Opera Nova Project participated in 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.
Performers:
Kelsey Carabott – Soprano
Cledia Micallef – Soprano
Raisa Marie Micallef – Mezzo-soprano
Julia Miller – Pianist
The Opera Nova Project’s first full-length production, The Magic Flute, marked a triumphant debut, selling out completely and even generating a waiting list for tickets. This innovative interpretation of Mozart’s beloved opera captivated audiences with its fresh vision and vibrant staging. The students delivered outstanding performances, earning widespread acclaim for their musicality, stage presence, and professionalism. In a remarkable showcase of local talent, the entire cast—except for the role of the Queen of the Night—featured Maltese singers, underscoring the ethos of ONP. This production also celebrated the beginning of a new and exciting collaboration with the exceptional orchestra from The Fames Institute, conducted by Philip Walsh, whose leadership brought the score vividly to life.
The Opera Nova Project is also supported by the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture and the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation. This project was supported by Arts Council Malta, Festivals Malta and APS Bank.
Sung in German with English surtitles and dialogue.
Tamino- Tom Armitage/Stanley Joe Portelli
Papageno-Joseph Cutajar
The Queen of the Night – Elinor Popham
Pamina-Francesca Aquilina/Mariette Borg
Sarastro – Mark Bartolo
Monostotos -Dillon Camilleri/Jester Rosales
Papagena -Bettina Zammit/Gabrielle Portelli
3 Ladies:
1st Lady – Maria Grazia Grech/Mardy Farrugia
2nd Lady – Mariah Costa/Alexandra Camilleri Gambin
3rd Lady-Raisa Marie Micallef/Nicole Vassallo
3 Spirits:
1st Spirit – Michaela Agius
2nd Spirit -Hannah Marie Attard/Kelsey Carabott
3rd Spirit – Lisa Baldacchino
Speaker of the Temple – Mark Bartolo
2 Armed Men- Giosue Agius and Michael Vella Gatt
2 Priests – Nicholas Perry and Gabriel Magro
1st Slave: Maxine Marie Gilson
Conductor – Philip Walsh
Director – Denise Mulholland
Executive Producer – Gillian Zammit
Orchestra – The Fames Institute
Assistant Director -Karl Cassar
Musical Coach – Gillian Zammit
Costume Design – Denise Mulholland
Set Consultant – Matthew Cassar
Lighting Design – Christopher Gatt
ASM – Nikolai Azzopardi
Hair- Michael and Guy
Make Up – Talitha Dimech
Calling all aspiring singers!
Opera Nova Project is delighted to announce its Summer Junior and Intermediate Academies, focusing on providing top-level, fun training for young singers
Junior Academy:
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.
Advanced Academy:
The Opera Nova Project will be hosting their first Summer Academy for advanced students. The tutors for the course are renowned tenor Joseph Calleja, Prof. Janis Kelly, Prof. James Pearson and Denise Mulholland.
Ending The Opera Nova Project’s first Summer Academy, a concert will be held featuring various pieces the students developed with the tutors, Joseph Calleja, Prof. Janis Kelly, Prof. James Pearson and Denise Mulholland.
For more information contact us at in**@**************ct.com
Opera Nova Project is very honoured to welcome Joseph Calleja, Professor Janis Kelly and Professor James Pearson to the 1st ONP International Summer Academy 2025.
Masterclasses will be held in collaboration with Teatru Manoel from the 28 June to 6th July with a final recital at Teatru Manoel.
Closing date for applications: 15th March 2025
For more information please contact us on: in**@**************ct.com
ONP is held in collaboration with the Archbishop’s Delegate for Culture and is supported by Arts Council Malta, Rotary La Valletta Club Malta, Farsons Foundation and the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation.
From the echoes of the ancient Greek myth of Pandora to the promise of the Christian faith, hope continues to shine as a guiding light through darkness. On April 9th, in the awe-inspiring setting of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina, the Pilgrims of Hope – Jubilee of Hope 2025 Concert brought this truth to life through music.
Under the direction of Denise Mulholland and the baton of Gillian Zammit, adult and youth voices from the Opera Nova Project came together to present a moving programme featuring works by Rutter, Jenkins, and Britten — all in celebration of the Jubilee of Hope 2025.
This event was supported by the Mdina Metropolitan Chapter.
📸 Photos: Tracey Sammut
