‘Lapsi’ – a Maltese word which mean the Ascension of Jesus, got synonymous with the Notte Gozitana due to the fact that it is organised on the eve of ‘Lapsi’. This special evening or better a weekend of activities is organised annually by the Ministry for Gozo to exhibit local products and productions. The main attractions remain always the concerts and art exhibitions.
Marouska Attard, Director of Schola Cantorum Jubilate held a vocal recial at the Sacred Heart Seminary Chapel in Victoria. The chapel is usually not open for the public except on rare occasions but for this evening it hosted the soprano, pianist and a good number of attendees. The Rector invited also those present to go around the place which gives formation to young seminarians who once completed their tertiary course will become priests.
Soprano Attard interpreted various classical sacred pieces which amused the audience. The first four pieces were dedicated to Our Lady. These were ‘Vergin, tutto amor’ by Durante, ‘Ave Maria’ by Caccini, ‘Quia respexit humilitatem’ aria from ‘Magnificat in D Major’ by Bach and ‘Is-Sliema’ by Portelli. The other pieces concerned lyrics referring to God and episodes from the Gospel. These were ‘Ich will dir mein herze schenken’ aria from ‘St. Matthew’s Passion’ by Bach, ‘If thou art near’ by Bach, ‘O Mio Signor’ Largo from the opera Xerses by Handel, ‘Had I Jubal’s Lyre’ from the oratorio ‘Joshua’ by Handel, ‘Lowly they kneel’ from the opera ‘Semele’ by Handel, ‘Ave Verum’ by Mozart, ‘Pie Jesu’ from Fauré’s ‘Requiem’ and finally ‘I’ll walk with God’ by Brodsky. Three readings: ‘L-Imħabba hija Mużika’, ‘L-Għanja tal-Ħolqien’ and ‘Il-Mixja’ were read by Seminarian Carl Xerri. These were written by Seminarian Daniel Sultana.
Marouska Attard gave a brilliant interpretation to the above mentioned pieces. She was accompanied by Sofia Narmania, a highly qualified pianist from Russia. Ms. Narmania comes from a family of musicians and at a very young age she already demonstrated her outstanding musicianship. She has won various prestigious awards and prizes in international piano competitions in Russia and Italy. Her repertoire is wide and diverse and includes works from Scarlatti to Ginastera.
Those who attended will surely agree that it was worth going for this concert. The Maltese ambiance created a nice setting, the acoustics were good, the selection and interpretation of pieces were magnificent and the opportunity unique since the seminary was open for all. Many went around the place visiting the lecture rooms, common rooms and even one of the seminarians’ rooms. Behind the large white façade of the Seminary lies a home which focuses its teachings in forming young priests with open hearts and arms to work amongst the vulnerable who need to appreciate life and aim for a better living.
