The choir was invited by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts to take part in their December programme of activities in Malta’s Capital City of Valletta. The musico-literary evening was held at St. Francis Church in Valletta and started at 8pm. The evening opened with the antiphon ‘Alma Redemptoris Mater’ composed for four voices by Mgr. Frisina based on the Gregorian Chant. The other pieces were ‘Personent Hodie’, ‘Riù, Riù, Chiù’ with Albert Buttigieg, ‘Sussex Carol’, ‘Carols of the Bells’, ‘Ninni la Tibkix iżjed’.
Then choir leader Stefan Attard read a spiritual insight from Chiara Lubich’s book ‘Christmas joy’. ‘Christmas with those who suffer’ dealt with the feelings which people go through in these days of festivities. This thought was chosen on purpose since during this concert a collection was held in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund. The programme continued with some solo pieces. Chorister and saxophonist Philip Attard interpreted ‘Adoration’ by Barowski and ‘Variation on In Dulci Jubilo’ by Portelli. Marouska Attard interpreted ‘The little Road to Bethlehem’ (Head) and ‘O Holy Night’ (Adams). Bass Albert Buttigieg together with the soprano section interpreted Yon’s ‘Gesu Bambino’. The next prose entitled ‘Today, Feast of Innocents’ was read by Therese Attard. Again, this writing was read on purpose since today the church celebrates the Feast of the Innocent children, the first martyrs, who were brutally killed by order of King Herod who was afraid of loosing his kingdom because of the newborn King. The soirée continued with other choral pieces: ‘Adeste Fidelis’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘Candlelight Carol’, ‘Shepherds Pipe Carol’. Soloists and choristers were accompanied by Joseph Camilleri on the organ. The church was filled by an audience who really appreciated the choir and their singing. This was another opportunity to celebrate the mystery of Christmas and share the joy it brings around.
