News

October 9, 2012

Illness Forces Joseph Calleja to Cancel His Oct 11 Album-Release Concert at City Winery

Joseph Be My Love

Joseph Calleja’s October 11th concert at downtown Manhattan’s City Winery, which was to celebrate the U.S. release of the his fourth solo album for Decca, Be My Love: A Tribute to Mario Lanza (out today), has been canceled. The Maltese tenor was taken ill after a performance yesterday in Helsinki, Finland, and he was advised by his doctor not to travel to New York. “I was very much looking forward to coming to New York and am extremely frustrated and disappointed by this turn of events,” said Calleja in a statement. “Unfortunately the severe congestion caused by this virus makes me unable to sing.” The concert was being produced in collaboration with the Food Network New York City Wine & Food and was to mark Calleja’s only New York appearance this season. All current ticket holders are being notified and offered refunds or transfers to other shows. Please contact City Winery’s concierge with any questions at (212) 608-0555.

Joseph's Blog

May 19th, 2013

Eurovision and cross voting

Despite having a brilliant song that was delivered impeccably Malta didn’t win the Eurovision song contest. No doubt there will be many who will cry foul, bring up the unfair issue of neighbourly  cross voting and insist on having Malta withdraw from future contests.

Whether it is in the office or on stage “cross voting” is just yet a common and normal factor that has to catered for and dealt with in the long road of realising ones goal, whatever that might be. Fierce competition is rampant everywhere in todays society and the road to success will be constantly besieged by factions, jealousy, envy, loyalties, nepotism or downright corruption. Multiple spokes in the wheels are not only the norm but they are to be expected and dealt with. Indeed I view these acts of cheekiness as adding to ones achievment and a sad reminder that human nature can sometimes be petty and small minded.

So to all of those who think that Malta should stop competing in the Eurovision I say that some form of “tomfoolery” will always be present and cannot really be avoided and it is the marking of true, real talent to triumph despite and against the odds!

What we really need to do in Malta is to see the Eurovision for what it is; great, silly fun and just another way to remind our European neighbours what a great destination and fun Malta is.

Life ain’t perfect and it certainly isn’t fair but fate is inexorable and the day will come when someone from these shores will lift the trophy… in the meantime a big BRAVO to Gianluca and all the Maltese team who went there to have fun and fun they had!