Joseph Calleja Biography

Fast Facts

• Selected to be the first cultural ambassador of Malta in 2012
• In cooperation with Malta's Bank of Valletta, he formed the BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation, which strives to help children and families in need
• Was honored as the Gramphone Artist of the Year in 2012
• In 2012, was given an honorary doctorate in literature, recognizing his international achievements
• Prior to pursuing a music career, he studied law for one year at the De La Salle College in Malta
• As of 2013, he has two children
• Claims he was first inspired to become an opera singer at age 14 after seeing a performance of "The Great Caruso" with tenor Mario Lanza
• Grew up in a family heavily involved in sports, and competed throughout his childhood and teenage years in the shot put, javelin and discus throw
• Most recently starred in the 2013 film "The Immigrant" as the legendary opera tenor Enrico Caruso
• Shared the stage with singer Michael Bolton for a 2009 concert
• His debut in opera came at age 19 when he performed in a production of MacBeth at Astra Theatre in Gozo, Malta
• Is a tenor who has performed professional since being discovered at age 16
• Was raised to speak English, Italian and Maltese
• His favorite hobbies and activities include waterskiing, swimming and fishing
• Is a self-professed win connoisseur, and owns several thousand bottles of wine
• Was chosen as a brand ambassador for Air Malta in 2013