in addition to the size and uniformity of the voice in every range, he adds a flawless technique, which carries him effortlessly through every difficulty, plus an extraordinarily beautiful timbre, the likes of which very few have at their disposal, one which prompts us to listen up in amazement and enjoy"Renate Wagner, Der Neue Merker
REVIEWS: LA TRAVIATA
3 performances of Verdi's opera La Traviata at the Vienna State Opera, May 2009
Kurier
“At Netrebko's side, Joseph Calleja was heard as Alfredo. Calleja has a lyric tenor sound, particularly appealing in the top range, and is also a very convincing actor."
Kurier
Der Neuer Merker
“The Alfredo, a role that sonny-boy types in the opera houses are so fond of singing, got a real man here: the only 31-year-old Maltese singer, Joseph Calleja, who justifiably already sings Wall over, and is not only a tenor of the present, but perhaps the tenor of the future - should it not make all that much difference that in a media world like ours, he of course failed to stand up against Villazón and Kaufmann in the international yellow-press competition: "Who is the fairest tenor of them all?" Vocally, we'll only find anyone comparable to him in the absolute A-class, because, in addition to the size and uniformity of the voice in every range, he adds a flawless technique, which carries him effortlessly through every difficulty, plus an extraordinarily beautiful timbre, the likes of which very few have at their disposal, one which prompts us to listen up in amazement and enjoy. There has already been much talk of his tempestuous dramatic portrayal, resembling a kiss attack on Ms. Netrebko, but always came across believably and never silly: in love and fury he was a real man. A partner, who didn't just stand behind the diva, but stood with equal authority by her side."
Renate Wagner, Der Neuer Merker
The Anna Netrebko blogspot
"The great unexpected revelation of the evening was Joseph Calleja. He is tall and chubby, but with the most beautiful relaxed natural stage presence. He totally evokes Pavarotti at his young best. Blest with a voice that improves the higher it goes, he also has a wonderful emotional openness that let's him change from anger to love in a moment. He is the first singer I have ever heard who reminds me of Enrico Caruso. There were moments in the party scene when I could not breath for the emotional roller coaster he was taking us on. He entered the party singing his opening lines with visible irony - when did I last hear a singer sing ironically! And the moment where in his anger at Violetta he is suddenly taken over by his feelings of love for her were literally breathtaking. This totally took me back to performances of Domingo I had seen in my youth over 20 years ago. I am so glad I recorded the evening! Roll on Bohème in Munich. I think Netrebko and Calleja together are sensational."
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VIENNA STATE OPERA, La Traviata
4, 7 & 11 May 2009
| Violetta | Anna Netrebko |
| Alfredo | Joseph Calleja |
| Germont | Vladimir Stoyanov |
| Flora | Zoryana Kushpler |
| Conductor | Marco Armiliato |
| Orchestra/choir | Vienna State Opera Chorus and Orchestra |
