Valeriana – The Titan’s Rock: is an opera in four acts by the late Gozitan composer Mro. Joseph Vella, which will be performed in Gozo this May.

Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici and Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri launched production of Valeriana – The Titan’s Rock (Opus 155), based on a winning libretto by Vincent Vella.

The work was completed by Mro. Christopher Muscat after the defeat of Mro Vella, who was himself a former composition student of Vella.

The world premiere of the opera will be staged on the 4th of May at the Astra Theatre in Victoria, with the participation of the National Orchestra, under the direction of Mro. Muscat, which also coincides with the occasion of Maltabiennale.art 2024.

Minister Bonnici stressed that it is very important that works of Maltese composers – in this case of Mro. Joseph Vella – are given the opportunity to be enjoyed in our own country. This importance grows when we see here that the work that will be staged is an opera.

“It is in this way that we continue to celebrate our musical skills, the Maltese and the Gozitans themselves and strengthen our identity as a country,” said Minister Owen Bonnici while stressing that together with the composer, tribute is given to Mro. Muscat who did the crucial work in completing the opera.

Minister Bonnici also thanked the Astra Theatre for the great contribution it gives in favour of the protection and promotion of local musical talent and the whole team behind the production of this project.

Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri expressed satisfaction that this opera will be staged in Gozo while adding that, “opera is becoming synonymous with Gozo and always attracts large numbers of both local and foreign visitors.”

Permalink: Valeriana – The Titan’s Rock: Opera world premiere at the Astra, Gozo