We had so much in store for you this year but circumstances dictated otherwise. Amongst the numerous events that we had to cancel was the revival of the three-act opera EDITH CAVELL by Malta's finest Romantic composer Paolino Vassallo (1856-1923). Completed shortly before he died in 1923 and performed once in 1927 at the Royal Opera House Valletta, the story centres around the historical British nurse Edith Cavell who, together with a Belgian colleague, was executed in Brussels in 1915 for enabling over 200 allied soldiers to escape the German occupation of Belgium and reach neutral Holland. Vassallo wrote his work in honour of nurse Cavell, whose courage and Christian faith he greatly admired.
Ironically, although a century later and in completely different circumstances, one may find many parallelisms with what's happening today. Much like Edith Cavell, healthcare workers around the world are sagrificing themselves to keep us safe. As we reflect on the current situation do join us in showing our respect and appreciation to all our medical experts and staff for their sterling work.