Malta to resonate to Hallelujahs

Twenty-two choirs from 15 countries will be taking part in the Malta International Choir Competition - Festival of Sacred and Secular Music to be held in Malta between November 9 and 12.

The event is a joint venture between Interkultur Foundation, an association specialising in the holding of choir festivals worldwide, and the Ministry for Tourism and Culture. The opening ceremony will be held in Valletta on November 9 at 6 p.m.

The participating choirs will assemble at City Gate and will march through Republic Street, St John Street, Merchants' Street, the Upper Barrakka and back to the Ministry. On November 10 and 11 the competitions of the different categories of choirs will be held at St Dominic's Church and the old University in Valletta.

Workshops on different aspects of choral music and singing will be held on November 9, 10 and 11, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. On the November 10 and 11 those choirs who have no other engagements will hold friendship concerts at Freedom Square and Republic Square in Valletta. On November 10, a Peace Ceremony will be held at St John's Co-Cathedral at 7.30 p.m., where all participating choirs will pray and sing together for peace.

A Gala Concert will be held at Mediterranean Conference Centre on November 11 at 7.30 p.m. And on November 12, a Sunday, choirs will take part and sing during Mass in churches all over Malta.