Gaulitanus Choir’s ‘Rigoletto’ to be dedicated to Paul Asciak

The Gaulitanus Choir will be dedicating its forthcoming opera, Rigoletto, to the memory of Maltese tenor Paul Asciak, this being the first operatic production in Malta after the demise of this important operatic personality.

Asciak is remembered for his great contribution to the local musical scene, particularly due to his own important international career – which also included performances of Rigoletto, his involvement in musical administration, and especially as being the mentor behind tenor Joseph Calleja.

Paul was also a supporter of Gaulitanus Choir, often honouring the choir with his presence at the choir’s events, the last being for last year’s Tosca.

Rigoletto, the highlight event in the ninth edition of Gaulitana: A Festival of Music, will feature Italian baritone Piero Terranova in the title role, Moldavian soprano Natalia Roman as Gilda and Giorgio Casciarri as the Duca. The production will Enrico Castiglione’s as aired on Rai Mondovisione. Castiglione is also responsible for sets, while the lavish costumes will be Sonia Cammarata’s. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (leader: Marcelline Agius) will be conducted by Colin Attard, a household name in local operatic productions as well as Gaulitana artistic director.

The production of Rigoletto will also see the introduction of preopera talk in Gozo. Indeed, Albert George Storace, who is synonymous with pre-opera talk and not only, will delve on the Verdian opera, as well as give a short recollection of Paul Asciak. The talk will be held at the Aurora’s Francesco Masini Hall at 7pm. Paul Asciak’s wife, Bice will be a special guest on the night.

Rigoletto is being held at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora on Friday, 22 May at 8pm. Tickets vary from €30 to €80 30, with special €20 tickets available for students. Tickets may be purchased online via www.teatruaurora.com or via the theatre’s ticket helpline 79045779.

Free ferry-theatre transport and back, in Gozo, will be provided, subject to prior booking. For more information visit www.gaulitanus.com