Il Parnaso Confuso & La Corona – Valletta Early Opera Festival

This year's Valletta Early Opera Festival presents a pairing of two seldom-performed one-act works by Christoph Willibald Gluck, brought together by Festivals Malta and Teatru Manoel under the artistic guidance of Kenneth Zammit Tabona. Both compositions date to 1765, originally created for the Habsburg court at Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace. Il Parnaso Confuso premiered that same year to mark Archduke Joseph's marriage to Princess Maria Josepha of Bavaria, while La Corona, conceived for Archduke Francis' name day celebration, did not receive its premiere until 1987. Il Parnaso Confuso offers a lighthearted exploration of Mount Parnassus's Muses vying for prominence at a royal celebration. This blend of satire and elegance depicts the artistic tensions among the goddesses of music and verse. The ensemble includes Gillian Zammit as Apollo, Cledia Micallef as Euterpe, Gabrielle Portelli as Erato, and Caterina Iora as Melpomene. La Corona adopts a grander, more heroic approach, drawing from the legend of the Calydonian Boar Hunt and exploring which warrior merits victory over the creature. Diana ultimately receives credit for the triumph. Francesca Aquilina performs as Atalanta, Gillian Zammit as Meleagro, Caterina Iora as Climene, and Bettina Zammit as Asteria. Brett Nicholas Brown directs the production, grounding classical mythology in contemporary theatrical language. Anthony Bonnici has created the scenic design, while Luke Azzopardi brings his signature historically grounded approach to costumes. Moritz Zavan Stoeckle's lighting design enriches the visual experience. This pairing delivers contrasting dramatic worlds executed by a predominantly Maltese cast and creative ensemble. Discounted tickets are available for those over 60, individuals with disabilities (upon presentation of valid disability documentation), students (with valid student identification), European Youth Card holders, and young people aged 11–16. Patrons with disabilities may request a complimentary companion ticket by emailing bookings@teatrumanoel.mt with proof of disability status and ticket confirmation.