After another successful edition of ‘Carol by Candlelight’, ‘Sing Noël’ extended the choir’s singing to more people. This concert was a celebration of some of the greatest works of musical composition as well as some other less popular works. It was produced by the Xagħra Local Council.
The concert was magnificently initiated by The Cordia String Quartet as they played the ‘Concerto Grosso in G minor’ by Arcangelo Corelli. Usually accompanied by harpsichord, this piece aims to marry the joys of Christmas with Baroque which was thriving at the time when it was written.
The soirée included ‘Adeste Fideles’ which is better known as ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ is an invitation towards the believers to adore the newly born babe that is Jesus. This was brilliantly arranged by David Willcocks as the hymn we all know and love today. Joining in with the singing was inevitable. ‘Noël Nouvelet’ is a French carol that narrates the story of the birth of Jesus. It is based on a thirteen-stanza poem originally composed in the 15th century. Three pieces which attracted the attention of many where the three Maltese carols ‘L-Għanja tal-Qniepen’, ‘Is-Sultan Twieled’ and ‘Sinfonija Pastorali’ each with marvellous arrangement by Paul Portelli. ‘What Sweeter Music?’ is a carol composed by John Rutter which is based on a poem by Robert Harrick. The atmosphere created relieved the inevitable stresses life brings with it.
This concert debuted the SCJ Children’s Choir which was founded earlier this year. ‘Can you Count the Stars?’ composed by Jonathan Willcock and Thornett’s ‘The Sleepy Shepherd the Boy’ displayed the voices of the children who were all indeed enthusiastic. This was followed by organ specifically variations on an old Basque Noël ‘Gabriel's Message’, skilfully played by Joseph Camilleri. Arranged by Marco Lo Muscio, as recently as 2012, the piece aims to illustrate the news Mary received from the angel Gabriel as well the sheer power of the organ considered to be the king of the instruments. Holst was up next with ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’. The composer who is normally associated with ‘The Planets’ also composed one of the most elegant carols known to man. This was interpreted by Marouska Attard and bass Albert Buttigieg. ‘Gesù Bambino’ is a piece which was composed by Pietro Yon in 1917. The SCJ female section together with bass Albert Buttigieg brilliantly sung the piece in which the soloist shows compassion to Jesus who was born in such a poor state. The timeless ‘O Holy Night’ by Adolphe Adam is reflection upon the birth of Jesus and therefore man’s redemption. Sung by the choir together with Marouska Attard, the piece was an absolute tear jerker.
‘Carol of the Drum’ which is better known as ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ was originally composed by American teacher and composer Katherine Davis in 1941 but was popularised in the late 1950s. During the concert the audience was presented with an SA version of the piece together with the onomatopoeic or better rhythmical sounds produced by the tenors and basses. ‘Silent Night’ needs no introduction. It has been bringing about a form of silence from its original version. The piece was sung with a multilingual approach, thus emphasising that Christmas is indeed a feast for all. ‘While Shepherds watched their flocks’ by David Willcocks is a narration of the angels delivering the news that Christ was born.
The concert was concluded by two pieces by the illustrious G.F Handel; namely ‘Joy to the World’ arranged by Paul Portelli and finally the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’. It could not have been better conclusion to a great concert that ventured into different genres of music.
The soirée was compered by Sarah Lee Zammit and included also two speeches: one by Mr. Joe Cordina, Mayor and Mgr. Archpriest Carmelo Refalo. A collection was held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund and the sum amounted to 1040Euro.
