Feel the Magic of Opera Favourites – Review by Cav. Uff. Dott. Tonio Portughese

This high level operatic Concert rewards Chorus Urbanus conducted by Dr Mro John Galea for a performance enriched by EXCELLENCE.

All aspects were fine tuned with our Malta Philharmonic Orchestra at its very best with distinct international standard ,disciplined, flexible and adaptable to various changes set by different selections for solo orchestra, choir and the exceptional guest singers of high professional quality: SOPRANO CLAUDIA SASSO AND TENOR LEONARDO CAPALBO.

Mro Galea is to be congratulated for his selection of arias, orchestral performances and credit to the Chorus Urbanus.The programme started with a bang: the.Overture from Giuseppe Verdi’s La forza del Destino, perfectly performed and setting the appropriate stage for a high level concert. Soprano Sasso distinguished herself in the unique renditions of Offenbach’s ‘Les Oiseaux dans les charmille’ and ‘Casta Diva’ from Bellini’s Norma. Tenor Capalbo was at his best in ‘Recondita Armonia’ from Puccini’s Tosca and ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Turandot.

They were both extraordinary performers in La Traviata ‘s ‘Sempre Libera’ leading to gran finale of the evergreen ‘Brindisi’.

The Chorus Urbanus is to be congratulated for the rendition of Verdi’s ‘Va Pensiero’ from Nabucco, ‘O Signore.dal tetto natio’ from I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata and ‘Coro di Zingari’ from Il Trovatore.

The audience that packed the Astra Theatre gave a very warm and enthusiastic applause reflecting its deep appreciation of a real experience of a memorable OPERA MAGIC. We will continue to cherish this wonderful opera excursus.  My congratulations go to the Chorus Urbanus led by Dr Mro John Galea for such an outstanding performance.

TRULY, A UNIQUE BEL CANTO CONCERT hopefully to be emulated by other organisers and musical societies.

[photo credits: Joe Attard and Teatru Astra]