Royal Opera House : exhibition of drawings and models for the reconstruction of the Royal Opera House

Abstract

Although the building of the Royal Opera House, formerly known as the New Theatre, on the site of the Auberge d'Angleterre, gave a great impetus to music, the history of the Theatre in Malta did not commence with its erection. An island which experienced the domination of the greatest nations, which through the centuries has been the coveted gem of mighty empires, which has preserved its own civilisation and culture, undoubtedly followed the vicissitudes of one of 'the finest art forms from its earliest beginnings. Far back in Roman times the Maltese seem to have had some interest in the Theatre for the grave of one Aelius Hermolaos, a comic actor, has been discovered in the island. The story of Opera in Malta, with its achievements and setbacks may be said to have commenced a little more than a century after the Knights of St. John came Royal Opera House to the island. [Excerpt]