It happens to be the thirteenth edition of Carols by Candlelight, the event highly acclaimed and expected by many.
Tickets were sold within few hours and many were those who remained waiting for some cancellations in order to get the tickets. Carols by Candlelight became an exclusive event which opes the Christmas season in Gozo.
Like in previous years, the repertoire included a variation of traditional and less popular Christmas carols for the choir and even for soloists. However, on both soirées, the audiences made special reference to the interpretation of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ (Lauridsen) which touched the hearts. Another special mention was done for the interpretation of ‘Ninni la tibkix iżjed’ that was interpreted by treble Romey Bajada, SCJ and the Saguna Folk Group.
The programme included also solo pieces like ‘O Christmas tree’ that was interpreted by Albert Buttigieg who was accompanied on the piano by John Anthony Fsadni and trumpeter Jason Camilleri. Buttigieg had another solo part in ‘Good King Wenceslas’ where he was joined by treble Elaine Curmi who interpreted the page’s part. Marouska Attard interpreted ‘Silent Night’ and ‘O Holy Night’. During the latter she was accompanied by the choir.
Organist Joseph Camilleri interpreted also two Pastorelle on the Mascioni Organ that enriches the church of St. Augustine in Victoria Gozo where the event took place.
The male section opened the concert with a particular interpretation of ‘Gaudete’ that included a tenor solo part that was performed by Stanley J. Portelli. Accompanying the male section there were soprano Silvianne Cini and alto Sylvia Caruana. The female section interpreted ‘Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing’. The other choral pieces were: ‘God Rest you merry gentlemen’, ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’, ‘Lully lulla Lullay’, ‘Gabriel’s message’, ‘Angels’ Carol’ and ‘We three King’ which included soloists: soprano Diana Formosa, alto Catherine Portelli and tenor Marvic Cini. However, the most challenging piece for the choir was ‘Tomorrow shall be my dancing day’ which resulted quite unpopular but charming with the audience.
The theme of the whole event was derived from the piece ‘Es ist ein Rose Entsprungen’, a German folk song that was harmonised by Michel Prætorius. The lyrics talk about the root of Jesse which mentions in his writings. In fact Jesse was personified and intervened during the programme delivering messages of new hope and inviting the audience to search deep within for the roots of origin. Paul Vaughan Rutland interpreted the part of Jesse. The event included other animations like the innocent child who comes in church driven by curiosity after hearing music coming from within. This part was interpreted by six-year old Gilbert Scicluna. Another animation was presented at the very end of concert when the choir sang ‘Singing Christmas’, a composition by Paul Portelli composed in 2014. The sacred family was interpreted by chorister Ruth Buttigieg, Baby Ivy Debrincat and Charlie Debrincat.
The artistic director for this year’s edition was entrusted to Paul A. Stellini who together with Choir leader Stefan Attard searched into detail when it came to stage lights and effects and the projections that were assigned to Ismael Portelli (Madaboutvideos). Special floral decorations by Simon Portelli and Anthony Xerri gave a special green and Christmas touch to the environment.
Once the choral part was over, the audience entered into the cloister where a lavish and delicious five-course meal was prepared and served by the Ta’ Frenċ Chefs.
Undoubtedly, it was another remarkable event for SCJ members who do their utmost to bring forth the real spirit of Christmas.
