Final preparations for 'Norma' at the upgraded facilities at Teatru Astra

Final preparations are currently underway at Teatru Astra for this week’s double-representation of the opera Norma, at the upgraded facilities funded through an eco-Gozo Ministry for Gozo scheme for non-governmental organisations.

The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, visited Teatru Astra on Saturday evening while a rehearsal was in place. She met the main cast, choir members, backstage crew and the opera organising committee as well as Italian artistic director Enrico Stinchelli and music director Prof. Mro. Joseph Vella. Vincenzo Bellini’s stalwart opera will be put up on Thursday 27 and Saturday 29 October.

The main cast for this year’s production is made up of soprano Dimitra Theodossiou in the title-role, considered as one of the most famous and important sopranos in the world of opera today, as well as tenor Antonino Interisano as Pollione, mezzo-soprano Oana Andra as Adalgisa and bass Dario Russo as Oroveso. Other roles are being sung by soprano Dorienne Portelli singing the part of Clotilde and tenor Cliff Zammit Stevens as Flavio. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be under the baton of Prof. Mro. Joseph Vella while the Teatru Astra Opera Chorus is being coached by Maria Frendo.

Norma opens the 10th edition of Festival Mediterranea, with a number of events showcasing the islands’ cultural tradition in music, history, art and heritage, running until 19 November.

Socjetà Filarmonika La Stella, the owner of Teatru Astra, benefited from just under €50,000 under the eco-Gozo scheme to support the facilities and marketing initiatives of Festival Mediterranea. The project falls in line with the eco-Gozo short-term measures for 2010-2012, in particular those related to the development of niche-tourism areas for Gozo.

The project included the marketing of the opera Norma and Festival Mediterranea in foreign opera-specific and cultural tourism print and online media focusing mainly on the Italian, UK and German markets, and the upgrading of the festival website. The project also included the conversion of light facilities to energy-saving illumination and the refurbishment of a section of the backstage facilities and basic theatre amenities.

More information about the opera Norma and Festival Mediterranea available on 2155 0985 and 7925 6897.

24 October 2011