Just after two weeks since the last wedding, SCJ had another special feast since its choir director Marouska Attard got married to Simon Aquilina.
The nuptial mass started at 11am at the Basilica of Maria Bambina in Xagħra. Since Marouska was the protagonist together with her fiancé, the choir was under the direction of Mro. Christopher Muscat. Mass was officiated by Mgr. Arc. Carmelo Refalo together with other eight celebrants related or friends with the couple.
The choir was accompanied by the organist Joseph Camilleri and trumpeters Jason Camilleri, Stephen Murphy and Paul Thomas. The repertoire which Marouska has chosen for her wedding day included English compositions which are rarely heard in Malta but popular at British Cathedral such as Westminster or St. Paul’s in London during Royal celebrations. This included: ‘I was glad’ (Parry), ‘Gloria’ (Dove), ‘Bierek dal-Ħobż’ (Bourgeois with arrangement R. V. Williams), ‘Agnus Dei’ (Cæsar), ‘Ave Verum Coprus’ (Byrd), ‘O Taste and See’ (Williams) and ‘Hæc dies’ (Zelenka). Four Maltese compositions were also included during the ceremony. These included the newly composed ‘Alleluia’ with versetto by Ronald Camilleri and the Psalm, ‘Sanctus’ and Acclamation by Paul Portelli. The psalm was interpreted by Stefan Attard, choir leader and brother of the bride.
As the new couple together with their witnesses and Celebrant signed the official documents, Ronald Camilleri played the organ fuges which complimented the liturgy.
All choristers where all well prepared to give the best singing gift to their conductor Marouska and Simon through their singing and interpretation. Those present for the ceremony could notice that the repertoire exalted the beauty of music but above all praised the Lord for all the graces imparted especially on such occasion where a new family is formed.
Congratulations to Marouska and Simon. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
