Events
Ahead of O Magnum Mysterium, the Grand Christmas Concert, SCJ Choir Leader Stefan Attard noted that it is difficult to express in words what will happen on the day.
He was right. O Magnum Mysterium had to be experienced for one to truly appreciate all its nuances.
On 11 December 2022, the young members of our SCJ choirs stepped excitedly and determinedly on a purposely built stage at the Kempinski San Lawrenz Hotel and proudly exhibited the techniques and music they had learnt over the previous months. The three choirs: the SCJ Teenage Boys Singers, the SCJ Children’s Choir, and the SCJ Children’s Choir Younger Group, were accompanied by Amy Rapa on the piano and, with the help of our Choir Director Marouska and Choir Leader Stefan, put on a memorable concert for a sizable audience.
Teas The Season! was an afternoon experience for the entire family, centred around delicious tea, cakes and nibbles, enchanting Christmas carols… and a bit of humour for good measure.
A highlight of the afternoon - and on a more serious note - was a special message straight from war torn Ukraine. A reminder not to take peace for granted, but also to appreciate all the little things, even in difficult moments. On the cue of our Ukrainian friend, the SCJ Teenage Boys Singers emotionally sang Shchedryk, a Ukrainian carol, in honour of all those surrounded by conflict during this holiday season and beyond.
We loved hosting Teas The Season! and we are grateful for all those without whose support, our concerts would not be possible: the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo, the professional and talented team who work tirelessly behind the scenes, our choristers’ families for their cooperation and, last but not least, our audience for their continuous support and appreciation.
Check out some images from Teas The Season!, including our special guests who had plenty of antics up their sleeve… (we are talking about you, Grandma and Christopher!). The dialogue suitably fitting for the afternoon between two special guests, Ms Bess Hayes and Christopher acted by Sue Scantlebury and Andy Fava was penned by Alex Farrugia.
Now synonymous with the opening of the Christmas season in Gozo, It’s Christmas Time heralds this joyous time with music and the symbolic switching on of all Christmas lights on the island. This year, SCJ also participated in this launch.
On the 26th of November, three of our choirs joined other talented singers and musicians on the Astra Theatre stage for a marvellous programme of carols and more. The concert featured our Children’s Choir, the SCJ Teenage Boys Singers and SCJ, together with Baritone Charles Buttigieg, Miriam Christine, Althea Troisi and the Cordia Ensemble and BrassTubes.
The concert was broadcast on the national television station, TVM, on Christmas Day at 3pm, in what turned out to be a splendid accompaniment to coffee and Christmas cake. It was widely well-received, evident in the many positive comments we received since then!
Check out the photos and videos below for a quick recap.
The fifteenth edition of Carols by Candlelight will be held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th December at 7.30pm at St Augustine’s Priory in Victoria Gozo. As in previous editions, this event will present a Christmas concert in a special atmosphere created inside the church. The concert will be followed by a five-course meal freshly prepared by Ta’ Frenc Chefs. This will be held in the Priory Cloister. Paul A. Stellini was appointed the artistic director for this edition while Victor Agius will hold an exhibition in the foyer. The choir will be under the direction of Marouska Attard.
Click here for more information about this event.
Tickets available as from 14th November from D'Amato Record Shop, Valletta and Bargate Bookshop Victoria.
For more information call on 79450950 or send us an email on info@scjchoir.com
