Right after spending a whole morning with the choir members, it comes natural to rethink of what we went through this special morning.
The first thing we did was a warming up followed by a rehearsal of most of the pieces selected for the mass. It is always tough to sing on a Sunday morning, after perhaps a night out on Saturday. However and I dare say impressively, each one of us tries his/her best to get in shape, concentrate and in chorus interpret what composers wrote.
Today’s Sunday mass was rather special for both the choristers and the congregation that attends regularly for the Xagħra 11am Sunday mass. Today happen to be the opening of celebrations for the 15th anniversary since the choir’s foundation which kicked off with the 11am mass and along the years, was kept as a weekly appointment (except for few occasions).
The mass was presided by Mgr. Archpriest Carmel Refalo and with the concelebrants – Mgr. Arc. Emeritus Mgr. Eucharist Sultana who fifteen years ago was the Xagħra Basilica’s Archpriest and whose constant support encourages the choir to move on and Fr. Joseph Bajada, a close collaborator to the Schola Cantorum.
Apart from every Sunday’s congregation, choristers’ spouses, parents and relatives attended for the mass of thanksgiving. It was also a pleasure to see other familiar faces of the choir’s faithful followers who aware of the mass, decided to join in prayer of thanksgiving.
The repertoire chosen for the occasion included ‘Jubilate Deo’ (Portelli) during the introit, the Psalm (Portelli) sung by Marvic Cini (Tenor), ‘Allelulia’ (Gabrieli), ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ (Mozart) during the offerings, ‘Sanctus’ (Portelli), ‘The Lord Bless you and keep you’ (Rutter), ‘Confitemini Domino’ for the communion and finally ‘O Sanctissima’. The choir was under the direction of Marouska Attard, who knows its inception and through whose expertise the choir got its success. Joseph Camilleri accompanied on the Basilica’s organ.
The readings and offerings were carried out by family members. Moreover, the mass was offered for other family members who passed away but who will never be forgotten for their support in life and even in the afterlife – Giuliana Attard, Salvu Attard and Joseph Mifsud.
Once the liturgy was over, the choristers took photos with their relatives whose support and collaboration is so precious. Choristers Leanne Attard and Sylvia Caruana freshly baked a delicious chocolate cake which was cut by the first and most recently enrolled choristers. It was decorated with the logo being used for this crystal anniversary.
It was truly a special moment spent together as one big family which now recounts fifteen years of experiences and yearns for more.
Truly, fifteen years of projects and music which brought a group of choristers together. Many were not acquainted with each other but the passion for music engaged them towards one goal. However, apart from the joint musical and educational achievements, other skills and values are practiced. The bonding among the group is worth praising because each member supports the other even in matters not concerning the choir. When it comes to organising, a helping hand either by the choristers themselves or by their relatives was always there. Undoubtedly all this helps in the formation of character and in practicing teamwork.
These were fifteen years which brought many people on our path, being these professional and international musicians or composers, journalists, coordinators and music lovers. Messages or words of encouragement from such people, give us a boost to move on, improve our output and embark on new projects.
What I wish today to my choir companions is that though we all come from different backgrounds, different characters and ages, we need to keep our differences which after all proved to be necessary, and continue the mission we have started. Happy anniversary to all!
