As the opera season in Gozo draws near, the HSBC in Gozo, chose once again to make a contribution as a sponsor for the lyric opera to be produced at the Teatru ta' l-Opra Aurora, which with a 1,600 seating capacity qualifies as Malta's largest hall. The donation was presented by HSBC Gozo Branch manager, Mr Richard Mercieca to Dr Michael Caruana, president of the Leone Philharmonic Society which owns and runs the theatre.

This sponsorship is part of the bank's committment towards corporate social responsibility. Opera in Gozo is a major event which enhances the cultural and economic well-being of Gozo in the low tourist season. On behalf of the Teatru ta' l-Opra Aurora, Dr Michael Caruana thanked HSBC for its constant support.

Lyric opera requires heavy annual financial investment especially when it comes to producing or importing costumes and scenery as well as engaging the orchestra and the world renowned solo artists, this year being Paola Romanó, Vladimir Kuzmenko, Marzio Giossi and Nadia Petrenko.

Donations and sponsorships for the opera are always welcomed by the theatre which produces annual opera not merely for the financial viability but for the love of the art and the goodwill of its name.

La Forza Del Destino will be the 27th opera at the Aurora, coinciding with the 30th Anniversary of the first opera ever to be produced in Gozo; Madame Butterfly at the Teatru ta' l-Opra Aurora in 1977.

A few tickets are still available for the single performance tomorrow, Saturday 13th October at 7.30pm and are on sale from the Teatru ta' l-Opra Aurora Booking Office and D'Amato Records, Valletta (21234348) - Sliema (21338705) Standard Prices: LM25 (€48.23), LM20 (€46.59), LM18 (€41.93) Bookings can be made via telephone on 21562974 or 21559452 or via email info@leone.org...

In the meantime, preparations at the Teatru ta' l-Opra Aurora are in full swing as soloists, choir, orchestra and staff are busily preparing for tonights general dress rehearsal. The production, embedded within a gala night, takes place tomorrow. The President of Malta, Dr Edward Fenech Adami under whose patronage, the opera will be produced, will head the audience together with Mrs Fenech Adami, the Prime Minister, other MP's and their spouses.