Every year ‘Carols by Candlelight’ attracts many people from the various corners of society to share the joys that Christmas bring with it. This year was not an exception; having this edition themed after none other than Bethlehem. Bethlehem intervened twice during the event giving information about its historical facts, its geographical position and even about its rise from an unknown town to a highly acclaimed one. The text was penned by Silvana Sultana and voiced by Marion Sayers.
It was for this reason that the first carol sung was ‘O little town of Bethlehem’. The carol, being an appreciation of the silence and the unimportant size that was Bethlehem and how these elements brought about the birth of Jesus. Featured in this year’s repertoire were three pieces in particular, composed in the mother tongue, namely ‘L-Għanja tal-Qniepen’, ‘Is-Sultan Twieled’ and ‘Sinfonija Pastorali’. The latter being marvellously accompanied by chorister and flutist Sarah Xerri.
Other pieces included ‘Away in a manger’ and ‘Once in royal David’s city’, both involving two trebles – Mark Attard and Simon Zammit - from the SCJ Children’s Choir whose pure and subtle voices brought about a form of silence that again reflected upon the silence that Jesus was born in.
A new piece performed was ‘Torches’ by Joubert which heavily contrasts the silence associated with the birth of Jesus. It is an invitation for people to run to Bethlehem and celebrate the joys that were brought about by the birth of our Saviour. Another new piece included in this year’s programme was ‘What sweeter music’ by John Rutter. While both pieces focus on the cave, this was not the case in ‘Silent Night’. The latter, with a multilingual approach, showed that Christmas is indeed a feast for all.
The event was concluded by a new, downright unique arrangement of G.F Handel’s ‘Joy to the World’, arranged by Paul Portelli. Joy was brought about as the world was provided with a King. The piece accompanied the arrival of Jesus, interpreted by baby James who happens to be the son of two of our choristers, Silvianne and Marvic Cini. Silvianne Cini represented Mary in this tableaux while Raymond Bonello was Joseph.
Soloist Marouska Attard interpreted Head’s composition ‘The Little Road to Bethlehem’ and Bass Albert Buttigieg interpreted Yon’s ‘Gesù Bambino’ with the soprano section accompanying and interpreting the chorus part. Later, both soloists performed in a duet ‘In the Bleak mid-winter’, a musical arrangement by Courtney on the original composition by Holst. Young and prominent violinist Pierre Louis Attard was the ‘fiddler’ who skillfully improvised on various Christmas pieces. There was also a catechetical part entrusted to Dr. Rev. Marcello Ghirlando ofm who talked about the mystery of incarnation and the Franciscan link to the Christmas story.
It is worth mentioning that this year’s event was in memorial of Peter Camilleri who unfortunately died earlier this year and was of great contribution in bring about this event to life. Furthermore, this event raised funds for ‘Dar Ġużeppa Debono’ which aids single mothers and their children. ‘Carols by Candlelight’ has certainly grown in popularity throughout these 14 years of history but the comforting meditation that this event is associated with remains.
The event included also an exhibition by Aaron Formosa entitled ‘Vision-es’ and that included various sacred drawings depicting the nativity story, most of which ended in private collections. Aaron Formosa is a self-taught painter who tries to go beyond what appears in nature and investigates that experience. The evening ended with a five-course meal delicately prepared by the Ta’ Frenċ Chefs.
Every year ‘Carols by Candlelight’ attracts many people from the various corners of society to share the joys that Christmas bring with it. This year was not an exception; having this edition themed after none other than Bethlehem. Bethlehem intervened twice during the event giving information about its historical facts, its geographical position and even about its rise from an unknown town to a highly acclaimed one. The text was penned by Silvana Sultana and voiced by Marion Sayers.
It was for this reason that the first carol sung was ‘O little town of Bethlehem’. The carol, being an appreciation of the silence and the unimportant size that was Bethlehem and how these elements brought about the birth of Jesus. Featured in this year’s repertoire were three pieces in particular, composed in the mother tongue, namely ‘L-Għanja tal-Qniepen’, ‘Is-Sultan Twieled’ and ‘Sinfonija Pastorali’. The latter being marvellously accompanied by chorister and flutist Sarah Xerri.
Other pieces included ‘Away in a manger’ and ‘Once in royal David’s city’, both involving two trebles – Mark Attard and Simon Zammit - from the SCJ Children’s Choir whose pure and subtle voices brought about a form of silence that again reflected upon the silence that Jesus was born in.
A new piece performed was ‘Torches’ by Joubert which heavily contrasts the silence associated with the birth of Jesus. It is an invitation for people to run to Bethlehem and celebrate the joys that were brought about by the birth of our Saviour. Another new piece included in this year’s programme was ‘What sweeter music’ by John Rutter. While both pieces focus on the cave, this was not the case in ‘Silent Night’. The latter, with a multilingual approach, showed that Christmas is indeed a feast for all.
The event was concluded by a new, downright unique arrangement of G.F Handel’s ‘Joy to the World’, arranged by Paul Portelli. Joy was brought about as the world was provided with a King. The piece accompanied the arrival of Jesus, interpreted by baby James who happens to be the son of two of our choristers, Silvianne and Marvic Cini. Silvianne Cini represented Mary in this tableaux while Raymond Bonello was Joseph.
Soloist Marouska Attard interpreted Head’s composition ‘The Little Road to Bethlehem’ and Bass Albert Buttigieg interpreted Yon’s ‘Gesù Bambino’ with the soprano section accompanying and interpreting the chorus part. Later, both soloists performed in a duet ‘In the Bleak mid-winter’, a musical arrangement by Courtney on the original composition by Holst. There was also a catechetical part entrusted to Dr. Rev. Marcello Ghirlando ofm who talked about the mystery of incarnation and the Franciscan link to the Christmas story.
It is worth mentioning that this year’s event was in memorial of Peter Camilleri who unfortunately died earlier this year and was of great contribution in bring about this event to life. Furthermore, this event raised funds for ‘Dar Ġużeppa Debono’ which aids single mothers and their children. ‘Carols by Candlelight’ has certainly grown in popularity throughout these 14 years of history but the comforting meditation that this event is associated with remains.
The event included also an exhibition by Aaron Formosa entitled ‘Vision-es’ and that included various sacred drawings depicting the nativity story, most of which ended in private collections. Aaron Formosa is a self-taught painter who tries to go beyond what appears in nature and investigates that experience. The evening ended with a five-course meal delicately prepared by the Ta’ Frenċ Chefs.
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