Choir's performance cancelled

I refer to the letter by Mr Stefan Attard on the Schola Cantorum Jubilate's expected participation in the International Sacred Music Festival organised at the St John's Co-Cathedral between June 2 and 11 (The Sunday Times, June 18).

The organising committee deeply regrets the non-participation of the choir as a result of the particular circumstances that developed during the last few days before the festival when alternative arrangements for its participation could not be made.

The Vienna-Malta Baroque Ensemble had prepared a full programme for the evening. The committee fully appreciates the efforts that had been made by the choir management and members. A public announcement about the change in programme was sent to the media.

It is pertinent to record that the Schola Cantorum Jubilate last year actually took part in the first International Sacred Music Festival. Its contribution had been fully appreciated and, as a result, it was invited again to participate this year. The committee will not hesitate to ask the choir to participate once again in another major occasion at St John's Co-Cathedral. The committee wishes to assure both the Schola Cantorum Jubilate and other Maltese performers that the mission of the committee is to promote the best talent on the island.

Once again, the committee wishes to show its deep regret that the Schola Cantorum Jubilate did not form part of this year's programme.