Blog
If we listen intently, we can still hear the notes of In Presepio wafting in the air and we find ourselves humming the tunes that accompanied us throughout the past Christmas period. But for our choristers and the many people behind In Presepio, our annual Christmas concert goes far beyond the notes on a manuscript.
In Presepio was a journey; both in terms of our realisation of it, and in the concept and event that it recalls. 800 years since St. Francis’ first crib, we attempted to recreate the joy and wonder of that first reenactment. Baby Jesus, once heard of in sermons or read about in the Scriptures, lay in a manger, for all to see. The simplicity and poverty he was born into, there for all to experience; the smell of the hay and the animals that brought comfort and warmth; Mary and Joseph, standing close, aware of the momentous event they witnessed, of their paths from there on.
The concert revolved around St. Francis and this dream of his: to recreate the event of events, for all to see. Our audience accompanied our St. Francis as his crib was built, not through clay or papier mâché, but through a carefully selected repertoire of choral music, each piece highlighting a main personality in the nativity story.
The In Presepio repertoire featured Christmas classics by Mendelssohn and Wagner, with works by British composers John Rutter and David Willcocks, and lesser known modern and contemporary pieces by Jēkabsone, Hayes, Culloton, Roche, Archer and Pitts. No Maltese Christmas concert is complete without Ninni La Tibkix Iżjed and our talented choristers and musicians delivered this piece with a new musical arrangement by Paul Portelli.
During In Presepio we also launched our latest original composition, Admirabile Signum. Composed by Paul Portelli, with lyrics by Francesco Pio Attard, the piece recalls St. Francis’ dream of reliving the first ever Christmas. We’re overjoyed that it was so marvellously met by our audience!
As we close the doors on yet another memorable Christmas concert, we can’t not mention the amazing musicians who accompanied our choristers: Anna Magrin and Amy Borg on the piano, Joseph Camilleri on the organ, and the BrassTubes who have for long collaborated closely with SCJ - as well as our brilliant conductor Marouska Attard. And of course our choristers: the SCJ Adults Group and SCJ Youths whose dedication to all our musical adventures continues unwavering.
Last but not least, a big thank you to you, our audience, who continue to support us and our projects year after year. You give us the impetus to continue exploring the world of choral music and to create unique concepts to deliver equally unique concerts. Thank you!
In Presepio was organised with the support of the Cultural Heritage Directorate within the Ministry for Gozo.
With Lent well underway, prepare for a deeply moving musical experience with Agnus Dei, A Concert of Sacred Music+, presented by Schola Cantorum Jubilate. The concert, taking place on Saturday, March 16th, 2024, at 7:30pm within the majestic Gozo Cathedral, promises to take the audience on a journey of reflection and spiritual renewal.
Well-renowned for their mesmerising Christmas concerts, Schola Cantorum Jubilate will return to Ta’ Pinu National Shrine on the 29th of December at 19.30 with In Presepio, a concert commemorating 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi’s first live crib.
Do you know any young music lovers who dream of singing on stage and sharing their voice with an audience? If the answer is yes, then we have the perfect opportunity for them!
The SCJ Children's Choir is inviting children aged 6 to 18 years to join in on the fun. Regardless of being new to singing or already seasoned stars, everyone is welcome.
The SCJ Children’s Choir is affiliated with the World Alliance of Children’s Choirs and provides a professional choral education where children and teenagers:
*Learn the basics of music reading and master vocal control;
*Perform in front of large audiences in professional concerts and events;
*Participate in singing camps with acclaimed guest teachers.
As you may know by now, at SCJ, we believe in the power of music in bringing joy, fostering creativity and building lifelong friendships. Hopeful choristers and their parents/guardians can get a first-hand experience of what it is like to be part of the SCJ Children’s Choir at our upcoming open rehearsal:
During the Open Rehearsal, both children and adults will have the chance to sing alongside our talented members, meet our internationally trained choir conductor, Marouska Attard, and witness the magic of our rehearsals. It is an excellent opportunity to see if the SCJ Children's Choir is the perfect fit for their musical journey.
Those interested in joining the choir but cannot attend the open rehearsal may fill in this application and return it by regular mail or email.
We encourage you to forward this email to friends and family members who might be interested in joining the choir. Everyone is welcome, even those who do not speak Maltese. After all, isn’t music a universal language?
Hope to see you or your friends at our open rehearsal!
This Lenten period, Schola Cantorum Jubilate will present Ħenn Għalina, a unique, all-male concert at the Għasri Parish Church on the 24th of March, 2023 at 7.30pm. Featuring the male section of Schola Cantorum Jubilate (SCJ) and the SCJ Teenage Boys Singers, the concert explores both well-known and new compositions written or arranged specifically for TTBB and promises to be a must-attend for all choral music enthusiasts.