number 1, and was also the highest new entry on the Classic FM chart. 

Compiled by the Official Charts Company, the specialist chart reflects the UK's biggest classical albums of the week, based on sales of digital bundles, CDs, vinyl and other formats, across a seven-day period.

The album sees the Maltese tenor explore the light and dark in Verdi's heroic tenor roles and features guest appearances from soprano Angela Gheorghiu and baritone Vittorio Vitelli.

Calleja told Times of Malta that recording classical music is always a challenge nowadays so it was always very heartening and encouraging when a purely classical album is received in this way.

"I am also thrilled that the Royal Opera House live relay of our performance of Tosca topped the cinema charts at Number 1 in the UK, beating all the mainstream films... that doesn't happen often!”

Verdi has a special place in Calleja's heart, having made his debut as Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth when he was just 19.

 

 

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