Schola Cantorum Jubilate joined forces with the New Choral Singers in the HSBC Summer Concert in Fort Saint Elmo. The Choirs and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra were under the direction of the internationally acclaimed conductor Wayne Marshall.
This summer concert consisted of a varied programme of popular choral opera pieces together with other classical and even popular songs. These included: Verdi’s ‘Gran Final’ from ‘Aida’ and ‘Va Pensiero’ from ‘Nabucco’, Orff’s ‘O Fortuna’ from ‘Carmine Burana’, Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from the ‘Messiah’, Bach’s ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’ and Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’. The modern section included lighter versions of ‘Xemx’ (The Tramps) in Maltese, songs from Abba and The Beatles and ‘The Bohemian Rhapsody’ from the Queen. The latter provided a new challenge for SCJ since such popular pieces are not in the choir’s repertoire. The MPO interpreted also ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ (Gershwin) and the Overture from Bizet’s ‘Carmen Suite’.
The conductor himself introduced each piece with a brief explanation and involved the audience in the music, especially when it came to the interpretation of the modern pieces featured in the programme. The concert reached a climax with the 1812 that was accompanied by a firework display.
Undoubtedly this was an important experience for SCJ. The choir members had the chance of learning from Wayne Marshall especially when it comes to his new and dynamic approach to music and the importance of connecting this sublime form of art to the general public.
Among the distinguished guests, there were Members of Parliament, Opposition Leader, Ambassadors, HSBC Officials and various Companies Directors. After the concert, refreshments were served in the courtyards where a lovely summer breeze brought also many historical aspects in mind.
