Ġawhar Misjub: Nicolo Isouard ( 1773-1818)

The production ‘Ġawhar Misjub – an Operatic Banquet’ includes operatic excerpts by different Maltese composers highlighting Malta’s rich heritage in operatic music. In this article one can learn more about the composer of the Classical Era – Nicolo Isouard ( 1773-1818)

Isouard who was nicknamed Nicolò de Malte was born in Rabat where he studied with Francesco Zerafa (another prominent Maltese composer of the time). Isouard then continued his studies in Palermo and later moved to Paris, where he became friends with notable composers such as Kreutzer. Isouard, having French descendants and being prominent in Malta during the French rule found an easy connection by moving to Paris.  

Isouard composed frequently for the Théâtre de Opéra Comique and he wrote over thirty theatrical works, some of which are now lost. Some of his lost works include Il Barbiere di Siviglia, I due Avari and Artaserse.  

Isouard’s main operatic topics revolved around lighthearted stories and less historic libretti. The opera Cimarosa was written with the librettist Jean–Nicolas Bouilly (17631842). The overture is based on the French Galant operatic overture style and sets the uplifting mood for the opera.  

‘Ġawhar Misjub – An Operatic Banquet’ will premier on the 27th of May 8 pm at St.Agatha Auditorium , Rabat.

Book your seats now for FREE by following this link or scanning the QR code beneath.