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Schola Cantorum Jubilate, one of the prominent choirs in our country, is synonymous with the annual event of ‘Carols by Candlelight’. However, this is quite misleading since the choir is committed all year round performing in different venues and presenting different productions. Last September, the choir was on tour in the Czech Republic where it performed in renowned venues amongst which the churches of St. Gall and Our Lady of Victories and at the dominant Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adalbert.
How much essence of humanity can fit into few hours? This event, Canta e Cammina, endorsed by the Valletta 2018 Foundation, is a rousing library of emotional parable of life: full of joy, nostalgia, maturity, serenity, hope, enjoying the intensity of life to the full through a unique and magical moment of artistic beauty, vibrant awakening and musical power.
Schola Cantorum Jubilate, under the direction of Marouska Attard, will perform, both a cappella and also accompanied, in various inspiring surroundings and significant spots at St Mark’s Priory – The Augustinian Cloister, in Rabat Malta. It is an accompanied journey by a selected informative tour guide and professional reading. The event is designed to be responsive, roving, and innovative, while placing the emphasis on the process itself and the close interaction with the audience during the performance. This is an innovative concept that will require the choir and attendees to move from one place into the other.
The repertoire for the soirée will include pieces by Mozart, Bach, Zelenka, Pitoni, Caruana, Aguiar, Buti, Rutter and Gjielo. All this music combined with the magnificent architecture - that endows the cloister - together with specific literature will undoubtedly present another unforgettable experience for those who have all forms of art at heart. Moreover, to compliment the event, there is going to be an exhibition in the foyer. ‘PROFILES…Human and Divine’ by artist and iconographer Nathanael Theurma who will depict the saintly and the human characters.
This is going to be an exclusive event and those interested are asked to book in advance. Admission fee is of 10€ for the up keeping and conservation of the cloister and church. For reservations please contact augustiniancloister@gmail.com or call 99844628/79061945
Since its inception, Schola Cantorum Jubilate had always given special attention to current situations in order to use its abilities and sustain those in need. Various philanthropic NGOs benefited from SCJ concerts’ proceeds. Some of these include charitable entities or funds for heritage restoration.
Ecce Homo will be held at Ta' Pinu National Shrine on Saturday 17th March by the prominent Schola Cantorum Jubilate, under the direction of Marouska Attard.
As the title and liturgical season implies, the concert will consist of Lenten motets. For many music enthusiasts, these Lenten pieces are considered as masterpieces due to their own particular beauty. The programme will focus mainly on polyphonic pieces by Palestrina, Tallis, Byrd, Bach, Bartolucci, Mawby and Gjielo. Attendees will listen to organ pieces by Lo Muscio on the Johannes Monarch Church Organ, interpreted by organist Joseph Camilleri.
The soirée will include also some reflections on humanity. These reflections are written by the choristers themselves. Schola Cantorum Jubilate will make use of different areas within the Shrine in order to explore different acoustics. Special light effects will help the audience admire the artistry of the exceptional unique architecture that the church boasts of.
At Ta’ Pinu, there are not any processions or pageants that one finds in other Basilicas or parishes. This particular venue was always considered as a hub for spirituality and interior peace. In fact for this reason, this particular concert is being held at Ta’ Pinu. Undoubtedly, it is going to be an effective experience that will blend the concepts of meditation and artistry.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Entrance is free and everyone is invited. There will be a collection to raise funds for the church conservation.
The SCJ Children’s choir was established in 2017 after consultation with the members of the Schola Cantorum Jubilate. It aims at giving children an understanding of choral music as well as an appreciation to some great choral works. This, being done while taking into consideration the children’s ages varying from 8, all the way to 12.