Opera lovers in Malta have a rare treat this November. Teatru Manoel in Valletta, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe, is staging Richard Strauss’ Salomé, a short and intense one-act opera that still shocks and thrills audiences more than a century after its 1905 premiere. It is not an opera you get to see in Malta often, so this is one to book early.
Key details
- Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
- Time: 8:00pm
- Venue: Main Stage, Teatru Manoel, Old Theatre Street, Valletta
- Tickets: through the Teatru Manoel online booking site. Prices were not listed at the time of writing.
The opera and the cast
Strauss based Salomé on the German translation of Oscar Wilde’s play. The story follows Salomé, stepdaughter of King Herod, and her dark obsession with the imprisoned prophet Jochanaan (John the Baptist). The music is lush, strange and dramatic, building to the famous Dance of the Seven Veils and a gripping final scene.
This production uses a reduced orchestration by Nigel Shore, which suits the intimate size of the Manoel. The cast includes soprano Netta Or as Salomé, baritone Joseph Lia as Jochanaan, tenor Eduardo Hurtado Rampoldi as Herod and Maltese mezzo-soprano Graziella De Battista as Herodias, with guest conductor Barry Kolman.
In the same weeks Teatru Manoel is also staging Oscar Wilde’s original play Salomé (6 to 15 November), so you could see both and compare. The theatre has mentioned a ticket offer linking the productions; check the details when booking.
Tips for visitors
- The running time, language and surtitles were not confirmed at the time of writing. Strauss’ opera is usually sung in German and lasts about 100 minutes with no interval.
- The themes are dark and adult, so it is better suited to older teens and adults.
- Seats in the Manoel are close to the stage, but upper boxes can have restricted views. Ask when booking if that matters to you.
- Arrive a little early to enjoy the gilded interior. You may have seen it already if you went to Little Shop of Horrors there this autumn.
How to get there
Teatru Manoel is a short walk from the Valletta bus terminus and City Gate. Parking inside Valletta is very limited in the evening, so the bus, a cab or the Sliema ferry are easier. Our guide to getting to Valletta covers the options, and things to do in Malta this weekend has more ideas for your stay.