Teatru Astra has just announced its latest educational initiative Behind the Opera Curtain – a workshop featuring the artistic and music directors from Teatru Astra’s forthcoming production of AIDA. Aimed at opera lovers and patrons of the Astra, singers and students, the workshop will be held at the Teatru Manoel’s Studio Theatre on Monday 17 October 2016.

Artistic director Enrico Stinchelli, the musical director, Joseph Vella will be sharing their views on the production AIDA. The workshop will be highlighting as well the experiences of a number of choristers who feature in the Teatru Astra opera Chorus led by Dr Maria Frendo. Enrico Stinchelli, an expert in the history of opera and vintage recordings, will speak about AIDA through the decades and will identify several landmark interpretations that the audience could listen to.

AIDA is part of the 15^th edition of Festival Mediterranea – a unique endeavour and the only festival of its kind on the Maltese islands, combining high culture with the production of an Italian opera in conjunction with traditional fare. AIDA is supported by the Gozo Cultural Support Programme.

Teatru Manoel has a long tradition of staging operas. Among others, in recent years the Manoel has presented Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, both joint ventures between Valletta 2018 Foundation and the Teatru Manoel Youth Opera.

Behind the Opera Curtain is also being supported by Bank of Valletta and Valletta 2018 Foundation. Admission is free but early booking is essential. To book and for more information please visit www.teatrumanoel.com.mt and www.teatruastra.org.mt or send an email to [email protected].