Maltese opera singer Joseph Calleja is one of the most celebrated and sought-after tenors in the world today, whose “golden-age” voice has been compared to those of legendary opera singers of the past such as Jussi Björling, Beniamino Gigli and Enrico Caruso. He has also been described as the "young Pavarotti".
Joseph made his operatic debut as Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth at 19 years old, only three years after he first began singing, and won an award in the Hans Gabor Belvedere Competition that same year. Since the launch of his career, Joseph has won numerous awards, released seven solo studio albums and performed at some of the greatest opera houses and concert halls in the world, including an outstanding performance of Puccini’s “Nessun dorma” at The Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. He has been described by NPR as “arguably today’s finest lyric tenor” and in 2012 was voted Gramophone Magazine’s Artist of the Year.
Joseph Calleja | Source: Times of Malta
Over the past decade, Joseph has also worked on several philanthropic projects. In 2013, he partnered with the Bank of Valetta to form the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, which helps vulnerable communities in his home country of Malta, with a particular focus on assisting underprivileged children with unique artistic or musical talents. He also launched the Drake Calleja Trust in 2015 with entrepreneur James Drake, which provides financial and artistic support to young musicians studying in the UK.
Despite achieving international success, Joseph has always kept his home country close to his heart. In 2012, he was appointed Malta’s first-ever Cultural Ambassador.
Joseph will perform at Perth Concert Hall this November on his debut Australian tour, presented by Andrew McKinnon in association with West Australian Opera. He will be joined on stage by two beloved Australian artists: soprano Amelia Farrugia, who is also of Maltese descent, and internationally acclaimed pianist Piers Lane.
In the lead-up to this exciting concert, we spoke to Joseph about touring Australia for the first time, his desire to give back to the community and more.
We’re so excited to be hosting you on your first Australian tour! What are you most looking forward to about performing in Australia?
Discovering this beautiful continent and its great people has always been on my bucket list. Can’t wait!
You began singing at age 16 and made your operatic debut only three years later. What inspired you to take up singing and what drew you to opera specifically?
I have always sung, and was lucky to be born with an opera capable voice. In many ways this career chose me rather than vice versa.
Your Perth concert features some fantastic works by Verdi, Puccini, Bernstein and more. Which works are you most excited for audiences to hear?
The program as a whole is a beautiful musical journey, which I hope will be enjoyed by the audience.
Over the past decade, your music career has involved not only performing but also a lot of philanthropy work. Why is giving back to your community so important to you?
Many underestimate the joy of giving. We are here for such a short time that we might as well make a difference to someone (or several) for the better.
You’re also the first ever Cultural Ambassador for Malta. If you could tell the world one thing about your home country, what would it be?
A beautiful, historical island nestled in the best part of the Mediterranean.
Don't miss Joseph Calleja: The Maltese Tenor at Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 5 November, 7:30pm. Find tickets and more information.
