For the second consecutive year, SCJ held its spring concert followed by a tea party at the Ta’ Frenċ Courtyard.
The theme chosen for this year’s event was ‘Butterflies’. Everyone loves butterflies for their charm. They are also frequently associated with love. However, butterflies have their importance in nature and man, perhaps unintentionally, may harm and endanger these lovely species. In fact, frequently, we hear old people saying that in their younger age they used to see more butterflies around.
Clara Sciberras personified a butterfly and delivered specific messages every now and then to highlight the butterfly’s importance. She engaged also the audience by asking them certain questions related to the topic or by saying a joke. This text was written by Rob Ricards, an actor and script writer well known on the Gozitan Island.
The repertoire, as expected, talked of nature and its beauty. A medley of Maltese popular songs was arranged by Paul Portelli and was highly acclaimed by the audience. Moreover, those present had the honour to listen to the premier of ‘Farfett’. This is a brand new piece commissioned by SCJ for this event. The poem was written by Francesco Pio Attard while the music was composed by Euchar Gravina. Gravina is a young Maltese composer who has made an international name but particularly in the UK where he currently resides. He has been recently appointed Musical Director at St. John’s Waterloo and musical curator of the Waterloo Festival. He is also a singer with the London Symphony Chorus. This piece ‘Farfett’ was interpreted by the choir director and soprano Marouska Attard. She was accompanied by Amy Rapa on the piano. Clara Sciberras created a ‘dance’ with different movements to further enhance the piece.
Christian Abela, an upcoming tenor, interpreted also a solo piece ‘Te Vurria Vasa’ by E. di Capua. The other solo interpreted was a piano piece ‘Mariage d’amour’ (G. Davidson) which Amy Rapa skilfully played.
The choral pieces attracted the audience, particularly ‘Here take this lovely flower’ (F. Ticheli) where the female singers spread around the audience and picked a particular person, sang the piece holding her/his hand and at the end of the piece, gave them a flower. Various emotions were seen on both the choristers’ and audience’s faces.
Apart from the singing, the setting, once again helped create a special atmosphere that exalts the beauty of flowers and the different plants and leaves which at times man tends to ignore. The floral designs were created by Anthony Xerri.
The afternoon ended with the tea party where delicious savouries and pasties together with tea and coffee were served.
SCJ cares for music, cares for nature, cares for education and cares for creativity. By combining these elements with artistry, another unforgettable event was presented.
Repertoire:
Breath soft, ye winds G. Gilpin
Here take this lovely flower F. Ticheli
El Grillo J Des Prez
Stodola Pumpa M. Weston
Mariage d’amour G. Davidson
Farfett E. Gravina
Te Vurria Vasa E. Di Capua
Out in the fields A. Ramsey
Poi ch’el mio fuoco e’ spento G. G. Gastoldi
Sonatemi un balletto G. G. Gastoldi
Vive l’amour arr. L. Beery
Maltakanta arr. P. Portelli
Jubilate Deo P. Anglea
