Members of Schola Cantorum Jubilate gathered at the Basilica of Xagħra to give the last tribute to a special woman, Giuliana Attard.
Giuliana Attard happens to be the grandmother of the choir Director, Marouska Attard and choir leader Stefan Attard. Fifteen years ago, she opened her door for the choir’s rehearsals which she followed with passion and whenever it was possible she attended for the concerts. When she was unable to attend, she would later enjoy watching and listening to the concert which was filmed specifically for her.
Her determination, strong will, kindness and love for the Creator touched the members who all considered her as part of the SCJ family. She will never be forgotten for providing ‘ġulep’ (carob syrup) for anyone having a sore throat. Her syrup was also a must to pack in the luggage when the choir was going to perform overseas.
Coming from a family with a musical culture and having been a chorister herself, she used to pronounce some Latin words we encountered in the scores. She used to explain in which part of the liturgy a particularly hymn should be sung or else explain the meaning of certain words.
The traditional Christmas-eve gathering the choristers hold every year will not be the same from this year on. She hosted these gatherings which ended always with the choristers singing ‘Ninni la tibkix iżjed’ in her kitchen followed by sharing season desserts and drinks.
Animating the funeral mass was surely a must for SCJ. Each chorister gave his/her utmost to thank God for having given us Giuliana, the ‘number one admirer’.
The choir interpreted ‘Kyrie’, ‘Sanctus’ and ‘Agnus Dei’ from Duruflé’s Requiem. The other pieces interpreted were: ‘Crucem Tuam’ and ‘O Salutaris Hostia’ (Bartolucci), ‘Ir-Rgħaj u s-Sid tiegħi’. Marouska Attard interpreted ‘Pie Jesu’ (Fauré) during the offerings and ‘Is-Sliema’ (Portelli) during the last tribute. Stefan Attard animated the Psalm while Joseph Camilleri accompanied the choir on the organ.
Rest in peace dear Gilla…we will continue singing, as you wished!
