Event: Gioachino Rossini鈥檚 opera Armida to be performed in Malta for the first time in a new production by Teatru Manoel
Date: 3, 6, 8 and 10 March 2024
Venue: Manoel Theatre, Valletta
Teatru Manoel鈥檚 announces Malta鈥檚 premiere of Gioachino Rossini鈥檚 Armida, it鈥檚 annual opera in collaboration with Bank Of Valletta.
Teatru Manoel, Malta鈥檚 national theatre and one of the oldest baroque theatres in the World, presents a new and exciting production of Giacchino Rossini鈥檚 opera Armida on the 3, 6, 8 and 10 March 2024. The production features renowned soprano Elisa Balbo in the lead role, tenors Nico Darmanin, Anle Gou and Cliff Zammit Stevens, the bass Albert Buttigieg, KorMalta (Malta鈥檚 national choir), the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, and Moveo Dance Company. It is directed by Paul Carr and conducted by Davide Levi with costume designs by the renowned local designer Luke Azzopardi. The production will also feature rarely seen nineteenth century painted backdrops from the theatre鈥檚 scenery archives, which were painted in Milan specifically for the Manoel Theatre.
First performed in November 1817, Armida tells the tale of the Saracen sorceress Armida, who uses her powers to bewitch and ensnare her Crusader enemies. Rossini鈥檚 masterful composition and the exquisite libretto by Giovanni Schmidt, transport the audience to a world of magic, love, and betrayal.
鈥淲e wanted to bring a lesser-known, and never before locally performed opera by the ever-popular Rossini to the Maltese public because we know it will appeal to our audiences who grew up with a myriad of stories about the Knights of St. John鈥 explained Teatru Manoel鈥檚 Artistic Director, Adrian Mamo. 鈥淭he opera is set at the time of the Crusades with its fair share of myth, magic and mysticism that will certainly delight our patrons.鈥
鈥淥pera has always offered the best in the visual and performing arts from composition and singing to costume and set design, and we are sure that our Armida will uphold this centuries-old tradition. We are fortunate to be collaborating with some of the best creatives in the world of opera, and look forward to delivering to our audiences a spectacular magical production鈥.
Armida is a true testament to Rossini鈥檚 genius, with its intricate vocal lines, breath-taking arias, and thrilling ensemble numbers. It showcases the composer鈥檚 ability to create music that is both technically demanding and emotionally resonant. This, together with the impressive design, exciting direction, and powerful performances will undoubtedly be a unique treat for Rossini and all opera lovers.
Performances of Armida will take place on the main stage of Teatru Manoel on the 3, 6, 8 and 10 March 2024 Ticket prices range from 鈧30 to 鈧70. For more information on the production and to purchase tickets, visit the or call (+356) 21246389.
