Events
The bride, Ann Marie Buttigieg was welcomed in the Qala Parish Church on Schubert’s notes of the ‘Ave Maria’ while her groom Ivan Xerri eagerly waited for her near the aisle. St. Joseph’s Church was fully decorated for the village feast which is due within a week.
The Nuptial mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Bajada and started at 5pm. Schola Cantorum Jubilate was under the direction of Marouska Attard and was accompanied by Gino Mule Stagno on the organ, Charleen Cassar Alpert on the violin and Noemi Attard on the flute. The main pieces performed during the wedding were: ‘Ave Verum’ (Mozart) and ‘Jesu Joy’ (Bach).
Congratulations to the new family!
Carmelina Agius and Joe Bezzina asked the presence and service of Schola Cantorum Jubilate for their Wedding Day. Their Nuptial Mass started at 5.30pm at the Basilica of Xagħra and was officiated by Mgr. Archpriest Emeritus Eucharist Sultana.
Schola Cantorum Jubilate joined forces with the New Choral Singers in the HSBC Summer Concert in Fort Saint Elmo. The Choirs and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra were under the direction of the internationally acclaimed conductor Wayne Marshall.
This summer concert consisted of a varied programme of popular choral opera pieces together with other classical and even popular songs. These included: Verdi’s ‘Gran Final’ from ‘Aida’ and ‘Va Pensiero’ from ‘Nabucco’, Orff’s ‘O Fortuna’ from ‘Carmine Burana’, Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from the ‘Messiah’, Bach’s ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’ and Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’. The modern section included lighter versions of ‘Xemx’ (The Tramps) in Maltese, songs from Abba and The Beatles and ‘The Bohemian Rhapsody’ from the Queen. The latter provided a new challenge for SCJ since such popular pieces are not in the choir’s repertoire. The MPO interpreted also ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ (Gershwin) and the Overture from Bizet’s ‘Carmen Suite’.
The conductor himself introduced each piece with a brief explanation and involved the audience in the music, especially when it came to the interpretation of the modern pieces featured in the programme. The concert reached a climax with the 1812 that was accompanied by a firework display.
Undoubtedly this was an important experience for SCJ. The choir members had the chance of learning from Wayne Marshall especially when it comes to his new and dynamic approach to music and the importance of connecting this sublime form of art to the general public.
Among the distinguished guests, there were Members of Parliament, Opposition Leader, Ambassadors, HSBC Officials and various Companies Directors. After the concert, refreshments were served in the courtyards where a lovely summer breeze brought also many historical aspects in mind.
The statue of Mgr. Lwigi Vella was unveiled by the Hon Minster for Gozo, Dr. Anton Refalo in a memorable ceremony at Savina square in Victoria, Gozo. Undoubtedly, no better place could have been chosen as a location for such a monument. While delivering his inauguration speech, his Excellency Mgr. Dr. Joe Vella Gauci, UNESCO Ambassador for Malta, stated that Mgr. Lwigi Vella’s life was deeply rooted in this picturesque square and its narrow winding roads, situated in the heart of Gozo. A square so tiny, yet filled to the brim with memories stretching over a century and beyond; memories that are kept alive in people’s hearts, minds and writings. Amongst which are the laudable works of Mgr. Lwigi Vella.
Mandy Farrugia and Clint Falzon asked Schola Cantorum Jubilate to animate their Nuptial Mass at the Basilica of Maria Bambina in Xagħra, Gozo. This is the first wedding of the year for the choir.
The bride was welcomed in the Basilica by Marouska Attard who interpreted Gounod’s ‘Ave Maria’. Among the various pieces performed, there were ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ (Mozart) and ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’ (Bach). The choir and ensemble were directed by Marouska Attard.
Congratulations to the new couple!