Never performed before! Ugo’s Aria from the Opera Monna Biancha by Giuseppe Camilleri (1903-1976)

On the 27th May 2023, Mikiel Anton Vassalli College (MAVC) presented the project Ġawhar Misjub, literally meaning Discovered Gems, which focuses on the operatic music of late Maltese composers. This live performance shows an Aria from the only opera written by one of the Maltese Composers Giuseppe Camilleri. The name of the Opera is Monna Biancha (1936) and was never performed before until this live performance.

Giuseppe Camilleri was born in a prominent musical family. He studied under his father’s tutelage, Ferdinando Camilleri (1859 1942). who founded the Cappella Camilleri, which was mainly the musical provider of two of the Sliema Parishes (Stella Maris and Sacro Cuor). Giuseppe Camilleri was a gifted pianist and a prominent conductor, and he was the band master for the La Vallette band .

At the age of 22 he was appointed to be the Maestro del Coro at the Teatru Rjal, Valletta There, he conducted operas and even met prominent composers such as Zandonai, Respighi and even celebrated singers such as Maria Caniglia.

Giuseppe Camilleri’s compositions were also praised by these same composers. Camilleri’s composition style is that of a modern Puccini. He wrote a variety of Sacred works, an operetta Shalti Nar and his only opera Monna Bianca which was never performed until this live performance.

The main objectives of such multi-disciplinary arts productions by MAVC, is to serve as an artistic educational environment where students of the visual and performing arts can take part in the actual productions alongside professionals in the sector – thus bridging the studies/education with the performing arts industry.