CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT 2005

Schola Cantorum Jubilate

The third edition of ‘Carols by Candlelight’ is going to be held on Saturday,
10^th December 2005 at 7.30 p.m., at
St Augustine’s Church and Cloister, Victoria

This event, introduced in Malta in 2003, is synonymous with Schola Cantorum Jubilate of Xaghra. Through these past few years, the Schola succeeded in presenting an activity of high standard, which awakens a great interest in music and artistic lovers. The support and appreciation shown give courage to the Schola members to present, for the third consecutive year, a magical experience in Christmas time.

While last year’s ‘Carols by Candlelight’ opened a long series of events marking the choir’s 5^th anniversary, the forthcoming edition brings these celebrations to a close.

Venue

The venue for this year’s event was chosen with care, keeping in mind the atmosphere, room available and, above all, a new location to keep motivating the audience. Thus, the concert will be held in St Augustine’s Church in Victoria. While not much is known about the origins of the Augustinian monastery in Victoria, it was mentioned in the Order’s registries of the year 1453.

In the past years, the church and monastery went through enlargements and refurbishments. However, this monastery still boasts of architectural and artistic treasures. It was even equipped with en suite rooms and with other commodities, since it hosts groups and individuals who want to spend some days in prayer and meditation.

Concert

The first part of the soirée consists of the concert. The delicate and moving repertoire includes traditional carols like ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Adeste Fidelis’, and the Gregorian chant ‘Puer Natus in Betlehem’, among many others. Solos will be performed by Marouska Attard (director and soprano) and the renowned mezzo-soprano Claire Massa.

Since the concert will be held in the church, the organist Joseph Camilleri is going to perform Christmas organ pieces on the magnificent pipe organ. A chamber orchestra will also accompany the choir. All musicians will be under the direction of Marouska Attard, who is currently reading for BA (Hons.) in Music at the University of Malta.

Special arrangements and effects are once again under the supervision of the renowned Gozitan artist Austin Camilleri.

Gala dinner

Right after the concert, the audience will be asked to proceed to the Renaissance Cloister of the Convent for the gala dinner, which will be prepared by the highly experienced executive chef Mario Schembri and his team of Ta’ Frenc Restaurant. The audience will have an unforgettable dining experience, enjoying delicious food and Italian wine, all set on purpose to celebrate this event and above all, enjoy the Christmastide.

As in previous years, the proceeds will be forwarded to Dar Guzeppa Debono, which caters for single mothers.

Dar Guzeppa Debono

Yet another anniversary is being celebrated this year marks; it is – almost to the day – the 20^th birthday of Dar Guzeppa Debono. Who knows how many ‘gifts’ this home gave to those in need in all these years; maybe a bed to sleep in… maybe food for energy… maybe a suggestion to consider… or maybe a smile for courage.

The team of Dar Guzeppa Debono struggles to give the warmth to the newborns in the same way as Mary did with baby Jesus. They work hard to create awareness of ‘the miracle of life’. As in previous years, Schola Cantorum Jubilate tries to help in donating a ‘financial’ gift by means of forwarding all proceeds of ‘Carols by Candlelight’ to Dar Guzeppa Debono.

Tickets

We encourage all those interested in sharing this experience with us to buy the tickets as soon as possible, because of limited seating.

Tickets for ‘Carols by Candlelight are sold for Lm 14.00 from:

D’Amato Record Shop, 98/99 St John Street, Valletta
The Bargate Bookshop, G Borg Olivier Street, Victoria
Ticket Hotlines: 7905 5207 / 7909 4232

Schola Cantorum Jubilate

Visit the Schola’s website for more information about its activities and events: www.scjchoir.com