Oratorio to mark canonisation

The oratorio Dun Gorg!, with a libretto by Professor Oliver Friggieri to music by Professor Charles Camilleri is being presented at St John's Co-Cathedral on Friday, June 15, at 8.30 p.m. and on Sunday, June 17, at 8 p.m.

The performance, under the patronage of President Eddie Fenech Adami, is being put on by the Culture Ministry to mark the canonisation of Dun Gorg - Malta's first saint - at the Vatican by Pope Benedict XVI today. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Archbishop Paul Cremona are expected to attend the first performance, along with President Fenech Adami.

"This is an occasion of great happiness for the people of Malta and Gozo," Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech told the media last week. "The Government felt it should celebrate in a dignified manner. We felt that the best celebration should be this oratorio."

He referred to professors Friggieri and Camilleri as "two personalities who are experts in their field and so suitable to represent our country through their authorship."

The orchestra and choir of the Collegium Musicum will be under the direction of Mro Dr Dione Buhagiar, with Mario Bisazza leading the orchestra. Sopranos Claire Caruana and Claire Massa, and tenor Charles Vella Zarb will also take part.

Before the oratorio is performed, Dr Zammit Dimech said Dr Philip Farrugia Randon is to recount the story behind this cultural and musical work. A booklet in Maltese and English is also to be published to mark the occasion.

Dun Gorg's canonisation comes on the first centenary of the setting up of the Society of Christian Doctrine (MUSEUM). This was the best gift the society could receive, Dr Zammit Dimech said.