This coming Saturday, the quaint Santa Lucija Square in Gozo will host internationally-acclaimed baritone Charles Buttigieg, for an evening of opera, Maltese and Neapolitan classics, and other popular songs. The concert gets underway at 8.30pm.

Accompanied by new talent Ilyas Ige Sultana, American mezzo-soprano Katherine Dobbs, soprano Miriam Cauchi, X-Factor judge and singer Gianluca Bezzina, Schola Cantorum Jubilate and a live orchestra under the direction of Mro. Mark Gauci, the third edition of Charles Buttigieg in Concert promises to be yet another unforgettable night of music.

Baritone Charles Buttigieg has been making a name for himself both locally and abroad. Having recently accompanied Joseph Calleja and Andrea Bocelli in the Christmas Special, Charles’ musical journey started at the tender age of 11 when his talent was discovered by the parish priest.

Under the guidance of Mro Dr. John Galea, Charles joined the Chorus Urbanus, and then continued his studies under the tutelage of the distinguished Maltese Soprano Ms. Juliette Bisazza.

Now 25, Charles’ dedication and talent led to scholarships from the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, performances with top names in opera, and two Encouragement Awards from the Metropolitan Opera in 2021 and 2022.

Starting in September 2024, Charles will be based in Florence as a Mascarade Opera Artist and performing at Teatro La Fenice (Venice), Teatro Pergola (Florence), the Royal Opera House (London) and other partner houses in Germany.

Charles Buttigieg has been studying internationally and performing in European and American opera houses for the past 8 years. In 2017, Charles was selected by Mr. Jack Livigni to perform La Bohème at Teatro Eschillo in Gela and Agrigento. Subsequently, he had the privilege of attending Ms. Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices, supported by the Foundation. Later that same year, he was chosen to join the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he refined his skills under the guidance of Mezzo Soprano Ms. Patricia McCaffrey, graduating with honours in 2022.

Charles’ talents have been recognised internationally, earning him an invitation to a private concert in the presence of distinguished personalities, including Metropolitan Chairman Ms. Ann Ziff, Soprano Ms. Renee Fleming, and Mezzo Soprano Ms. Dolora Zajick.

He performed at the Curtis Institute of Music’s Philadelphia Perelman Theatre in 2018, delivering exceptional performances as Masetto in Don Giovanni, Mr. Fogg in Sweeney Todd, and Spirit in Dido and Aeneas.

In November 2019, Charles achieved another milestone by debuting as Figaro in Barber of Seville at the Opera Philadelphia, Kimmel Centre, accompanied by the Curtis Symphony Orchestra. His international leading role in this production at the age of 20 showcased his immense talent and promising future in the world of opera.

In 2021, he had the honour of performing alongside the legendary Soprano Diana Damrau in a concert with the Maltese Philharmonic Orchestra. The following year, he shared the stage with Tenor Joseph Calleja at the Opera Naples in Florida.

Since then, he has continued to astound audiences with his powerful performances, portraying Morales in Carmen at the Teatro Astra in Gozo and as Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette at Opera Naples, Florida, and in the first and second editions of Charles Buttigieg in Concert.

In keeping with tradition, this year’s concert is sure to leave audiences enthralled. The repertoire features diverse iconic opera pieces from La Traviata, Carmen, Rigoletto, and Tosca, beloved Neapolitan pieces such as “Canta Napule,” and more recent and contemporary pieces, including “New York New York” from the 70s, and “A Million Dreams.” Entrance to Charles Buttigieg in Concert on Saturday, the 6th of July, is free.

Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation – every contribution will make a difference and support the Foundation’s vital work.

Charles Buttigieg in Concert is being organised by the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

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