Edgar, I will never cease appreciating your precious work in helping to immortalize 'the beauty that once was' in/on our Islands ! Well done Edgar, thank you for your uniquely excellent idea and its execution ! I am one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to perform on the stage of this Opera House during a matinee brought up by Sister Emma and Sister Nelly of St Joseph's High School on Zachary Street, just round the corner ! The play was called ' The Postman '.
Well done Mr. Vella. Your video has brought so much pleasure (but also sadness) to thousands of people all over the world. Anyone who thinks it could have been reduced to 2 minutes is obviously too ignorant to appreciate all the detail you researched and included. Astrid Vella - great grand-daughter of Mikelang Borg, Royal Opera House Impresario
A beautiful presentation ,thank you Mr Vella for sharing. It would have been nice to re-build the Opera house as it was and having Joseph Calleja to be the first artist to sing in it. The new one being build looks too much like a chicken coop,what a pity. Greetings from Australia.
my father is maltese, nearly every year I visit with my family and as a little boy I loved looking at the ruin of the opera house,( not knowing what the building was) last week I returned from malta and although I am not sure about the new construction of the gateway, it was lovely to see the erection of new columns on the opera house site incorporating the original pieces, I look forward to going in a couple of years and seeing the finished result( hopefully) LOVED THE VIDEO.
What a presentation! Prosit Mr Vella, I can only hope that people power can convice the government to build it as it was before its destruction. The Maltese people have music in their souls!!!! the theatre to be rebuilt as it was would bring only joy to all. Marisa
@VellaEdgar Mr. Vella. Enjoyed watching the film very much. It is also very educational. I wonder if you have entered the film in Tony Parnis's, 'Short Film Festival yet?' Prosit . JMG, (again) Toronto.
Well done Mr.Vella it is such a pity that we have lost such an iconic building in our history now that we have endeavoured to another sort of construction. I have questions, yes it would have made more sense to re-build the theatre again from our point of view but what about the eyes of the general public and the government would it be worth it? Don’t you think the Manuel Theatre is enough for such a small country? Is there any chance to re-build it now anyway?
@VellaEdgar Thanks for your reply. I must remind you though, that filmakers like Spielberg and Scorsese also started with a camera, inspiration and a subject. Fim education afollowed. Your, "little contribution", was a very clever piece of editing. It hit a very sore spot! That's what its all about. Keep up the good work. Best wishes, and regards, John Grima
"A work of Love " Mr.Vella,you managed to capture the nostalgia and highlights of this once historic building! Unfortunately for me, I never enjoyed it while standing. The paradox is that while the oppressor ruined our only Opera House, Germany was rebuilt by great financial aid from the Allies. Our successive governments did not have the Vision nor the cultural inclination to rebuild this outstanding building..but take heart everyone,we will soon see modern monsters at the Valletta entrance.
I thought now that Malta is in the EU, somehow they would find a way to rebuild this historical monument. As a child I always stared at the distruction everytime I passed by. I just hope before my end comes I could see it rebuilt. It is a crying shame knowing how well Malta is doing and yet the thought of rebuilding it was always swept away. Everytime I bought something from the small stores in the front that were still operating, I would dream of the rebuilding.
@VellaEdgar: Mhux veru Sur Vella. The rebuilt Opera House will outlast, Money, Bread and People. It will be the splendid monument it once were. Too bad Gonzi didn't listen to suggestions. JMG
Thanks a lot for your nice comment Viennas5. Not quite sure if Ms Astrid Vella was the one who posted the comment or just info from Viennas5 on the ROH Impresario. In either case thanks :-)
@VellaEdgar Proset Edgar...veru haqqek proset. Very nice presentation. ....biss jekk wara dan il kapulavur tara it teatru propost min Piano taqa naqra down.:) Xi haga maestuza ser tigi mbidla ma xi haga moderna....Bla saqaf. Fejn ser ikun il grandjozita li wiehed ghandu jhoss meta jidholl ghal raprezentazzjoni go teatru ?
Vera kellu jkun zvinturat dan it tijatru,lewwel kellu jiharaq,imbad ghada min taht idejn il Germanizi,u flahhar kellu jghadi min taht idejn Renzo Pjano.
I'm doing a business project on Malta and I find it sad that people were considering getting rid of the remains since WWII to build a new parliament building. It is a part of history and should not be disregarded.
I performed together with with a local harpist in front of Teatru Rjal and I passed some days there during the Valletta Film Festival as a photographer. Mela: One day the Opera House will be rebuilt. Tislima minn Berlin u Good Luck ta´ l-Opera House
@MrJgrima Thanks for your nice comments Mr Grima. Believe me I have no idea about film making ...this was just my little contribution on UA-cam for people, who like me enjoy reminiscing about better days :-)
@123burdiek Thank You. There is however, one consulation, the Opera house sight is STILL alive. It would not become part of the new parliament building, which was Mr. Gonzi's original plan. We are thankfull for SMALL mercies. John Grima
Hello Edgar. My mother was Lillian Malfiggiani -born in India - and a great- grandaughter of Amilcare Malfiggiani . I wonder if you are related to the Malfiggianis. My Name is Barbara Insull nee Allen. I am a New Zealander.
@karlina5 once again thanks for the nice comment. It looks like quite a few people would rather see this Opera House rebuilt as it stood before being bombed. But it looks like public opinion in this country does not count at all ! best regards Edgar
What a beautiful dream being able to go in and see the grand theater we had. And now we have this so called 'modern theater' . So out of place in our old City. Thank you for the tears that I and many more cry for it.
Jiena nahseb li jekk hu kif qed tghid int, ahjar inhalluh kif inhu u niffrankaw il-miljuni ! Xejn xejn ikun tifkira originali kif hallewha l-bombi ...xi tghid ?
@VellaEdgar. Sorry but I don't agree with you! It should be restored to its original grandeur not left as a gaping hole in Valletta and in our hearts!! We should resotre it, frame the "Photos of Destruction" and hang them insde the Opera Theatre to remind us how, like the phoenix, it has risen from the ashes to its new splendor!! Shame on the Authorities and the Government for letting Renzo Piano come up with such a stupid idea for our Opare Theatre!! Possibbli l'ebda Malti m'hu kapaci!!!!!!??
@CallejaNoel Naqbel mieghek mija fil-mija ! Jekk wiehed joqghod jahseb ftit tinduna li l-isbah monumenti u kapolavuri ta' arkitettura hallewhomlna il-Kavallieri ta' San Gwann u, fuq skala izghar, l-Inglizi, ghalkemm dawn ta' l-ahhar irrovinaw bosta swar u monumenti biex jaghmlu spazju ghal progetti li fil-fehma taghhom kienu mehtiega fi zmenhom. Ahna kull ma ghamilna kien li hallejna dak li baqa shih wara l-Gwerra, jaqa' bicciet !
@rrrose1000 what stupid comment are you referring to, if I may ask ? was it a comment I made or viewers of my little video ? I happen to agree 100% about your views but seems to me you're attributing to me some comment which I did NOT make :-)
@pecurent ghandek ragun ! ghax li kieku kellna ghal qalbna l-kultura ma konniex inhalli dan is-sit jispicca parking lot ghal tant snin ...fl-istess hin jiddispjacini nghid li l-pariri u l-idejat ta' min veru jaf x' inhu jghid dwar dan is-suggett qed jigu injorati kompletament.
My little video contribution was intended for people who have 10 minutes of their life to waste on memories of the past. I do apologize for wasting your valuable 10 minutes :-)
God help us if they rebuild it now going by the ugly junk they have already inflicted on the area. Such beauty replaced by such horror such as the Victoria gate and that awful building just inside, I believe it's parliament. I've only seen pictures since I haven't been to Malta fo almost 20 years. There are no artists left, I guess.
U isa taqtawx qalbkom l-ahwa! Kunu pozittivi - se nkunu l-unika pajjiz fl-Ewropa li se jkollna teatru tal-opra convertible! uhmm.... stenn il-karozzi convertible ikollhom saqaf jinghalaq.....
@VellaEdgar bIL FLUS TAL PARLAMENT IL GDID FORMA TA AQARIUM KONNA NIBNUH EDGAR !!. U BIL FLUS LI TAJNA LIL PJANO 40 MILJUN .ANKA IT TIFEL TA GHAXAR SNIN IRAGUNA!! iL PARLAMENT MESU INBENA FIL BINI mitluq LI HEMM manoel island.
My pzternalvgrandfzther Paul sang in operas here as baritone andvmusician of the huge brass organ We were taught music at home piano,mexsentvto a conductor to study theory and sing on stage after studying music notes at thirteenbi sangvon stage,my mother has passed away so only my brothers and sisters came ,father was not well zfter my mum passed away became frail with diabetes ,lifevhas joys but zlso tragedies of sll sorts,ourvhome not here in the valley do far away from home,that is why ,love ofGod and love of neighbour wins heaven home,as heavenbis weddingcfeast forever served on banquets, byJesus,God himself ,that is why we choose the kingdom of love here ,to enjoy God in his kingdom of love to die for our selfish desires znd job to serve not second d nature but first ,like a mother andcfathervtovuounger generation,so we teach by goodcexamp,e not just words butvby being there dtsy put as the rock,Jesus character wzs authentic to go through the narrow road,born us new on thevjo,y cross the good tree,we zre his goodcfruit so we always forgive to give p,ensure to fztherGod just likeJesus gave hufevpkeasure yofatherGod andxwe be like him nearly loose his mind Jesus but no ,he was as sane as can be ,even in the vlothbofVeronica,one can see he cried but still zs strong as rock his character to ssy" yes" notvyo born again one child but all ,altogether mothers eho norn thrir children altogether fid not duffer as bad as Jesus as him burning us new again, started jis dufferring do huge mission three tears before jis FYI gbon the cross so jisxlabour started st 30years old,when he was not fo loved by otsiders as outsiders did not know,family knew how good Jesus was The story goes even today as when outsiders getvyo hear your story,it takes more than three years to know,what a person wentvtbrough and love her him as we have no human enemy but spiritual warfare so the key to choosethexeinnerJesus iis forgive ,to give a small gift or bigger gift yo say," i care for you so you be OK dear have the best of evrything in life,here andceverladting commonwealth health peace is forgiveness, like a pebble thecfipp,e of forgiveness inwater expands the circle of forgiving,meaning ,many more chances to fo better in relationships next day and day zfter so we,hurt each other by eords and both be sad,so whenvwecreflect we try better next yi e so to say dorry I was wrong fix marriages as well as relationships and if person does not want you,then one cannot fo anything, just pray thry be in love zndxeish them well pesybour father gorvhim her and offer ass gor priest celebrating Mass znd all the jo,y dpitit for each person to built ,byectake goid care,blessed motherMsry bless usxall and take us to heaven with her all all all♡♡♡❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤in Jesus holy precious blood we be all saved ,bye gobin peace and shout for joy bye
Edgar, I will never cease appreciating your precious work in helping to immortalize 'the beauty that once was' in/on our Islands ! Well done Edgar, thank you for your uniquely excellent idea and its execution ! I am one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to perform on the stage of this Opera House during a matinee brought up by Sister Emma and Sister Nelly of St Joseph's High School on Zachary Street, just round the corner ! The play was called ' The Postman '.
A very nice presentation, Mr Vella. Thanks for sharing.
Jasmine
Another terrific piece of art. Thank you. I would never had seen this if not for you. Thank you.I agree, it should be restored.
Well done Mr. Vella. Your video has brought so much pleasure (but also sadness) to thousands of people all over the world. Anyone who thinks it could have been reduced to 2 minutes is obviously too ignorant to appreciate all the detail you researched and included.
Astrid Vella - great grand-daughter of Mikelang Borg, Royal Opera House Impresario
Thank you for your slide show. I think that Malta in the 1930's was most beautyfull. Very well done
Thanks for posting prosit....Jane
Thank you for sharing this wonderful video.
A beautiful presentation ,thank you Mr Vella for sharing.
It would have been nice to re-build the Opera house as it was and having Joseph Calleja to be the first artist to sing in it.
The new one being build looks too much like a chicken coop,what a pity.
Greetings from Australia.
my father is maltese, nearly every year I visit with my family and as a little boy I loved looking at the ruin of the opera house,( not knowing what the building was) last week I returned from malta and although I am not sure about the new construction of the gateway, it was lovely to see the erection of new columns on the opera house site incorporating the original pieces, I look forward to going in a couple of years and seeing the finished result( hopefully) LOVED THE VIDEO.
What a presentation! Prosit Mr Vella, I can only hope that people power can convice the government to build it as it was before its destruction. The Maltese people have music in their souls!!!! the theatre to be rebuilt as it was would bring only joy to all.
Marisa
I'm so glad you enjoyed this small video about Malta's musical history ...Thanks
Well done Mr. Vella, thanks for sharing it.
@VellaEdgar Mr. Vella. Enjoyed watching the film very much. It is also very educational. I wonder if you have entered the film in Tony Parnis's, 'Short Film Festival yet?' Prosit . JMG, (again) Toronto.
Well done Mr.Vella it is such a pity that we have lost such an iconic building in our history now that we have endeavoured to another sort of construction. I have questions, yes it would have made more sense to re-build the theatre again from our point of view but what about the eyes of the general public and the government would it be worth it? Don’t you think the Manuel Theatre is enough for such a small country? Is there any chance to re-build it now anyway?
@VellaEdgar Thanks for your reply. I must remind you though, that filmakers like Spielberg and Scorsese also started with a camera, inspiration and a subject.
Fim education afollowed. Your, "little contribution", was a very clever piece of editing.
It hit a very sore spot! That's what its all about. Keep up the good work.
Best wishes, and regards, John Grima
"A work of Love " Mr.Vella,you managed to capture the nostalgia and highlights of this once historic building! Unfortunately for me, I never enjoyed it while standing. The paradox is that while the oppressor ruined our only Opera House, Germany was rebuilt by great financial aid from the Allies. Our successive governments did not have the Vision nor the cultural inclination to rebuild this outstanding building..but take heart everyone,we will soon see modern monsters at the Valletta entrance.
@VellaEdgar I am doing a documentary for my assignment, and I am trying to find some sources of old Valletta. The material from were was taken?
@VellaEdgar Well I am doing a documentary part one of my assignments. Can I ask from were the material were taken from?
I thought now that Malta is in the EU, somehow they would find a way to rebuild this historical monument. As a child I always stared at the distruction everytime I passed by. I just hope before my end comes I could see it rebuilt. It is a crying shame knowing how well Malta is doing and yet the thought of rebuilding it was always swept away. Everytime I bought something from the small stores in the front that were still operating, I would dream of the rebuilding.
MRREDOIT....I AGREE WITH YOU 300%....VIVA MALTA!!!
@VellaEdgar: Mhux veru Sur Vella. The rebuilt Opera House will outlast, Money, Bread and People. It will be the splendid monument it once were. Too bad Gonzi didn't listen to suggestions. JMG
I agree with you 100%!!!!!!
Thanks a lot for your nice comment Viennas5. Not quite sure if Ms Astrid Vella was the one who posted the comment or just info from Viennas5 on the ROH Impresario. In either case thanks :-)
@VellaEdgar Proset Edgar...veru haqqek proset. Very nice presentation. ....biss jekk wara dan il kapulavur tara it teatru propost min Piano taqa naqra down.:) Xi haga maestuza ser tigi mbidla ma xi haga moderna....Bla saqaf. Fejn ser ikun il grandjozita li wiehed ghandu jhoss meta jidholl ghal raprezentazzjoni go teatru ?
@JANDIMMIF thanks a lot for the nice comment ..best regards from Malta
Vera kellu jkun zvinturat dan it tijatru,lewwel kellu jiharaq,imbad ghada min taht idejn il Germanizi,u flahhar kellu jghadi min taht idejn Renzo Pjano.
I'm doing a business project on Malta and I find it sad that people were considering getting rid of the remains since WWII to build a new parliament building. It is a part of history and should not be disregarded.
I performed together with with a local harpist in front of Teatru Rjal and I passed some days there during the Valletta Film Festival as a photographer.
Mela: One day the Opera House will be rebuilt.
Tislima minn Berlin u Good Luck ta´ l-Opera House
+Malta StoryTime Unfortunately it is not going to be rebuild
Who's video is this ? who've made it please?
thanks for this video it is really beautiful but also sad.
@MrJgrima Thanks for your nice comments Mr Grima. Believe me I have no idea about film making ...this was just my little contribution on UA-cam for people, who like me enjoy reminiscing about better days :-)
BRAVO!
thanks for the nice comment Marisa ...much appreciated !
Edgar
@123burdiek Thank You. There is however, one consulation, the Opera house sight is STILL alive.
It would not become part of the new parliament building, which was Mr. Gonzi's original plan.
We are thankfull for SMALL mercies. John Grima
@klacachia by the way it should read Whose not who's is which means who is?
@klacachia Well I prepared it using available material and uploaded it ...so I guess I can say that I made it ..any reason why you asked Klacachia ?
wow .... xi swied ta qalb hux meta tara il hnizrija li ghamlu minnha !!!!
Hello Edgar.
My mother was Lillian Malfiggiani -born in India - and a great- grandaughter of Amilcare Malfiggiani .
I wonder if you are related to the Malfiggianis. My Name is Barbara Insull nee Allen. I am a New Zealander.
@karlina5 once again thanks for the nice comment. It looks like quite a few people would rather see this Opera House rebuilt as it stood before being bombed. But it looks like public opinion in this country does not count at all ! best regards Edgar
What a beautiful dream being able to go in and see the grand theater we had. And now we have this so called 'modern theater' . So out of place in our old City. Thank you for the tears that I and many more cry for it.
Jiena nahseb li jekk hu kif qed tghid int, ahjar inhalluh kif inhu
u niffrankaw il-miljuni ! Xejn xejn ikun tifkira originali kif hallewha
l-bombi ...xi tghid ?
Prosit , hadt gost nara dan il-video !!
@VellaEdgar. Sorry but I don't agree with you! It should be restored to its original grandeur not left as a gaping hole in Valletta and in our hearts!! We should resotre it, frame the "Photos of Destruction" and hang them insde the Opera Theatre to remind us how, like the phoenix, it has risen from the ashes to its new splendor!! Shame on the Authorities and the Government for letting Renzo Piano come up with such a stupid idea for our Opare Theatre!! Possibbli l'ebda Malti m'hu kapaci!!!!!!??
X'hasra...dan huwa telf ghan-nazzjon taghna.....ma niskanta xejn...l'ebda gvern Malti ma ta kas vera il-kultura gewwa Malta!
VellaEdgar, a beautiful ode to a bygone past. Hope I win the lottery so I can restore this treasure.
Dak li darba kien grandjuz issa mistenni jerga jinbena............bla saqaf. Tghid bhala tifkira tad-disastru tal-gwerra fuq l'istess teatru?
and how about "Who made it? or better yet...Who produced it? What has happened to the English language in Malta???..
It is quite tragic when a unique opportunity was lost refusing the German POWS' offer.
@CallejaNoel Naqbel mieghek mija fil-mija ! Jekk wiehed joqghod jahseb ftit tinduna li l-isbah monumenti u kapolavuri ta' arkitettura hallewhomlna il-Kavallieri ta' San Gwann u, fuq skala izghar, l-Inglizi, ghalkemm dawn ta' l-ahhar irrovinaw bosta swar u monumenti biex jaghmlu spazju ghal progetti li fil-fehma taghhom kienu mehtiega fi zmenhom. Ahna kull ma ghamilna kien li
hallejna dak li baqa shih wara l-Gwerra, jaqa' bicciet !
@rrrose1000 what stupid comment are you referring to, if I may ask ?
was it a comment I made or viewers of my little video ? I happen to agree
100% about your views but seems to me you're attributing to me some
comment which I did NOT make :-)
@pecurent ghandek ragun ! ghax li kieku kellna ghal qalbna l-kultura ma konniex inhalli dan is-sit jispicca parking lot ghal tant snin ...fl-istess hin jiddispjacini nghid li l-pariri u l-idejat ta' min veru jaf x' inhu jghid dwar dan is-suggett qed jigu injorati kompletament.
Never asked for your opinion but thanks anyway :-)
btw "shown" sounds and looks better than "showed"
Shame on every Maltese politician that did not rebuild the Opera house.
My little video contribution was intended for people who have 10 minutes of their life to waste on memories of the past. I do apologize for wasting your valuable 10 minutes :-)
God help us if they rebuild it now going by the ugly junk they have already inflicted on the area. Such beauty replaced by such horror such as the Victoria gate and that awful building just inside, I believe it's parliament. I've only seen pictures since I haven't been to Malta fo almost 20 years. There are no artists left, I guess.
i wonder what it was like to stand right in front of it and feel like an insect
:(
@xiby527 STALIN GRAD IT TEATRI LI WAQAW BILL GWERRA REGGAW TELLAWOM.AWNEK TEATRU BLA SAQAF
@rrrose1000 naqbel mieghek mija fil-mija !
U isa taqtawx qalbkom l-ahwa! Kunu pozittivi - se nkunu l-unika pajjiz fl-Ewropa li se jkollna teatru tal-opra convertible! uhmm.... stenn il-karozzi convertible ikollhom saqaf jinghalaq.....
@VellaEdgar bIL FLUS TAL PARLAMENT IL GDID FORMA TA AQARIUM KONNA NIBNUH EDGAR !!. U BIL FLUS LI TAJNA LIL PJANO 40 MILJUN .ANKA IT TIFEL TA GHAXAR SNIN IRAGUNA!!
iL PARLAMENT MESU INBENA FIL BINI mitluq LI HEMM manoel island.
My pzternalvgrandfzther Paul sang in operas here as baritone andvmusician of the huge brass organ
We were taught music at home piano,mexsentvto a conductor to study theory and sing on stage after studying music notes at thirteenbi sangvon stage,my mother has passed away so only my brothers and sisters came ,father was not well zfter my mum passed away became frail with diabetes ,lifevhas joys but zlso tragedies of sll sorts,ourvhome not here in the valley do far away from home,that is why ,love ofGod and love of neighbour wins heaven home,as heavenbis weddingcfeast forever served on banquets, byJesus,God himself ,that is why we choose the kingdom of love here ,to enjoy God in his kingdom of love to die for our selfish desires znd job to serve not second d nature but first ,like a mother andcfathervtovuounger generation,so we teach by goodcexamp,e not just words butvby being there dtsy put as the rock,Jesus character wzs authentic to go through the narrow road,born us new on thevjo,y cross the good tree,we zre his goodcfruit so we always forgive to give p,ensure to fztherGod just likeJesus gave hufevpkeasure yofatherGod andxwe be like him nearly loose his mind Jesus but no ,he was as sane as can be ,even in the vlothbofVeronica,one can see he cried but still zs strong as rock his character to ssy" yes" notvyo born again one child but all ,altogether mothers eho norn thrir children altogether fid not duffer as bad as Jesus as him burning us new again, started jis dufferring do huge mission three tears before jis FYI gbon the cross so jisxlabour started st 30years old,when he was not fo loved by otsiders as outsiders did not know,family knew how good Jesus was
The story goes even today as when outsiders getvyo hear your story,it takes more than three years to know,what a person wentvtbrough and love her him as we have no human enemy but spiritual warfare so the key to choosethexeinnerJesus iis forgive ,to give a small gift or bigger gift yo say," i care for you so you be OK dear have the best of evrything in life,here andceverladting commonwealth health peace is forgiveness, like a pebble thecfipp,e of forgiveness inwater expands the circle of forgiving,meaning ,many more chances to fo better in relationships next day and day zfter so we,hurt each other by eords and both be sad,so whenvwecreflect we try better next yi e so to say dorry I was wrong fix marriages as well as relationships and if person does not want you,then one cannot fo anything, just pray thry be in love zndxeish them well pesybour father gorvhim her and offer ass gor priest celebrating Mass znd all the jo,y dpitit for each person to built ,byectake goid care,blessed motherMsry bless usxall and take us to heaven with her all all all♡♡♡❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤in Jesus holy precious blood we be all saved ,bye gobin peace and shout for joy bye
Thank you for sharing this wonderful video.