Teatru tal-Opra Aurora is pleased to host, for yet another year, the Gozo Youth Orchestra, who, in collaboration with 7SPP is presenting the Malta Premiere of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – The New Generation.
This iconic progressive rock musical will see the participation of some of the islands’ foremost talent. The Gozo Youth Orchestra will be under the direction of its founder/musical director Joseph Grech with the participation of Clara Sciberras, Neville Refalo, Klinsmann Coleiro, Chris Grech and Francesco Nicodeme. Artistic Direction is entrusted to Dorothy Bezzina. Billed as the most challenging production for the organisers, the production will be further augmented with electronic and acoustic music, video presentation by Liam Neeson, lighting effects and amazing special effects. No effort is being spared to ensure that it will indeed be a night to remember.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds is a studio double album by American-born, British resident musician, composer, and record producer Jeff Wayne, released on 9 June 1978 by CBS Records. It is a musical adaptation of the science-fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells in a rock opera style with a rock band, orchestra, narrator, and leitmotifs to carry the story and lyrics that express the feelings of the various characters. The album featured guest artists David Essex, Justin Hayward, Phil Lynott, Chris Thompson, and Julie Covington, with actor Richard Burton as the narrator.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – The New Generation is a 2012 concept album by Jeff Wayne and is a re-working of his 1978 concept album, retelling the story of the 1898 novel The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. As previously, the music format is predominantly progressive rock and string orchestra, but with synthesizers playing a more prominent role. The music is intermixed with re-voiced narration and leitmotifs to carry the story forward via rhyming melodic lyrics that express the feelings of the various characters. Due to the consistent popularity of the original album, Wayne decided to return to his score and re-create it for a new generation of audiences, as well as re-launch a live tour throughout the United Kingdom. The NG version also replaces several guest singers from the original album. Liam Neeson replaced Richard Burton as the Narrator/Journalist, Gary Barlow replaced Justin Hayward as the Sung Thoughts of the Journalist, Ricky Wilson replaced David Essex as the Artilleryman, Alex Clare replaced Chris Thompson as The Voice of Humanity, Maverick Sabre replaced Phil Lynott as Parson Nathaniel, and Joss Stone replaced Julie Covington as Beth. Jeff Wayne is currently on his 2025 tour, performing this version in various European venues.
“When Martians invade and humanity sings back, the battle for Earth becomes an epic rock opera.”
Tickets are now out on sale at €55, €45 and €35. Check out the Choose Your Seats link above.
