The
9th Edition
second weekend of December saw the 9th edition of ‘Carols by Candlelight’ (9th and 10th December). This popular event introduced by the Schola Cantorum Jubilate attracts many locals and even foreigners who start making queries months before the actual event. As in past editions, many did not manage to get tickets on time. The two soireés were fully booked with an audience that remained impressed by the whole production which not only includes music but other artistic elements like mimes and acting, stage lights and various decorations together with special Christmas food.
The
9th Edition
choral part included various carols: ‘Noel Nouvelet’, ‘Gaudete’, ‘Carol of the bells’, ‘Angels from the Realms of Glory’, ‘Sinfonija Pastorali’, ‘In Dulci Jubilo’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘The First Nowell’, ‘Christmas Lullaby’ and ‘Joy to the World’. The concert started with Marouska Attard singing a cappella the first verses of ‘O Come all ye faithful’. Then the choir joined her and the third verse was interpreted by Bass Albert Buttigieg. The program included some solo pieces: ‘O Holy Night’ by soprano and director Marouska Attard, ‘I Wonder as I wander’ by Albert Buttigieg. Then the soloists performed a duet ‘Hidden as a baby’. Moreover, instrumental improvisations of ‘In the Bleak midwinter’ and ‘Lo, How a Rose e’er blooming’ were interpreted by Jacob Portelli on the harp. The musical arrangements were done by Stephen Attard, Mgr. Renzo Cilia and Paul Portelli. Mauro Farrugia did an arrangement of ‘What child is this?’ which was interpreted by the choir in SATB and with harp and saxophone accompaniment. The concert ended with an encore ‘Hark the Herald’ and at this stage, the audience was encouraged to join the choir in singing. Ms. Mariella Cassar compered the soirée. The full Jubilate Ensemble accompanied the choir during the concert. The whole production included some actors which appeared in particular pieces, giving them a magical touch. The actors were: Sarah Buttigieg (Mary), Aaron Agius (Joseph), Miriam Sultana (Baby Jesus), Francesco Bonello (Altar Boy), Nicole Cardona, Claudia Grech, Rachel Mizzi (Cherubs) and Amy Casha, Heather Galea (Angels). Right after the concert, patrons entered the church where an exhibition by Paul Stellini was held. Dinner was served in the cloister which surrounds the garden. It was decorated for the occasion and added in creating the right atmosphere for the main advent event held in Gozo!
