This year, a special jubilee is being celebrated at Ta' Pinu National Shrine. It is the 125 th anniversary of the Calling of Our Lady to Carmela Grima and Frangisk Portelli. This event is still in the hearts of all Maltese. In fact thousands of pilgrims visit the Sanctuary every day where great devotion can be sensed and where intercessions are implored. For this occasion, since the old organ needed great restoration, a brand new organ was installed. The Johannus-Monarke organ comes from the heart of the Netherlands and is the product of passionate designers together with musicians and sound engineers.
Its building is based on a long tradition of craftsmanship and thorough knowledge of woodworking. Since 1980, Monarke have been developing electronic church organs. They started creating an affordable alternative to the costly pipe organ without compromising the sound. For the inauguration, an organ recital was held at 7pm by Dr. Hugo Agius Muscat M.D., M.Sc., L.R.S.M. who performed pieces by Bach, Vierne, Boëllmann, Demessieux. Two other pieces by Clarke and Meyerbeer were interpreted by Robert Buhagiar who was also greatly involved in selecting and installing this new organ. Right after the concert, there was the official opening of the Hall, part of the Ta' Pinu Complex. This Hall hosts a permanent exhibition with drawings by Emvin Cremona. These are the original paintings which were replaced by the mosaics, bearing the same images, which now can be seen in the church. These last years, these paintings were restored by Mr. Godwin Cutajar who is highly qualified in restoration since he took various courses in Rome . This hall will be opened by Mr. Chalmers, the BOV Chairman. Schola Cantorum Jubilate organized this concert and Stefan Attard (the Schola Leader) was the compere.
