The Orpheum Theatre is a building situated in Gżira, Malta. It was designed in 1932 by the Maltese architect Harold J. Borg (1908–1981), then still in his early twenties,Malta Who's Who, 1969/70 - page 55 to the design of Art Nouveau with Spanish features.Spazju Teatrali: A Catalogue of Theatres in Malta and Gozo (2016) https://valletta2018.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Spazji-Teatrali-A-Catalogue-of-Theatres-in-Malta-and-Gozo.pdf - Retrieved 10 March 2018.
The theatre was commissioned by Felix Gerada, a developer who lived between Malta and DetroitPassport application of Felix Gerada (hence the initials FG on the façade) on land he purchased from the Marquis Desain and was built to serve as a movie theatre. The carved relief is said to be the work of sculptor Alfredo Azzopardi, who had already worked on the Balluta buildings as well as on the Msida Parish church. The Orpheum is a Grade 1 scheduled building since 2001 thanks to the presence of a painting of Orpheus on the ceiling, by Raphael Bonnici Calì (1907–2002).Times of Malta
The Orpheum is a near-complete survivor of the large, single-screen cinemas on Malta. Like many of the island’s cinemas, it was flat-floored in the stalls and had a single balcony.
Notable performances Many world known performers gave performances at the Orpheum.
On the 24–25 March 1950, the Italian Tenor Tito Schipa performed at the building.Times of Malta - 24 March 1950 A few weeks later, Maria Caniglia gave two recitals. She was supported by the Maltese Tenors Oreste Kirkop and Paul Asciak.The Sunday Times of Malta - 7 May 1950.
On 10 July 1953, Sir Malcolm Sargent directed the Coronation Concert given by the Royal Marines Band Service.Times of Malta- 10 July 1953
The Italian singer Claudio Villa performed at the theatre on the 29 and 30 May 1954.Il-Berqa - 31 ta' Mejju 1954.
In 1955 the Tenor Luciano Tajoli gave five performances.Times of Malta - 8 February 1955.
In June 1958 Domenico Modugno performed at the Orpheum. Among the various interpretations he gave, he sang Nel blu dipinto di blu.Times of Malta - 13 June 1958.
At the age of 11, the Maltese singer Mary Spiteri began her singing career in this theatre. The Times 01May2026. 'I am everyone's singer': Mary Spiteri on music beyond party ties by Emma Borg. On-line: https://timesofmalta.com/article/mary-spiteri-reflects-decades-performing-labour-events.1127795 Retrieved 01May2026
During the 1990s (sometime in 1993/94), the first spontaneous pride party was organised at the Orpheum Theatre, even though the police intervened just a few hours into the party.Malta Independent 14September2019 On-Line: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2019-09-14/local-news/First-spontaneous-Pride-party-held-at-the-Orpheum-Theatre-in-1990s-6736213501. Retrieved : 14September2019
Black Sabbath gave a concert at the Orpheum on 25 August 1995.
References
External links Black Sabbath live at the Orpheum Theatre, 25 August 1995