News

January 14, 2013

Joseph “brings the house down” at London’s Royal Festival Hall

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Fresh from his highly-praised portrayal of the Duke in Verdi’s Rigoletto at the Bavarian State Opera, Joseph began his European concert tour on Friday night making his debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Joined by the Philharmonia Orchestra and conductor Andrew Greenwood, he performed a program featuring selections from his latest album for Decca, Be My Love: A Tribute to Mario Lanza.  The critics rejoiced, writing that Joseph’s performance “hits you in a way that bypasses the brain and goes straight to the hairs on the back of your neck” (The Times UK), while “the two arias from Tosca flowed with great naturalness, and he brought the house down with sterling renditions of well-known pieces from Cavalleria Rusticana and Fedora” (The Guardian).

The tour continues this evening in Pamplona followed by concerts in Paris (January 18), Munich (January 21), Prague (January 24), Vienna (January 28), Amsterdam (January 31), and  Baden-Baden (February 3).

Visit Joseph’s schedule for a full list of appearances.

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!