Schola Cantorum Jubilate was invited to present a concert of sacred music – ‘Wojtyla Chants' at the magnificent Basilica of Marija Bambina in Xaghra, Gozo. This concert was organized by the Xaghra Local Council and the Kumitat Monument Papa Gwanni Pawlu II. It started at 8.30pm. The comperes of the soiree' were Dianne Angie Galea and Fabian Galea, both members of the Schola. The programme presented Christ's life in Music starting from the birth followed by the passion and resurrection. Then the concert proceeded with Eucharistic hymns and hymns in memory of the late Pope John Paul II.
The repertoire included: ‘Ave Maria' by Arcadelt, ‘Alma Redemptoris Mater' and ‘Ave Verum' both based on the Gregorian Antiphon with a polyphonic arrangement by Mgr. M. Frisina, ‘O Domine Jesu' Christe' composed by the prince of sacred polyphony Palestrina, ‘Stabat Mater' by Kodaly, ‘Regina Coeli' by Lotti, ‘Lauda Sion' was tonight's premier and was composed by the young talented composer Paul Portelli from Zurrieq. Mro. Portelli donates most of his compositions to Schola Cantorum Jubilate. ‘Veni Creator' based on the Gregorian Chant with a polyphonic arrangement by Buti and finally ‘Totus Tuus' composed by Mgr. Frisina which was composed in occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Priesthood of John Paul II. This was sung for the first time on the 1st November 1996 at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. During the interpretation of the last three items, the choir was accompanied by Mro. Paul Portelli on the church organ. The concert included also some instrumental pieces. These were: ‘3rd Movement from Sonata in D' by Michel Corrette played by Pierre Louis Attard on the violin and Stephen Attard on the piano, ‘Meditation from ‘Thais' by Massenet was played by Jean Noel Attard on the violin and Stephen Attard on the piano and finally ‘Meditazzjoni a due' from ‘Staguni tal-Qalb' composed by Stephen Attard and interpreted by Jean Noel and Pierre Louis Attard on the violins and Stephen Attard on the piano. The choir director, being herself a soprano and violinist, gave an impressive interpretation of Handel's ‘O Mio Signore'. She was accompanied by Mro. Paul Portelli on the organ. The concert ended with an encore which was another premier, an ‘Allelujja' composed by Stephen Attard. This time, the choir was accompanied by Mro. Stephen Attard who skilfully played the piano and by the violinists Jean Noel and Pierre Louis Attard. Since this concert was held in memory of John Paul II, Dr. Monica Vella, chairperson of the Committee gave a speech and the collection held for the monument amounted to Lm93.00. Present for this concert were the Hon. Minister for Gozo, Ms Giovanna Debono, Dr. Justyne Caruana MP, Mgr. Carmelo Refalo, Archpriest, the Mayor Mr Joseph Spiteri and the Counsellors Ms. Carmen Bajada and Mr. Joe Cordina. At the end of the concert, the choristers and all musicians received a meritorious applause by the present audience which consisted mostly of foreign residents and Maltese friends who crossed over from Malta. Most of them are subscribed in the Choir's mailing list and others saw the press releases on local newspapers.
