Vocal Coach, Royal College of Music, London
Applications are now open for the International Summer Academy 2026. Email us for more information
Join us at Malta Society of Arts this March for an evening of German music performed by the talented students of the Opera Nova Project. Accompanied by pianist Dr Christine Zerafa, the programme features Lieder and staged arias from composers such as Bach, Schubert, Strauss, and Weber.
Teatru Manoel in collaboration with Malta National Opera (MNO) presents Giuseppe Verdi’s comical opera “Falstaff”. The Italian-language libretto was adapted by Arrigo Boito from the play The Merry Wives of Windsor and scenes from Henry IV, Part 1 and Part 2, by William Shakespeare. The work premiered on 9 February 1893 at La Scala, Milan. Falstaff was the last of Verdi’s 26 operas. It was his second comedy, and his third work based on a Shakespeare play, following Macbeth and Otello. The plot revolves around the thwarted, sometimes farcical, efforts of the fat knight Sir John Falstaff to seduce two married women to gain access to their husbands’ wealth.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121 Experience a night of inspirational music as the singers of the Opera Nova Project present 'Lift Thine Eyes', a curated selection of Oratorio masterpieces. Set within the beautiful Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, St Michael Hospice, Santa Venera, this performance showcases the exceptional talent of the Opera Nova Project students. The programme features highlights from timeless works, including Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Saint-Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël, among others. The repertoire and title take on a deeper meaning as these masterworks remind us that we are connected to a source of strength greater than ourselves. This performance is an invitation to pause and to let the harmony of song instil hope. The evening will be further enriched by the participation of the Opera Nova Project Youth Choir. Join us on February 11th for an uplifting celebration of vocal artistry and sacred music. This event is supported by the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation and BandAid. Tickets available soon.
Baroque Technique - Contact us for more info
Join us at St James Cavalier this December for an evening of French music performed by the talented students of the Opera Nova Project. Accompanied by pianist Dr Julia Miller, the programme features art songs and arias from composers such as Debussy, Satie, Massenet and Bizet.
RÉPÉTITEUR SESSION
Join us for a special recital in honour of Saint Cecilia, the Patron Saint of Musicians. As is now tradition, The Oratories celebrates the contribution of women composers to the Western Classical music tradition. The programme includes works by such diverse composers as Barbara Strozzi, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Amy Beach. Pride of place will be a new song cycle, commissioned by the Jesuits’ Church Foundation especially for this concert, by young Maltese composer Analise Mifsud. The work, called Leħinha (Her Voice) is an ode to Music in line with a long tradition of such works that celebrate the art and craft and beauty of Music. The singers are vocalists from the Opera Nova Project. Performers: Kelsey Carabott, soprano Cledia Micallef, soprano Raisa Marie Micallef, mezzo-soprano Julia Miller, piano In collaboration with Opera Nova Project Entrance is free, but donations are welcome. Access is from Archbishop Street.
VOICE TECHNIQUE
The Opera Nova Project will be hosting their first Summer Academy for advanced students. The tutors for the course are Joseph Calleja, world-renowned Maltese tenor, Professor Janis Kelly, Royal College of Music, London, Professor James Pearson, formerly Vienna State Opera and Denise Mulholland, acclaimed opera director and acting coach.
Join us on Sunday, July 6th at 7.30pm for the grand finale of the first Opera Nova Project Summer Academy. This special concert will showcase outstanding local and international singers, performing a beautiful selection of operatic arias and art songs. These talented students have spent the summer honing their craft under the expert guidance of world-renowned coaches: tenor Joseph Calleja, Professor Janis Kelly (Royal College of Music, London), Professor James Pearson (formerly of the Vienna State Opera), and Denise Mulholland, acclaimed opera director and acting coach. Don’t miss this inspiring evening of music and emerging talent. Open to the public – a must-see event for opera lovers and newcomers alike.
Experience the Art of Singing Up Close – Open Masterclasses at Teatru Manoel As part of the Opera Nova Project’s first International Summer Academy, you’re invited to witness the transformative power of vocal training in action through a series of open masterclasses at the magnificent Teatru Manoel – held in both the Sala Isouard and on the main stage. Whether you’re a singer, student, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of opera, this is a rare opportunity to observe world-class tutors working with the next generation of vocal talent. Masterclasses will be led by: Joseph Calleja, world-renowned Maltese tenor, Professor Janis Kelly, Royal College of Music, London, Professor James Pearson, formerly Vienna State Opera. Following Joseph Calleja’s open masterclass on July 2nd,, there will be an exclusive Q&A session in the theatre, where audience members are welcome to ask questions and explore all things singing. Come be inspired by the music, the mentoring, and the magic of opera in the making. All sessions are open to spectators.
Singers aged between 10 and 16 years. For those who know nothing about opera, this course will provide an invaluable foundation to all things operatic (singing, acting, movement, history) and for those who have some experience of this art form, the course will offer new experiences and knowledge. Led by experienced tutors, soprano and composer Analise Mifsud, director and acting coach Karl Cassar and music educator Gisele Grima, the junior academy will run from June 27th to July 1st, with a performance on the final day.
Experience the magic of opera as performed by the singers of the Opera Nova Project. A rich tapestry of operatic scenes, with extracts from some of the most beloved and iconic operas will be performed at Theatre Next Door. Enjoy newly imagined scenes from timeless masterpieces like Carmen, La Boheme, L' Elisir d'Amore, The Turn of the Screw, Eugene Onegin, Der Freischutz and Cosi Fan Tutte.
Adrian Kelly Masterclass: Opera Scenes
One of Mozart’s most beloved operas, The Magic Flute blends fantasy and adventure with beautiful music. It follows Prince Tamino, who, aided by a magic flute and the bird-catcher Papageno, seeks to rescue Pamina from the sorcerer Sarastro. Conducted by Philip Walsh, directed by Denise Mulholland and featuring the singers from the Opera Nova Project alongside a full orchestra from the Fames Institute, Macedonia made up of young musicians from all over Europe and Malta. The Magic Flute is a joint collaboration between Opera Nova Project and Teatru Manoel. Sung in German with English surtitles and dialogue.
Choral works from composers such as John Rutter, Karl Jenkins, and Benjamin Britten. Adult voice students from the Opera Nova Project unite with the Opera Nova Project Youth Choir in a celebration of hope as a divine and eternal force. A concert by Archbishop's Delegate for Culture.
Paul McNamara Masterclass - Professional Development & Audition Techniques
Opera Nova Project presents an evening of German Lieder, featuring some of the most exquisite songs by Schubert, Schumann, Strauss and other masters of the Romantic era. This intimate concert brings together expressive poetry and masterful composition, capturing the depth of emotion and storytelling that define the Lieder tradition. Performed by the singers of Opera Nova alongside a sensitive piano accompaniment by Christine Zerafa.
The first collaboration between Opera Nova Project and The Jesuits' Church Foundation, for a recital of beautiful German lieder with works by Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, et more.
Hedwig Fassbender Masterclass: German Repertoire
Claire Debono Masterclass: Baroque Style & Technique
A special collaboration between the Friends of the Manoel and Opera Nova Project, featuring soprano Gabrielle Portelli and tenor Stanley Joe Portelli accompanied by Maria Elena Farrugia.
Enjoy an enchanting evening of English and American Art Songs, showcasing the lyrical beauty of composers such as Roger Quilter, Samuel Barber, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten amongst others. This exquisite repertoire will be brought to life by students of the Opera Nova Project and is a celebration of the rich traditions of English and American Art Songs.
Joyce Fieldsend Masterclass: The Art of the Recitative
Tatiana Lisnic Masterclass: The Art of the Recitative
Opera Nova Project in collaboration with Teatru Manoel presents an afternoon of French Art Song. A selection of French art songs performed by the students of the Opera Nova Project. Repertoire includes songs by Debussy, Poulenc, Faure, Hahn and Chausson.
Emma Bell Masterclass: Physical Aspects of Technique and Performance
