On 3rd February in Slovenia’s capitol Ljubljana will for the first time perform one of the most famous tenors on the world, Joseph Calleja. Artist from Malta with the voice and interpretation for which many believe is very similar to great Pavarotti, talks in interview for Estrada.si web magazine.
We are doing our interview at the last minute, just before your concert in Ljubljana. Your schedule is full, you are in America, probably tired and there are also a few hours time difference, however we managed to reconcile. Are you always so professional?
Its the life of an opera singer, made harder by Covid restrictions, many of which are completely silly. The pandemic has become endemic, at least in the several countries were vaccination uptake is high. I hope for everyone’s sakes that the various authorities realise.
You will perform in Ljubljana. Do you know any of your Slovenian colleagues? Have you performed with anyone before?
I have encountered some very beautiful voices from Slovenia along the years. Looking forward to performing with more.
You have recently sang in a duet with your daughter. Were you just a father or also a singing colleague, an educator?
When you are a good father, you have to be everything. Children are born perfect, it’s the parents job not to damage them as much as possible.
Do you think that your daughter might one day follow your footsteps into the world of music? Would you like any of your children to go to the opera?
My children like to go to the opera occasionally. My daughter is studying music, albeit in the pop world. I try not to impose my art on them, after all they have to hear me singing all the time.
Mario Lanza was your big idol, you also recorded a record with the songs he sang. Have you ever wanted to star in a movie about him? You’ve played Caruso already. By your opinion, would the role of Lanza be ideal for you?
My role of Caruso was very small and just a nice Cameo. I think that a movie about Mario Lanza is not needed – his life was a movie and we have plenty of footage of him in his various and great movies.
There is a recording of your duet with Bocelli on the internet. Have you ever considered recording an album of duets with opera colleagues?
I have collaborated with colleagues but never for a duo album. Good idea! Andrea is a good friend and of the greatest and complete artists of our generation.
You also sing Strangers in the night, which is one of Frank Sinatra’s most famous songs. Some believe it is dedicated to Ava Gardner, who was his wife. Have you ever recorded such a confessional song yourself? Dedicated to a woman? How is to sing a song that became world famous in the performance of another singer? Is this a big challenge?
I love Sinatra and Strangers in the night can be anything to anyone. Yes, I definitely am guilty of having some songs that remind me of some people in my past.
There are some world-famous opera stars in the generation before yours. Alagna, Safina, Frangoulis, Bocelli,… It doesn’t seem to be as much competition in your generation.
There are great voices coming out – Freddie De Tommaso, Jonathan Tetelman, just to mention 2 great tenors with a bright future.
Years ago, Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo made a big boom in opera with their trio. Why doesn’t anyone else do such things? Would you join to such a project?
I have mixed feelings about this. I prefer to be involved in something different, after all, who can top what they have achieved? They were fantastic as a trio, and the Great Pavarotti, is truly missed.
What is the position of opera today, especially in connection to young public?
Now that I have been singing for 25 years I think that, generally speaking, Opera is in decline. We need to focus more on young people, and make the arts important again in schools.
As a singer you are in your best years. How do you rate your voice, colleagues, competition?
The only competition is with myself – I can be my biggest enemy or my biggest friend.
New generations of singers are coming. In your opinion, is it easier or harder for them to succeed in opera today than it was for your generation for example?
Hard question – today opera is less popular than before, and to find jobs is also harder. A situation only made harder by Covid.
Your two foundations help singers from socially disadvantaged situations to study. You yourself are also a singing educator. How are you different from the educators you had during your studying years?
I raise money for young artists, I don’t teach yet. Teaching is a very serious and responsible matter and my career doesn’t allow me the time to teach yet.
In one of your interviews you said an interesting thing. You said that you achieved things too quickly or too young. Why? And do you still think so?
I started when I was 19 – my voice is intact and I never damaged it. But some roles and recordings I would have done better if I waited 5 – 8 years. Still, I have no regrets, as opportunities must be taken when they come.
You are the cultural ambassador of Malta, one of the directors of the European academy of Music Theater. Do you ever feel tempted to go into politics one day? For example as Minister of Culture?
Never say never, but so far I have no intention to pursue politics.
You are opera super star, in private you have two children. Is it difficult to have a family and be famous face the same time? Is it hard to have a privacy and to take children away from media, fans?
I behave the same with everyone. In the end opera singers are not movie stars etc.
Do you have any hobbies, pet,…?
Too many! I love dogs, cats, have 2 aquariums. I also love scuba diving, trekking and perhaps my biggest love – wine from St emilion. My friend and wine guru, Michael Fermier Tabone, has introduced me to the amazing world of Bordeaux. Too bad I cannot drink it whilst I am on tour!
Photos: Andrew Borg