The upcoming edition of “Opera in the Capital” will take place in St George’s Square, Valletta, on 30 August. This year, the event will feature notable performers including tenor Cliff Zammit Stevens, tenor Alan Sciberras, soprano Nadia Vella, and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. The evening’s programme promises a delightful mix of arias and ensembles, showcasing the power of the human voice.
For Cliff Zammit Stevens, performing in this event is particularly meaningful, as Malta is now his home. Stevens will deliver pieces that are dear to him, such as “Quanto è Bella” from L’Elisir d’Amore, “La Vie en Rose,” and “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera. “Each of these pieces holds a special place in my heart, as they span different genres yet share a common thread of expressing deep emotion,” Zammit Stevens shared. He finds “Quanto è Bella” evocative of youthful love and the simple joys of life, while “La Vie en Rose” speaks to idealised romantic love. “All I Ask of You” blends operatic grandeur with the accessible beauty of musical theatre, creating a journey through various expressions of love and passion.
A highlight of his performance will be his song “Fil-Qrib,” which earned third place at this year’s Mużika Mużika festival and was highly praised by critics. “Fil-Qrib is close to my heart, not just because of its success, but because of its strong message — that no matter what you’ve been through in life, there is always that person or situation you can rely on for safety and comfort,” he remarked. Performing both contemporary Maltese pieces and classical opera selections allows Zammit Stevens to connect deeply with his audience through broadcast emotions that bridge modern and traditional music.

Reflecting on his rich educational background from the Royal College of Music, Zammit Stevens credits the school with not only providing him with a solid technical foundation but also entrenched in him a deep respect for discipline and artistry. “No matter how technically perfect a piece might be, it’s the emotional truth behind it that resonates with an audience,” he emphasized, expressing a significant lesson he treasures.
Zammit Stevens’s repertoire is diverse, featuring roles such as the tragic Otello and the lively Tamino, which reflect his passion for conveying human emotion through various characters. His preparation involves understanding the history and emotions of each character, training his voice, and relating to their experiences. This depth of study ensures a genuine performance. “Opera fascinates me because it blends deep emotions with powerful stories. I enjoy the challenge of portraying a variety of characters,” he shared.
Receiving international acclaim, with critics describing him as “a revelation” and showing “exceptional promise,” Zammit Stevens feels both honoured and responsible. These accolades motivate him to continuously refine his craft. “These accolades push me to continually refine my craft and approach each performance with even more dedication and passion,” he said.
As Zammit Stevens prepares for the show at Valletta, he is particularly excited about blending operatic music with the city’s historical charm. “The message I want to convey to the audience is one of unity through art. Music has the power to transcend boundaries and connect us on a deeper level,” he said. The tenor looks forward to leading the audience on an emotional journey and creating lasting memories.
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