News

November 21, 2012

Joseph returns to Bavarian State Opera this December (15-30) in “Rigoletto”

nationaltheater_muenchen

This December, Joseph brings his celebrated portrayal of the Duke of Mantua to life in the Bavarian State Opera’s new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto by the critically acclaimed Hungarian director Árpád Schilling. Conducted by Marco Armiliato, the performances also star Franco Vassallo as the cursed Rigoletto and Patricia Petibon as Rigoletto’s newly discovered daughter Gilda. After returning to the Metropolitan Opera in 2011 as the Duke, the role of Joseph’s Met debut in 2006, Robert Levine of Classics Today said, “I can’t think of another tenor who sings this role better.” For those who are unable to make it to Munich, the Bavarian State Opera will offer a free live web stream of the opening night performance on December 15 on BR-Klassik. In July, Joseph revisits the role of the Duke at the Munich Opera Festival 2013.

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!