All our Voices - one family

The driving force behind Voices is still that same spirit as when the whole idea started back in 1991. This is that of bringing people together in a positive and creative environment, to offer good entertainment, and to be a voice for and aid to the underprivileged. Since 1991 - when the late Louis Naudi, together with Adrian Mamo, Sue Weenink and Tony Vella kicked off what was to become a bi-annual adventure - Voices has been offering a high-quality choral concert built on the enthusiasm of all those who take part.

Back then, it started out as a choir of 75 singers, with a first concert being held at St Aloysius College in aid of the Sixth Form premises. The members had long been teamed up together, performing at various college activities and social functions; however, this concert was to be the first of a series of public appearances leading to the success Voices enjoys today.

During October 2004, Voices presented its latest concert (Voices Xtraordinaire - Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things) at the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC), in Valletta, during a run of 10 performances and to a record audience of over 13,000.

The main thrust of this year's edition - Voices One Family - is that of highlighting the principle that the concept of a family, that is, a group of people sharing a common characteristic and value, is still the cornerstone of social development and justice.

All over the world, people are living various situations of trouble and strife, and, most of all, feeling alone. With these concerts, the Voices team would like to focus on how we all form part of a bigger picture - it being a family, a local community, a nation etc.

We also want to pause and think of all those who albeit going through terrible experiences in their lives, have moved on and turned that experience into an opportunity of becoming better persons, part of a bigger family.

The idea is that of promoting the "family" concept on various levels, including that of comparing our life situation with that of others, in order to understand exactly where we stand, appreciate the way in which we are blessed and get our priorities right, as well as acknowledging the fact that there are people who are in awkward and unenviable situations beyond their control. They are also part of "our" family.

The Voices' audience is wide-ranging and, although essentially made up of young people, our concerts appeal to people of all ages... and in October, we earnestly hope to see you becoming a member of our family.

Mr Calleja is chairman of the Voices organising committee currently preparing for 10 performances at the MCC Republic Hall from October 6 to 10 and from October 13 to 17.

www.voices.org.mt