Last June, Schola Cantorum Jubilate recorded a newly composed piece by Ruben Zahra entitled ‘Vrbe Nova’. The lyrics are those written on the foundation stone of Valletta which still lies in the church of Our Lady of Victories. This new piece, rather modern in its genre and accompanied by percussion, is written for Valletta18.
Ruben Zahra worked on the idea of having this piece recorded by Schola Cantorum Jubilate and eventually a virtual choir joins in so that the number of choristers will sum up to 2018, just like the year celebrating the V18.
The first part of the piece includes a solo part for a high soprano and is sung in Maltese. This part was interpreted by Soprano Marouska Attard, Director of Schola Cantorum Jubilate.
To launch the piece, architectural projects including colourful shapes and figures lit up the façade of Auberge de Castille. The projections were the work of Bernard Magri and Ruben Zahra. StudioSeven was in charge of supplying the technical know-how and audio visual equipment. It was launched in the event ‘Science in the City’ held on Friday 27th September in the Knights’ City.
Schola Cantorum Jubilate performed the piece four times during the Notte Bianca soirée on the sublime staircase of Auberge de Castille. The first performance was at 8.30pm and the others followed every hour. It was undoubtly one of the main events during this year’s Notte Bianca.
Those who gathered on site were amazed on seeing the architeture of Castille so much highlighted and the projections featuring what was actually sung. The whole combination of music and lights left its impact on the audience of thousands of people; left a sense of pride on listening to such a tribute to its capital city.