Calleja

Bringing the conversation to "Faust," Mr. Calleja explained that this is only his second essay of the role since performing it in Berlin in 2006.

Here to Deal With the Devil Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2012

Turning from his favorite singers, Mr. Calleja touched on some of his favorite operatic music.

Here to Deal With the Devil Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2012

Deutsche Oper Berlin stages a concert version of this Sri Lanka-set tale of a friendship challenged by the love for the same woman, featuring Étienne Dupuis, Patrizia Ciofi and Joseph Calleja.

What's On Around Europe 2011

New York—"Every major singer, including the modern ones, all had this fast vibrato when they were young," said tenor Joseph Calleja over lunch recently, referring to the rapid vibration that is part of his distinctive tone.

Here to Deal With the Devil Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2012

Mr. Calleja, who on Thursday assumes the title role of Charles Gounod's "Faust" at the Metropolitan Opera, is also enjoying the buzz created by his recent CD, "The Maltese Tenor" Decca, featuring arias by Verdi, Puccini, Massenet, Gounod, Offenbach and Bizet.

Here to Deal With the Devil Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2012

Mr. Calleja—who at 16 was imitating Mario Lanza in the film "The Great Caruso"—grew up speaking English, Italian and Maltese.

A Big Voice From a Small Place 2011

Mr. Calleja is known for his warm, bel canto sound.

A Big Voice From a Small Place 2011

Joseph Calleja is a rarity in the opera world, a singer from the tiny Mediterranean country of Malta.

A Big Voice From a Small Place 2011

Now 33, Mr. Calleja made his debuts at Covent Garden (2002-03) and the Metropolitan Opera (2006) with a classic Italian role, The Duke of Mantua in "Rigoletto."

A Big Voice From a Small Place 2011

Mr. Calleja believes that modern opera productions also have to be believable, and said that he can recognize certain danger signals while rehearsing a new production.

Here to Deal With the Devil Barrymore Laurence Scherer 2012