Bank of Valletta has sponsored a bronze alto rilievo commemorating the life and achievements of Malta’s foremost tenor Oreste Kirkop. The almost life-sized monument of the famous Maltese tenor seen in the Duke of Mantua attire from Rigoletto is the work of Ganni Bonnici, one of Malta’s leading sculptors.
The bronze alto rilievo was unveiled at the Manoel Theatre’s courtyard during a commemorative event held as part of the BOV Opera Festival 2006 which this year also featured the ‘Rigoletto’ as one of the main operas.
In a welcome address, Wilfred Kenely, Chairman of the Manoel Theatre Management Committee expressed his committee’s intention of paying tribute to Maltese personalities who have made a name in the international scene. He also referred to this year’s BOV opera festival which was in itself a celebration of Maltese talent. ‘It is our duty to ensure that people like Kirkop and others who played an important role in our country’s cultural development are remembered and given a place in history’, said Mr Kenely. “It is indeed a great satisfaction for us to have once again found the support of the BOV who came forward to sponsor this monument,’ concluded Mr Kenely.
Commenting on BOV’s support towards this Manoel Theatre initiative, Charles Borg, Executive Head at the CEO’s Office at Bank of Valletta said “we are delighted to be associated with this initiative that commemorates the achievements of one of Malta’s most talented artists. Our support underlines the importance that Bank of Valletta gives to the promotion of Malta’s cultural heritage. Indeed, the promotion of arts and culture forms a main pillar of our Community Programme,” said Charles Borg. “We would like to congratulate the Manoel Theatre Management Committee for taking such a worthy initiative which will pay tribute to this Maltese artist who made a name for himself and for his country even on the international scene,” concluded Mr. Borg.
The Teatru Manoel’s tribute to Oreste Kirkop includes an exhibition of photographs, posters, documents and international press reports that are currently being exhibited at the Sala Isouard. Film clips from Oreste’s international operatic career in the UK and USA will also be screened. A memento highlighting the short but dazzling international career of ORESTE KIRKOP, Malta’s singing ambassador of the Fifties is also being distributed.
This tribute recalls an important event in the annals of the theatre way back in December 1948 when Oreste Kirkop, sitting in the auditorium of the theatre during a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto, was asked there and then to substitute for the indisposed Italian tenor who had abandoned the production after the second act. The success of that performance with Oreste Kirkop, threw wide open the doors for other Maltese singers to appear with the same Italian Opera Company. It had also brought the first ripples of success for Oreste Kirkop which later led to his singing Rigoletto and La Boheme at London’s Covent Garden as well as on tour in the UK. He was also engaged as principal tenor of the NBC Opera Company with appearances in 57 American cities. He became Paramount Pictures singing discovery and appeared in the title-role of the film “The Vagabond King” opposite Kathryn Grayson.
Oreste Kirkop passed away in 1998 just two months short of his 75th birthday. He is survived by his two daughters Anita and Susan.
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