Historical background - architectural jewel

Abstract

SALVATORE DI GIACOMO, the famous 19th century Neapolitan writer and historian, described the island of Maira as an "Eldorado della laringe" (Eldorado of the Voice). Indeed, Malta in the 18th century witnessed an 'invasion' of foreign anises, mostly singers. The island became an important source of beautiful, talented voices. The Manoel Theatre served as a launching pad for those singers who might not have yet been well known. The newly-constructed theatre offered its untried stage to artists who wanted to make their debut. The experience they gained on che Maltese stage enabled many anises to move on to performances in important European theatres such as the San Carlo in Naples or the Paris Opera and to become accomplished artists. A popular itinerary with these singers seems to have been: Malta, Corfu, Ragusa, Messina, Lecce and finally Naples, the birthplace of comic opera