St Aloysius sixth formers' soirée

The St Aloysius College Sixth Form Cultural Soirée, an event that has now established itself as one of the highlights in the college's calendar, has this year come to an end on February 11.

Each of the four shows held saw appreciative audiences spurring on the over 250 students who took part, to perform at the best of their ability. The aim behind the soirée is to give as many students as possible the opportunity to face an audience and experience the thrill of performing. This allows all participants to present items that reflect their non-academic abilities, and automatically gives rise to a show that includes items of various genres.

Among the traditional items that characterise each soirée are the dances. This year students choreographed and produced a variety of pieces ranging from a classical to a more contemporary style. Each dance presented its own challenges and the outcome was undoubtedly a reflection of months of hard work, determination and team spirit. They included the Tambourine Dance that presented impeccable co-ordination and the breakdance item Jump Around.

Various musical recitals were presented, from piano renditions of West End musicals to famous songs that saw the audiences singing along with the vocalists performing solo, in a band, in a choir and a cappella.

The Sixth Form Choir, directed by Michelle Cachia Castelletti, entertained the audience with lively musical pieces such as Barbara Ann and Queen Medley. The Sixth Form Orchestra, under Mr Manoel Pirotta, also contributed to enhance the musical aspect of the evening through its classical repertoire. Particularly striking were however the a cappella Made to Measure item and the very well adapted musical version of the film Sister Act. These items stood out for their originality and innovative nature. The a cappella vocalists gave a feeling of warmth and reflected a compatibility and confidence that enhanced their performance.

Sister Act, on the other hand, was very well staged and members were optimally chosen for their dramatic, humorous and vocal abilities. This item mirrored long months of hard work, making this one of the best musicals ever seen in the soirée. It was also a pleasure this year to have a solo vocalist presenting a Maltese song, Fejn Stahbejtli, and to see this same soloist as backing vocalist of the winning song in the Malta Song for Europe contest.

The drama element was varied. Very original and eye-catching was the mime Colours of the Wind. The Italian play was a light and humorous adaptation by Mrs Marion Pace Asciak, who also directed, of Stefano Benni's Sherlock Barman.

The English Drama Group under Mrs Teresa Friggieri presented David Crompton's very topical play Us and Them, which led the audiences to reflect upon society's stereotypical attitude towards relationships and communication between peoples. Another much awaited and very successful play was Pizzeria Volare with an original script created by Professor Joe Friggieri and directed by Mrs Friggieri.

A word of thanks must go to the very efficient backstage crew (who this year for the first time presented their own number on stage), the organising committee and the college administration, without their help and support the show would not have been the success that it turned out to be.

During the Sunday performance Fr Rector, on behalf of the students, presented a cheque for over Lm 600 (the proceeds of the Battle of the Bands held in January) to Mr Charles Camilleri, a member of MUSEUM, in aid of Preca College in Korca, Albania. Another cheque for Lm320, collected by the students over the Christmas period was donated to Fr Pierre Grech Marguerat on behalf of the Jesuit Refugee Service.