Welcome to MNO

Celebrating Malta's rich operatic heritage and future.

At MNO we believe in the power of opera to transcend borders, to bring people together, and to elevate both performance and production values. We are committed to:

Establishing an international network of partner opera companies, enabling co-productions, the purchase and sale of opera productions, and the exchange of artists and creative teams.

Raising the standard of opera production in the Maltese Islands, ensuring that local performances are matched in ambition, artistry and technical excellence to the major international houses.

Supporting young Maltese artists, singers, musicians, directors, designers, providing them access to some of the best international artists and production teams, so they can grow, challenge themselves, and achieve full-scale opera experience.

Encouraging cultural tourism: by developing world-class opera seasons and festivals in Malta, we aim to attract international visitors, opera aficionados, and a multicultural clientele who see Malta not only as a holiday destination, but as a Mediterranean gateway to outstanding live art.

Building on this rich cultural foundation, Malta National Opera (MNO) is a new, private-company venture with a bold and inspiring mission: to place Malta firmly on the international operatic map, to enrich the local arts ecosystem, and to serve as a creative hub for young Maltese talent.

Nico Darmanin, an internationally active Maltese tenor and Artistic Director of Malta National Opera (MNO), founded this forward-looking organisation with a clear ambition: to position Malta as a vibrant Mediterranean hub for international operatic collaboration, professional development, and cultural investment. Drawing on his extensive experience on the global operatic stage and within the wider cultural industry, Nico is shaping a structured national opera company that reflects Malta’s unique identity while operating in line with leading international standards.

A message from MNO Artistic Director, Nico Darmanin -

“My ambition is to open doors for Malta’s next generation of singers, connecting them with the international operatic world and offering the guidance, experience and professional grounding needed to build lasting careers. At its core, this work is driven by a deep commitment to classical music and the responsibility to pass it on with care, rigour, and generosity.”